Mean Mr. Mustard:
Totally agree with your first paragraph. I'm not so sure about the second. (You probably were expecting someone to respond like this!
) Although some addicts undoubtedly brought it on themselves, I think it's safe to assume that a large number are there because of situational factors in their lives, out of their control - mental illness, severely abusive/messed up upbringing (perhaps also by an addict), etc.
Considering none of the above applies to me, for example, I'd say my chances of ending up a homeless addict on the streets are pretty low. Since those things are out of my control, how can I pass judgement on those people? (Or not be sympathetic?) I don't think it's a level playing field when it comes to making decisions.
I dunno - I often struggle with the problem of what decisions people are responsible for and what they aren't.