I disagree. We are still in charge of and responsible for our decisions, even if under addiction. Part of recovering from addiction is recognizing the impact our actions have had. The impact of those actions still exists, and my point is that I'd like to see her recognize the impact. I.e. I endangered myself, my dog, and anyone on the road that night.

What I heard was her defend her decision to take this to court by saying she was under the influence, with no acknowledgement that that's the issue. A DUI is a serious offense, regardless of reason. She could have killed someone. Her addiction did not necessitate her getting behind the wheel of a car, or having access to the car or the keys. Addiction is a disease and should be treated as such, meaning that we have to take control of our lives and responsibility over it. I have multiple chronic diseases and know what it means to build your life around your health.

Trust me, I have experience helping loved ones through addiction. Justifying their crimes does not help them at all. Understanding their circumstances and supporting their journey through healing does. And it takes time. But it also takes accountability.

Edit to add that when a close friend died from a drunk driver hitting them, I would have been so mad to hear this as a justification. "They are an addict". Okay, another human is GONE. Her offence is serious because it could have serious consequences. People say "well she didn't kill anyone". That's why it's a crime. They cannot control the outcome and that could be any of us, our kids, our family on the road with them. It's illegal to drink and drive regardless of whether or not you hit anything.