Back in the day...
...there was a defense that could be used during a trial "Innocent by reason of insanity". The defendant was so mentally ill, that 'they couldn't help themselves', that 'they didn't know any better'. Therefore, they were innocent.
The new term these days, if memory serves, is "Guilty and Insane". The defendant is culpable of the crime, but still needs treatment for the illness.
I think many an active and early recovering addict/alcoholic wishes to have all culpability removed for their past behaviors. I think the guilty and in need of treatment mindset is, perhaps, a better way to look at things when it comes to addiction.
However, the active and early recovering addict will probably not see it that way.