pikuach nefech didn't help the Rashba. But it's crazy that you're having a hard time.
I remember seeing R' Moshe's psak mentioned. I'm gonna pull that out again. I doubt the Rashba would have an issue with what we are discussing. That being said, the only value i did see in that article is the sympathetic feeling i have for the writer that is trying to get something done and cant get anyone to stick out their neck on a non-issue.
Addicts will find every excuse not to get help. They will deny there is a problem. They will say they have it under control. Short of going to rehab, which is extreme IMO and should only be done to jumpstart recovery, detox, and to seperate the addict from their regular environment, what other options are there? Therapy, which helps but only with CASAC trained therapists; self-control, which doesnt work alone; or 12 step meetings, which work in conjunction with self-control and therapy.
To give an addict an excuse is to give them additional kindling to fuel their addiction. We should be looking to find every leniency in the book to help them. A friend of mine once suggested writing a sefer on all the kulos we could rely on as opposed to the seforim that are out there that are always looking for the next level of chumrah. There is something to be said for that.