E (I'm not going to spell that every time!)
Welcome! You have "discovered" a wonderful place. You will soon have many friends that you didn't yesterday. This is a very safe, therapeutic place to be.
As you will soon see, there are no "unique" stories, only unique people.
The only "issue" I would take with your post is the "incalculabe damage."
Addiction can turn the most gregarious person into a hermit. It turns others into blathering fools. The "damage" you refer to is not necessarily permanent, but characteristic of folks who suffer from character issues. You have to have character to suffer those.
Alcohol damaged me that way. I became solitary and ashamed. At seven weeks, already the change in me is marked. I am free to be me.
Grab some coffee and read some posts. Don't be afraid to "jump right in." You don't need to be invited to join a conversation. Start your own conversation. Ask questions. In a couple of days you will feel right at home.
warren