I think that my ah has to view it that way also, because he cannot think bad of himself...it would just kill him...he has to think that it is okay, and "honorable", because otherwise he wouldnt be able to live with himself. I believe his thinking is "addictive" but also part of his charachter flaws because he cant take responsibility for the things that he does (like using), because again, that would be too much for him to deal with. he has to keep telling himself he is a good person, and he has to keep telling himself that god forgives him.
He would never think that he is pathetic or living in devils land..i dont know, maybe it is somewhat narcacisstic.(?????) in that he just cant look at himself ....or is it simply an addicts way of thinking???