This is a very interesting thread, I agree tecomsin.

I sometimes feel that people who have quit something bad, feel a certain "high" of empowerment, and think to themselves "if I did it, why can't you?" I am not saying they are wrong, because yeah, good for them, they were able to overcome something, but making you feel like crap because you are not there yet, by basically telling you to just "do it, quit X, Y and Z" is not helping anybody, really.

What I am getting from your thread is that most people come off as really conscending, instead of offering helpful advice that can start you on the path of recovery, good life or bettering yourself.

I get your point, and I think more people should offer many alternatives to help solve a person's problem, in a way that is not them just "talking down to them" by telling them WHAT to do, instead of HOW to make the change so they do it for themselves.

Great thread.