High upon her horse she rode...

[Old Codger]

2. an x addict

with a degree is probably the best combination you can get.... I know some of each, addicts that are in recovery (we are in recovery the rest of our lives) who have achieved a degree and are involved in counseling at recovery centers, addicts who are in recovery and are involved in working with others through AA NA etc and others who by simply sharing their experiences at meetings give much help to others with hope of becoming and remaining sober/clean.
I also know several with book learning that have been able to come to a decent understanding of the complexities of addiction but only through experiencing years of contact with the addicts...
If I were asked to put my sobriety on the line by following advice from someone I will take the ex-addict every time.