The author explains in chapter one that while moderate amounts of shame or guilt may lead an alcoholic to seek help, overwhelming feelings of shame or guilt may propel an individual further into chemical addiction. The definitions and the four basic distinctions between shame and guilt are presented in chapter one. Chapter two introduces several models of shame and addiction, including the disease model of addiction, affect theory, the family systems model, and the functional theory, which basically holds that emotions trigger defensive responses which may manifest as alcoholism. Chapters three through six focus on shame and how it affects the self, how people defend against shame, and how to best treat shame with alcoholic clients. Chapters seven, eight, and nine turn to guilt and how it is related to addiction. The best ways to treat guilt with alcoholic or addicted patients is discussed, as well as the role of adaptive guilt during the recovery process. Chapter 10 turns to a discussion of common themes of shame and guilt that emerge in families who have been affected by alcoholism or other addictions. This chapter explains how family and friends can help a recovering addict cope their feelings of shame and guilt. In chapter 11 the author explains how Alcoholics Anonymous’ Twelve Steps program relates to and helps address issues of shame. In the final chapter, the author has a guest writer, Patricia S. Potter-Efron, present creative approaches to treating shame and guilt that surface in the adult children of alcoholics. The author reveals that if feelings of shame and guilt in children of alcoholic parents are not treated, it may affect their ability to function as mature adults. References, index