Escapism, like how they escaped with my catalytic converter.

Meh. I'm pretty happy, just get bored and like to drink when the opportunity presents itself. I can go a week perfectly happy sober if I'm on travel or a busy week. But if it's Friday night and the wife doesn't have the night off you bet I'm drinking playing games.

There are very very different types of substance abuse. Not everyone is depressed.

Availability is definitely a concern. I'm not out looking for k at 2am. But you better believe it it was available at 711 I'd do it a while lot more.

There is a middle ground somewhere that is empathetic but realistic.

I believe the core of addiction is the culmination of many bad choices and no sense of personal responsibility. It's something the addict did to themselves. They need to own it and not point fingers or try to justify.