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To allow ourselves to get to the point that others are championed for overcoming their own addictions, well, that to me is difficult to comprehend.

I couldn't disagree more. Many people, for whatever reasons, (childhood upbringing, genetics, traumatic events, for example) are more susceptible to addictions than other people. And everyone has weaknesses in their lives that they must overcome. I think it's completely laudable for people to overcome those weaknesses. It's certainly something we should encourage, as opposed to mocking those with problems, particularly when the person in question is doing everything he can to overcome them.

Where are the kudos to those that don't get to the point where they are celebrated for living a life of free of . . . whatever.

They should be applauded too. The two aren't mutually exclusive.

Some are more susceptible. Most of us are susceptible owing to whatever factor you want to present. It is laudable for those who overcome their difficulties, and I wholeheartedly encourage those who are ready to help themselves. But they have to be able to help themselves. We all have our own demons we must overcome to be a productive member of society. Some have to work harder. But to applaud them? Where does it end?

The fifty year old man who lives in a $400 a month studio b/c his parents weren't good students? Is he to be coddled still, now that his own offspring are facing the same fate? Personal responsibility has to be a factor, at some time or another.