Very much like a cult and alcoholics have an uncanny ability to find and support other alcoholics. They also are very good at demonizing those who do not, directly or indirectly, support their addiction. The alcoholic is also very, very cunning in that they can "justify" their actions and often you read comments on FR where there is no doubt the poster is "protecting his alcohol". Life on the sober side is not boring. The alcoholic, like lots of other people, just have lost the ability to even know what living a life of serenity and joy even is. So sad.
Bears repeating!
That said, I don't think it is "sad." Getting the most out of life is a real fight! It is by no means easy...and that alone gives it value.