I think the no hope or direction usually comes later, after enslavement. Drugs start out as party fuel — a social enhancer. Funny how that is because once hooked, it is a very lonely state even when done with others. And the choice factor — the human will — is relinquished early on. It becomes the person’s master.
The couple smelled of drugs, drugs were found on them, and the guy was out on probation. There is a long history that led to their closet dwelling.
Yeah... the article mentioned they have had some “issues” in the past. Of course.... few go from a normal happy life to locked in a closet for two days, when it wasn’t really locked. There has to be a “journey” to get to that point :)