Guilt can make people feel they need to punish themselves for their mistakes, but Cara Delevingne believes that mindset can become another obstacle for people battling addiction.

The model and actress has shared a powerful message for anyone considering sobriety, warning that guilt and shame can make recovery more difficult.

Speaking to Variety at the Los Angeles premiere of A24's Club Kid on 4 November, Delevingne encouraged people seeking to overcome substance dependence to connect with others who have experienced recovery.

'If you want to get sober, reach out to people that are. They know better than anyone,' she said.

'Guilt and shame are the things that will keep you sick, so do everything you can to avoid that. Don't expect too much of yourself.'

She also advised people to be realistic about their expectations, adding: 'Just be smart and kind to yourself. Be gentle.'

How Shame Can Become a Barrier to Addiction Recovery

Delevingne's comments highlight a psychological challenge that can complicate addiction treatment: the stigma surrounding substance dependence.

People experiencing addiction may internalise negative perceptions about their behaviour, leading to feelings of guilt, embarrassment and low self-worth. These emotions can make it harder to acknowledge a problem or seek professional assistance.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) identifies stigma as a significant barrier to accessing alcohol treatment. Its clinical guidelines explain that people may internalise negative attitudes, experience discrimination or avoid services because they fear being judged.

The guidance recommends compassionate, non-judgemental interactions between healthcare professionals and people seeking treatment, emphasising the importance of trust in establishing effective therapeutic relationships.

This helps explain why Delevingne's advice about self-compassion and avoiding shame has relevance beyond her personal experience. Recovery involves addressing substance dependence, but it can also require confronting the emotional and psychological difficulties that accompany it.

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Why Connection Matters When Overcoming Addiction

Delevingne's recommendation to seek support from people who understand addiction also reflects an important principle of recovery: social connection.

The actress entered rehabilitation in 2022 and subsequently joined a 12-step programme. She has previously spoken about how the programme's sense of community helped her address greater personal difficulties rather than relying on temporary solutions.

In a 2023 interview with Vogue, she described the experience as transformative, saying she had discovered the importance of connection in overcoming addiction.

Support groups can provide opportunities to share experiences, develop coping strategies and establish relationships with people facing similar challenges. Professional treatment can also include psychological therapies, medication where appropriate and structured recovery programmes.

England's treatment figures illustrate the scale of the need. According to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 147,713 adults received treatment for alcohol-related problems in 2024/25, representing 45% of all adults accessing drug and alcohol treatment services. This total includes 99,955 adults treated for alcohol alone and 47,758 treated for a combination of alcohol and non-opiate drugs.

Recovery Is Not an Overnight Achievement

Delevingne has also acknowledged that overcoming addiction requires genuine commitment and ongoing effort.

Reflecting on her previous attitude towards substance use, she admitted that she once believed she could stop whenever she wanted but did not necessarily feel ready to do so.

Her subsequent experiences changed that perspective, although she recognises that self-acceptance remains an ongoing process rather than something a person achieves permanently.

However, recovery should not depend on willpower alone. People experiencing substance dependence can benefit from professional assessment and individualised treatment. Those dependent on alcohol should seek medical advice before stopping abruptly, as withdrawal can cause serious complications.

The NHS provides information about alcohol dependence, withdrawal symptoms and available treatment options.

Delevingne's message ultimately challenges the idea that people must overcome addiction through self-punishment or unrealistic expectations.

Acknowledging difficulties, accepting support and approaching recovery with patience can help people move towards healthier lives without allowing past mistakes to define their future.

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