The trials of an ex alcoholic

When I look back at my drinking years, some 12 years ago now I find it difficult to understand why a person would do that to themselves. A freind walked past me in frome yesterday who looks like he still drinks, or worse and he didn't even recognise me for some seconds. His misty eyes focused and his immediate next thought was to ask for money. I gave him a small amount of change. There is nothing I can do to help. Old freinds, eh?