J.O.;
Many thanks for providing the link to Captain Prouse's posts.
There are a few who have been there, but, I see, many more who prefer to judge others rather than comprehend or learn. Captain Prouse's posts are instructive for those with eyes.
You are correct: punishment (incarceration, loss of job, home, family, friends) doesn't cure addiction - it just makes those who make academic judgements more self-righteous.
Only those who don't know first-hand the path that Captain Prouse and many like him have travelled, permit themselves the luxury of judging others.
There are many addictions. For those who judge alcoholic addiction and behaviour, your comment, " 'I understand you have cancer, but don't you dare bring it to work with you'. ", describes this attitude and is spot on.
Those who haven't had to deal with the serious problems of alcoholic addiction can, ironically, be thankful that they don't understand.
But they should have the grace to remain silent while others who must deal with addiction tell their story. You never know.
PJ2