I have also experienced this. Your situation is one in which all addicts do look bad and the results of our bad behavior are glaringly obvious.
I am acquainted with a policeman who deals with a number of meth addicts which can be a really unhealthy situation as we all know. He knows of no one who has beaten it or ever gone on to any kind of meaningful life. I spoke up a time or two to indicate that I was acquainted with several who have not only beaten it but are very intelligent and articulate people who have or are rebuilding their lives.
He just shrugs his shoulders.