The article reflects on the poignant relationship between alcohol dependence and feelings of shame through a dialogue inspired by 'The Little Prince'. In the dialogue, a character acknowledges drinking to forget his shame about being an alcoholic, which highlights how shame often overshadows the root causes of alcohol dependence. People struggling with alcohol issues frequently express emotions of not anger or sadness but rather shame, feeling a deep sense of failure for not being able to quit drinking despite their age or circumstances.

The text argues that shame transforms one's perception of self, leading to a self-condemnatory mindset that sees the individual as 'wrong' rather than recognizing specific actions as mistakes. This overwhelming feeling of shame can make individuals avoid confronting their reality, consequently pushing them back to alcohol as a coping mechanism. The article emphasizes that alcohol often begins as a form of self-medication for underlying issues like depression, anxiety, emptiness, and loneliness, with its immediate effects providing temporary relief but leading to deeper depressive feelings and regrets once the effects wear off.

In conclusion, the interplay between depression and alcohol dependence creates a vicious cycle that exacerbates both conditions. The narrative draws attention to a crucial question: when do we begin to view ourselves as shameful, moving beyond mere addiction treatment to address the underlying feelings that perpetuate alcohol use? By discussing shame openly, the article suggests that it might be as crucial as reducing or quitting alcohol altogether.