I've had several addicts in my life that I deeply loved. I still do have one in my life who I love deeply (not myself or my husband) it's a real, legitimate illness and cutting a sick person off is not something I recommend at all. Starting a relationship with someone I knew was an addict would not be something I'd suggest either. It's such a sad and delicate issue. Nobody is going to throw away their life the way an addict does unless they are truly sick and battling demons out of most people's comprehension. Some people do not understand this....do not see addiction as the real illness it is. My heart breaks for anyone who loves someone whose addicted and breaks even more for the person who thinks so little of themselves that they put their life and future at risk each time they use or drink. It's so very sad. I see from this thread I'm not the only person whose battled this sad phenomenon......it's far too common a problem in our society and effects so much. (((Hugs to all who need them)))