Hey,
Nice post. I became strongly aware of my strong need for other people, the wrong people. when I wandered into Alanon. AA was just half of my ingrained sickness. Alanon introduced me to the other half. Coming from a long line of Alcoholics and mental illness, I had no idea how deep the sickness ran. Today I don't feel damaged, broken, or anymore sick than anyone else.
My safety net today is large and wide. It encompasses a higher power, AA fellowships, honest friends, family that I took for granted, and my children. We all have access to a strong safety net if we can just open our eyes and see it.