Edits in blue, it is too important not to correct.
Alcohol is much like Opium while there are legitimate uses for each, once the disease of addiction takes over the body and mind, the allergic reaction that triggers irresistible cravings kick in, the victim can never use that chemical again. In some say; a Vicodin addict, has been clean for 20 years but they are not considered cured because, a back injury and a small amount of say; Oxycontin, that a normal person should be able to tolerate can restart the viscous cycle of addiction. Thus they were never cured, from a medical stand point. Their disease was merely arrested. Alcoholism works exactly the same way! On the other hand;
Homosexuality is not the same because there is no metabolic component or alergy. It's mainly psychological. Many people (like me) believe that they can be un-brainwashed. So they can live a happy, normal life. Miracles can and do suddenly happen. In my experience they are the exception to the general rule.
The term 'hit bottom' is often used to describe what it takes to become willing to change. Once we/they have got so beaten, pushed around and knocked down by the disease's that the only direction to look, is up. Giving up on self will, and willingness to surrender to Gods will. The recovery process can begin, in earnest. But this time, with God in control and when 'I' say God... His name is Jesus.
Sorry, I was too slow to edit but it was too important not to correct and re post.