I've learned that there are so many out there that have a problem like this.
It's funny....when I was little, I was so judgemental of alcoholics...believed all of the stereotypes. Look at me. Look at what I've become.
I've learned this can happen to ANYONE. No one is immune. The wrong circumstances at the wrong time is all it takes.
Experiencing this forces me to focus at the individual rather than looking at someone as part of a group.
It's too easy for the public to place addictive-type folks in the same category...but all of us are a part of the public and we all come from different places and situations. We can't be pigeonholed into a negative ideal. Addicts are people, too.