ladydoc~You painted the problem into a corner. You said it might work if they could get jobs, but then you put an end to that solution as laughable. Whether my comments could be interpreted as platitudes is subjective, as they were only insignigicant in your opinion and not based on any fact that I am aware of.
I therefore wrongly assumed that you had no viable resolution to the problem...my bad
As far as being able or up to any kind of work, or the need for behavior therapy...The Pacific Garden Mission in the heart of Chicago has been serving these kinds of people since 1877. Their method is that they will give you a meal and a place to lay your head at night in exchange for your work. If that only means folding sheets, peeling potatoes, washing the dishes or toilet...than that is what it means. For over 130 years, the Mission has been incredibly successful with helping drug addicts, drunks, etc to turn their lives around. http://www.pgm.org/ My Mom-in-Law's cousin Elaine Hauge, was the director of the women and childrens division for 37 years. http://www.moody.edu/edu_MainPage.aspx?id=12068 Elaine has many stories that would curl your hair and bless your heart at the same time. From her I have learned that there is no time like the present to start to help others AND never give up HOPE that they can change!...I all seriousness, I am curious to know what your experience is with drug addicts, drunks,etc, since you seem to know alot about what they will or will not do and what they are or are not capable of. Are you a social worker or psychologist by trade?