I think having a sense that what we do has some significance – or, bluntly a function – in our world or society is a profound healer – a direct response to the absense of meaning, and is something that we can make a decision about. As regards the difference between the 12-step fellowships and clinical addiction treatments – neither has a very high hit rate in terms of sustained abstinence, but both provide opportunities for moments of realisation, or periods of clarity in which learning about life becomes possible. If, like myself, an addict or alcoholic relapses following a period in treatment or a period of recovery through 12-step, then I believe there is still an enhanced ability to make sound decisions which improve life – as evidenced by my own disastrous relapse into heroin and crack use for 6 years following a sustained period of recovery. I myself have embarked upon the task of setting up theatre workshops in east Cornwall – currently with drug and alcohol service users, but in the future I hope for anyone who wishes to pursue theatre / drama as a route to meaning in their life. Best wishes. Rob