I view it physiologically rather than personally. I don't see it as an attitude or thought process. I have adult-onset asthma acquired in my 50s and now, always will. The symptoms may not be there but my lungs are weaker than other systems in my body. Some people get depressed, some people get anxious, some people have weight problems and others, not so much.

It is not the substance's "fault" nor is it the individual's "fault" but just what shakes out, like how some people get the flu and others do not. If one gets the flu with pneumonia and has to be hospitalized they get a flu shot each year afterwards and pay attention to who is around them, etc. They do not go where the flu is/has been; where people are sick. If one becomes addicted to a substance and works to get healthy again, they don't "hang around" in "bars"/places where it is sold, etc. or go to parties where it is a center of attention.

How you think of yourself is your business? One can say "I was an alcoholic so do not drink anymore" and leave it at that or one can say, "I am an alcoholic but have not had a drink in 42 years", whatever helps you stay healthy. I do not see how, "I was an alcoholic but am not anymore" can be true if you do not drink and, if you were an alcoholic and start drinking again, that is like playing with fire (water :-) and not too smart? "Hey, I had a flu shot, think I'll go see how well it works. . ."