I had a family member that rotated in and out of treatment and couldn't kick the addiction.  The family member died this past year.  For many, addiction is a point of no return.  Every day I see homeless men and women roaming the streets or laying down along side the road passed out.  By the time their face is swollen and bright red, that's a clear sign that they've one foot in the grave.  Kudos to the addicts that were able to turn their life around.