This is not an uncommon place over here. We have a wet house in our city - I used to work with some of the guys who live there. and it was never a matter of 'giving up' on them, it's a sad fact that some people will continue to drink until they die, and actaully wish to, so, after all avenues of help have been explored, the only thing to do is give them some dignity in dying and spend the precious resources we have on those who want to get well. Very sad but sadly that's the way it is..