Having been on the receiving end of physical violence and verbal abuse as a young newly qualified nurse from IV drug users, drunks and those kin alcohol withdrawal I can confirm it can be utterly terrifying. Those same people could be completely charming when not under the influence or properly medicated for withdrawal. I would never say an addict is not worthy of my empathy and compassion but...I was very scared on more than one occasion and physically injured several times. Perhaps Jack hasn't had to endure that. I'm really sorry I have tried and failed to spoiler this.I feel for this squig, he's just sharing his actual experience of dealing with people struggling with addiction. It's not all sunshine and lollipops and expensive dayhab.
one of my family members was violently attacked (in their workplace) by someone who was high on drugs. I have no issue with anyone struggling with addiction, but it's disingenuous to imply that it's not challenging to deal with their behaviour and actions. I mean, that's almost the definition of why drug use is a problem.
Edited to add that it's why as I undertake my counselling studies, I have recognised that I'm not in the right place emotionally to work with addicts in recovery or with an alcohol charity (following my experiences with a close friend whose addiction killed her). I had hoped Jack's recovery would open her up to compassion and mental growth.