A beard???
I know that the term "beard" is commonly used to imply a cover up for a homosexual or sham marriage. It is to give the illusion for those wanting to appear to fit a particular "social norm."
However, IMO, many addicts use their relationships to hide, mask, or minimize their addiction.
I remember a former poster warning me over and over again to be leery of my husband's attempts to come home. I couldn't understand what he had to gain if his behavior was going to be the same. She explained that as long as he had his wife, home and things "appeared" normal, his addiction would continue and he would only justify, minimize or deny his problems.
So would you say by definition that many of us could be used as an addicts "beard?"