I personally wouldnt mention it.
As you said its part of your past, but so are you first boyfriends, celebrity crushes and other things we keep to ourselves

i wouldnt put it out there to crucify yourself
If they want that sort of information im sure they'll look for it.... Best of LUck
Unfortunately Mum2Romone the process doesn't work like this. Upfront honesty is 100% the way you need to be. When you go through the evaluation process, it is not just a matter of filling out a few forms and answers a few questions. There are hours upon hours of questioning that you have to go through about your life from the day you were born until now and where you plan to go in the future. There are no stones left unturned.

What milly75 has been through demonstrates strength, determination & commitment. All qualities an assessing SW will look for.

Be proud of what you have achieved milly75, tell your story in your words. The SW's will not immediately judge you based on an addiction you had 20 years. But when you are looking to be given to the parenting responsibility of a child, you need to give them all the information so they can make the correct decision on your suitability.

As I said to you in the other forum, call the department in your state and talk to them.