ABSTRACT
This chapter explores shame and vulnerability and how these elements play a part in recovery from addiction and trauma. The fact is most addicts and trauma survivors don’t let their true selves be seen by others, so they put on a mask and act like a chameleon, giving in to everyone else’s whims and desires, even when we want to say no. The only way to heal from shame is to talk about it, let it out so other people will know the truth and still not judge you unfavorably, because they’ve been there before. No one is perfect. We all have skeletons in our closet and when we accept the fact that we are still worthy of love and belonging despite our shortcomings, we begin to leave the past behind and look forward to a new future. This chapter teaches the DBT skill of Reduce Vulnerability; living a life of serenity and acceptance so a person does not have to turn to substances or risky behaviors to feel good about themselves.
