One of (well actually the only) "benefit" for being with an addict for me was realizing my own issues. Experiencing the pain and heart ache he put me through and watching him destroy his life was a wake up call for me. Made me realize I'm constantly trying to fix other people because I'm broken myself and that I'm an alcoholic. It's what "pushed" me into recovery and I'm so glad it did.
I feel like I'm in an awkward position sometimes bouncing between this forum and the alcoholism forum having experience in both sides of it but I try to be helpful when I can.