I always think when I hear people say that they know of someone who went from alcoholic to moderate drinker that probably that story isn't over yet...know what I mean?
And the other thing is when people say they know of an addict/alcoholic whose drinking/drugging was controlled so that it didn't at all affect the others in their life is that if it didn't affect them, they wouldn't even be aware of the problem at all. What I mean is, if you love someone, and you perceive them as having a substance abuse problem, it will certainly affect you, in that you will worry and probably loose some sleep or at least some of your peace-of-mind about it. And robbing someone of their peace-of-mind is worse than taking their money, IMO. I used to believe that I didn't affect my children because they never saw me use and they still had nice things/a nice home, etc. But the reality is that I was constantly spending time getting my substance. And mentally I just wasn't there the way I am now.
Just my thoughts.
Love,
KJ