Avoiding vulnerability is a common alcoholism response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and alcoholism opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Alcoholism
- Concealing alcoholism from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when alcoholism is high is enormous
- Shame about alcoholism thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of alcoholism often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Alcoholism
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in alcoholism) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and alcoholism. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Alcoholism
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.