I can give you my perspective. We're fed this grandiose American dream (at least in my generation), and when we fall short of achieving that we feel like we've

I can give you my perspective. We're fed this grandiose American dream (at least in my generation), and when we fall short of achieving that we feel like we've lost. Nothing else matters, we're not a part of the lucky. We're inherently unlucky. Then it starts as just taking the edge off, trying to cope with these feelings, and soon enough it spirals and builds momentum, then you find yourself losing your grip on why you even got up in the morning or wanted to pursue anything at all. What's the point in trying if you'll fail again? But the escape offered by addiction outweighs any reasonable or rational thought, it's just a foot out of this hell of trauma, depression, guilt, and shame. Our country doesn't have safety nets (for the most part) and is survival of the fittest. It's difficult to struggle constantly, knowing that what you want to be is always out of reach.