How about I offer the flip side of things
I managed to get through without using/drinking over the years?
Four major surgeries.
Divorce.
Unplanned pregnancy.
Death of my EXAH.
Seeing my oldest slip into active addiction.
Having my youngest run away at age 15 with a 24 year old predator.
Losing my youngest for 16 months while she was in lockup and then foster care.
Broken engagement that devastated me, and a savings account that was drained.
Loss of jobs.
Chronic health issues with chronic pain.
Seeing the effect my AD's addictions have had on my grandchildren.
Dealing with parents to this day who have no recovery.
Being served a $9,000.00 garnishment on my bank account for medical bills.
The loss of many friends over the years to this horrible disease.
Those are just for starters.