Content area
This thesis combines heuristic and hermeneutic methods and a depth psychological perspective to explore how Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the 12-Step program might shift one’s internal relationship with shame. The literature review defines shame and explores its etiology, highlighting the comparative phenomena of shame as a ruptured self and addiction as a thirst for wholeness. Through a depth psychological analysis of the author’s experience with toxic, chronic shame and addiction, the path toward healing is revealed in the initiation of individuation in AA and the 12-Step program. AA is found to provide the container for identification, acceptance, and ownership of self through storytelling and to shift toxic shame to a state of meaningful humility and self-acceptance.