Alcohol dependence is a major health problem. Existing literature is sparse on the lived experience of alcohol dependency. Nurses may find it difficult to care for patients with alcohol dependence. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of alcohol dependence among outpatients in alcohol treatment to get a comprehensive understanding from the patients' perspective. The study used a phenomenological descriptive approach and in-depth interviews were conducted with five patients in outpatient alcohol treatment. Five constituents illuminated the essence. Alcohol dependence is associated with physical, psychological and relational suffering: feelings of shame emerged as a significant theme.