The pupose of the study is to gain a deeper understandig of how sham and- guilt problems and coping strategies against shame and guilt are related to female abuse and addiction treatment. The study conducted five qualitative interviews with women who had previously been addicted to alcohol and/or drugs but had been drug-free for at least five years. Were conducted data were analyzed from a social constructionist perspectiv, as well with stamping theory and genus theory. The result showed that, according to their statements, the women had a greater tendency to feel shame and guilt for their addiction, compared to men. There was a discrepancy between perceived demands on "the good woman and mother" and women in addiction. The hidden abuse occurred often, being an outsider and marked as addictive woman and mother, created a destructive process of negative self-image, filled with shame and guilt. The coping strategies against shame and guilt were the perception of alcohol and drug dependency as a disease. The communities in women´s groups and in 12-steps programs, where women share their life experiences had contributed to their recovery.