The aim of this study was to understand how women with drug- and alcohol abuse describes addiction stigma related to female ideals. This study has a social constructivist approach. The empirical data is collected by reading seven autobiographies written by women with drug- and/or alcohol abuse. The result has been analysed through Goffmans social theory. The findings indicate that the abuse and the shame it is resulting in has a negative effect on the women’s sense of self, self-esteem  and therefore on their identity.