Which term denotes the feeling of embarrassment or guilt associated with past substance use behavior?

• A. Shame
• B. Sober
• C. Social detox
• D. Two stepping

Answer: (A)

Shame is the feeling of embarrassment or unworthiness tied to past substance use. It centers on who you are, not just what you did, so you might think you’re a bad person because of past use. That self-judgment is why this term best fits the description, since the emotion reflects a negative view of the self rather than a simple regret about an action. Understanding shame is important in treatment because it can block people from seeking help, whereas recognizing and addressing it can support recovery. The other terms describe states or processes rather than an emotional response to past behavior: being sober means abstaining from substances, social detox refers to a detox approach, and two stepping isn’t a relevant term here.