I think it's really admirable of people to recover from addiction because I know how hard I am struggling to stay sober and I just find long termers inspirational. Many addicts I know are the most compassionate wonderful people who use to essentially "numb" their feelings and finding new coping skills and living sober are admirable to me. Heroes? Nah....I would save that term for someone who saves others. People in recovery save only themselves which is IMHO one of the hardest things ever.