my boyfriends mum was a hardcore alcoholic since before he was born (its a mystery that only one of her 5 kids has fetal alcohol syndrome). she didn't work for 25 years but managed to get a job a year ago.
i suspect she put the kids as part of the reason for not working but her employer is also aware of her alcoholism as she's missed work whilst having mini relapses. had she lied on her CV I suspect she'd have lost her job after her first relapse, so she must have stated something about her addiction problems. she also has priors for theft and assault. she works caring for the disabled so crb checks will have been done. its low paid but has done wonders for her confidence and we really think the chances of her relapsing are a lot smaller as a result.
point being- if she can get employed in this climate, there's hope for everyone.