Addiction

I've recently been watching Showtime's Nurse Jackie and have been contemplating addiction and its consequences.


I've never had a substance addiction, nor have I known anyone while they were going through the actual addiction or recovery.


This time last year I would have balked at the very thought.  But it's been a long year, and I find as time goes by that I am more... understanding of people and their personal choices and decisions. 


That said, I'd probably take the cue from the... addictee, user...?  I dunno, but it's not my place to judge.  I'd go through the usual "You should get help," but I'm not sure I'd interfere overmuch.  Assuming the person is an adult, they're free to make their own decisions.  I sure as hell don't respond well to people telling me what to do.


But if it was a loved one....  :sigh:  I'd probably be a little more insistent, because the impact would be felt much more acutely.  And if it was a lover...


I've seen what addiction does to people and their circle of loved ones (not firsthand, but still) and that would be enough for me to make an attempt at an intervention.  But as far as real-world situation goes, I'm not so sure....