"Sneaking a few" is just a symptom of trying to kill off some other pain. I've seen people in on a "dry drunk" for literally years - and it never gets any better.
IMNSHO (realizing but for the grace of god..) Lose the booze, loose the drugs, get to meetings, and get a kick-a$$ sponsor - not one that tells you what you want to hear, but the one who tells you how to remain alive long enough to enjoy life again. The rules of the game are posted in every room you could drag yourself into, why not try making them work for once.
Just remember - you alone must do it, but you can not do it alone.
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34 days short of 22 years sober.
Celebrated 18 years on 11 Aug.
Rob - tell your friend that, as one of God's kids, there's nothing He wants more than for those in need to supplicate themselves before Him and put themselves in His capable hands. He also needs to go to so many mettings that he can't remember what it's like to not go to meetings.