asserted by some substance use specialists that around 70% of those suffering from the disease have a psychiatric illness. Their substance (or activity i.e. gambling) of choice is perceived by the user to fill a void as you described. People often experiment with various substances (or activities) hoping to find the one that they perceive as working. Sadly, as you saw in your family and friend group these individuals hurt both themselves and those they care about. I have attended too many funerals in the past few years with young people gone way too soon.