Of course the solution is blindingly obvious. What you don't seem to grasp are any of the multitude of forces (some self-imposed/inflicted, some not) that make

Of course the solution is blindingly obvious. What you don't seem to grasp are any of the multitude of forces (some self-imposed/inflicted, some not) that make proceeding down that blindingly obvious path such a monumental struggle. These people are not "too stupid" to recover. These people are exhibiting the natural human tenancies when confronted with these set of circumstance. It takes an extraordinary amount of drive and perseverance to overcome this. If this is lost on you, it might help to compare this to losing weight. (Given your age though this might also be something you don't learn for a few years yet.) It's much easier to stay in shape than it is to adjust your weight downwards... you need to do much more exercise than a normal person would.