But government would be out of a job if they ever actually fixed anything.

Exactly.
They use the same methods of big pharma in this country. Don't make a simple permanent cure , develop drugs to put you on a life long costly regiment. Way more profitable.

They used to hide them in the closets and basements to dampen their embarrassment.
It was then that a system to work with them was developed.
I believe.
States were doing far better than the government is now.
I'm talking mental health.
Huge portions of the drug addicts are a result of the government ban on pain relievers.
Lots of money to be made by the pharmaceutic companies making the synthetic versions.

The problem arrived after the government administration of rules and regulations for the addicts.
10 days for mental health care is usually the max for the insured.

JMO