others are addicts

homelessness may not be a choice but, for me, addiction is and I chose not. I chose not on many chemical fronts, and my resolve didn't waver despite a few dramas.

It does make me feel good because I can afford to stay in a house. True, I use the bus a lot, and steward at many Folk Festivals rather than buy tickets.

I'm sorry if it offends people but most addictions start from a position of hubris. And there is a cost for that.

The last time I gave to a beggar ( Xmas spirit and all that) was a coin I found minutes earlier. I also made her smile on the fact. I give in more ways.

FWIW an addict has to want to kick the demon, otherwise they are doomed. I volunteered in a community radio that allowed recovering addicts (and others) to make programmes. Made some friends, but they all told the same story - they are shit scared of lapsing, and are not complimentary of those that lapse.