I didn't see your initial post as a problem, advice comes in all flavors and maybe it is the kick in the pants type of advice that ends up helping the most. You never know what comment will come in handy.
That's why I thought that opening this up to all would likely be much better than me trying to give my opinions alone. And I think there is a lot of good advice here already.
re: volunteering
By going to AA, one finds that over time the emphasis shifts from what you can take from the group to what you can give to the newcomers in the group. But you must have some level of health yourself in order to help others. And as we all know when we teach something to others we are learning it better ourselves.
Thank you for the time that you volunteer as a first responder. What you do is a much needed, and under-appreciated task. God Bless You.
Thanks, you get the message I was trying to convey - Congratulations on your own recovery and trying to help others....
I give my time and skills when people are in need, but I get so much more back in return knowing it made a difference.
Different things work for people, but volunteering in whatever interests him is one goal he should have for the long term - it will be a positive influence in his life.