I agree that some can have positive things come from addiction. Trials do make people stronger, if it doesn't kill them first.
My abuse has been covering up character flaws, percieved weaknesses, and pain that I haven't dealt with. Realizing I have to quit drinking before I kill myself has/will make me deal with the things in my life I have been covering up with booze. If I don't become a stronger, better, more balanced person....I'll probably turn back to what I have used to fill some voids in my life.
I think getting to the point where I feel I NEED to quit covering up, will make me deal with the things that are lacking in my life instead of medicating to get thru.
I'll end up eventually better for it. Wish I could have taken another path to grow as a person, but some of us have to come to a breaking point before we can move to the next level of "being all we can be" so to speak.
My 02