I don't see it as a waste of time but as a lesson. Who knows? All my "experience" as an alcoholic might help somebody recover someday. When I feel strong in my sobriety I plan on helping others to recover from alcohol and prescription drugs.
It also changed my view of people. I have much more understanding and compassion now. I used to think that alcoholics were all like Lindsay Lohan...then I became an alcoholic myself and I learned that there's pain, and suffering, and fear, and loneliness behind each binge.
The only time wasted is the time you spend feeling sorry for yourself. My apologies if it sounds harsh, I think I'm mostly trying to motivate you, but I'm not very good at it
