Kimm-
Sounds like she has ingrained within her that it's better to help an addict than release them into the streets. Sometimes this belief is so hardwired that we cannot even BEGIN to imagine NOT doing the things we do to take care of others- it becomes a purpose, identity- this is the codependent piece where individuals want to feel "needed" in order to be worthy or deserving. I have often and sometimes still do get anxiety when I feel like my addict does not "need" any support from me in his life.