Those struggling with addiction often experience high levels of guilt and shame, leading to the initial usage of substances as a way to self medicate. Shame and addiction often end up in a vicious cycle, with people suffering from addiction being shamed for that addiction, and seeking out substances to manage the guilt and humiliation that comes with the shame they are being exposed to. Shame can also often be triggering enough to cause those in rehab and those recovering to relapse, which is why it is crucial that those suffering from addiction be treated with compassion.