I love watching the show but not for the obvious reasons. Personally if someone would have done an Intervention on me before I was ready to quit Drinking, I would have walked out. The addicts who participate in the show however are past the denial stage as they have to do the little bit at the beginning saying they are addicts. To see the difference in their face and eyes from the opening monologue compared to the closing statement after they have been in treatment for 90 days is astounding. It's why I watch the show.
I think the show highlights the enabling behavior of the Friends and Family as much as anything. Also no other show better illustrates the destructive behavior of an addict and how it effects themselves and the people around them. The addicts think the drugs and alcohol are helping them cope when it is plain for everyone to see the Emotional pain they are causing themselves as the tragedy unfolds.