Throughout this workbook, we will use compassion as a lens to look at your recovery process. Why Compassion? After years of working in the field of addiction and recovery, the most significant contributor to continued drug and alcohol use or relapse that I've seen has been shame, guilt, regret, anger, or harshness towards self. Rarely do these painful emotions alone lead to long-term recovery. What I believe leads to long-term sobriety and a sense of contentment or happiness in life is compassion directed towards self & others as we navigate life's ups and downs. With the Compassion-Based Recovery (CBR) workbook, we will: Develop motivation to actively engage in a journey of recovery Meet experiences with curiosity and compassion Explore compassionately the factors that contributed to addiction Learn how to apply mindfulness to the recovery process Explore how to manage emotions compassionately Learn the skill of compassionate re-thinking Manage cravings in recovery Explore the impact of guilt and shame Learn about the science of addiction & more Each section of the workbook will have a place for your compassionate reflection. These blank spaces are the most important part of the entire workbook. The reason is that I can offer you questions and ideas for consideration. However, your words to yourself will be the most healing and the most powerful. Please remember, only YOU have the answers to best heal YOU. You understand yourself better than anyone else, so please trust your wisdom. You are the expert on your own life.