Since 2000, white working-class Americans between the ages of 45 and 54 have been one of the only demographics in the world that has seen its life expectancy fall. These deaths are mostly suicides. Some are officially blamed on alcoholism and addiction, but that’s just suicide in slow motion.
As an recovered addict/alcoholic I've heard every sad story in the book. If you find yourself similarly trapped in the personal drama of substance use disorder, know that in your neighborhood there is likely a 12 step meeting with free coffee and cookies where people will greet you and even get you to have a laugh at your common predicament. As my buddy Jimmy B used to tell me "you're a special case of the same old thing". Don't listen to the do gooders who feel sorry for you because that sh*t is deadly.