One cannot overlook that the foundation of Michelle's treatment program for her alcohol addiction places blame on the alcoholics as the victims. Her program is based on the belief that participants will have the key to their own destiny if they only follow the guidelines of the program. Although Michelle's physical health would likely improve without her addiction to alcohol, the poverty in her life will not miraculously disappear. She may still need to learn to cope with the stress associated with her life conditions or she could be at risk for turning back once again to her dangerous addiction. Having faith could serve to replace the alcohol addiction by offering her something outside herself to turn to when needed to help her deal with her life.

Michelle goes to church regularly and insists that her children attend weekly services and youth groups at her church "whether they like it or not." She describes how some of the neighbourhood children attend a church that provides a free bus pickup in the neighbourhood but since this is not her church, she makes her children walk the 20 to 30 minute trip each way every Sunday.

Julie has some of the most disturbing stories of growing up of all of the participants. As already discussed, she endured an abusive childhood. She and her siblings were separated at a young age from their family and sent to live in foster homes. She asks rather solemnly, "Do you know what it's like to arrive at a foster home with only the clothes you are wearing and all your possessions in a garbage bag? It's like they are telling you you're garbage…" Julie describes a heart-wrenching young life filled with neglect by her foster parents and having to fend for herself. In our meetings, she says she is doing the best she can as a single parent raising three children while coping with a serious psychiatric disorder.