@dcar00
That's because "everyone" doesn't know what they're talking about. Look, the AA thing about being powerless over alcohol (insert whatever other mind altering substance you want) is real. 100%. There are people who do not choose the drink, it chooses them. That said, there is a rock solid way past it and where choice comes in is when the mf'er CHOOSES not to take that path. A path, by the way, that requires serious accountability, honesty, and most of all, removes your victim card.
It took a lot of pain for your's truly to take that path and I thank god everyday for the people who loved me enough to turn their backs on me until I did. They loved me enough to not rob me of the experience of getting to the point where the physical & psychic pain was so accute that I was ready to be dipped, dunked, spayed or neutered to find a way out. The ones who kept rescue rangering me kept me rolling around in my dirty diaper for a long time. Nice, warm, and squishy in there and I've got them coming to pat me on my head and tell me it's "ok", why leave that gig?
The enablers are killers. They don't even know it, but they are.
I know legions of people, many who were homeless for long periods of time who are now kicking ass and taking names in life. And they sure as shit aren't there b/c of the bleeding hearts.