As a recovering addict, I think this is something that only the addict/alcoholic can comment on. Some people learn self control. Abstinence does not have to be the only way. Studies have shown this to be true. I personally see myself as being clean since May 1. Have I used since then? Yes, twice. I am not allowed to use that clean date at the outpatient I attend, I have to use my date of last use which is Oct 5. But to me... Using twice in nine months is amazing. For six years, I could rarely get nine days, let alone nine months, only using twice. To me, May 1 is when I was finally able to change my mindset. And that date is more important to me than the day after a one-time use. I don't think two instances of using negates the work that went into those nine months. If I ever use more than one time/day in a row, to me that would be a relapse, and I would start my time over. Same goes if I started using habitually, say three times in a week, probably even three times in a month actually. At this point, I honestly don't think I will ever use again. But if I do, once, randomly, I won't see this whole time as a failure, and it won't negate what I have accomplished. Even my counselor has agreed with me on these points.

People are stupid