Mostly under control is not under control. His history defines what not under control looks like, he knows it, and he painted a great picture for us. Each person does "out of control" differently. I don't believe that absolute sobriety is the end all be all for everybody, however it is a more predictable way to manage. No alcohol is best. But one size does not fit all. Some people go the risk reduction route. Which, from a substance abuse treatment model, is fantastic for the way it can be applied to a wide range of behaviors and addictions. It is especially useful as a way to get started when you feel you're too deep. But it is also not as immediate. And that's the balance: something easier to get into versus something more definite. However, if the person's goal is to have control over their life and "most" days is not good enough control, and out of control is not acceptable... Then facing the fact that risk reduction is only a step to a better strategy is necessary. Sometimes it is that black and white. I'm not trying to cut this guy down. But my original statement stands on its own with the context of his story and it fits. Did it need to be said? I don't know. He's probably thought it to himself a million times already. In that case, I'm just another drop in the bucket that might get him to take the next step.

However, to say that abstaining has no basis is dead wrong. End of story. Is it the best way? My personal/professional bias is no, it is so cut and dry, but what makes it "better" is how much more straightforward it is in training newbie recovery counselors.

This is my profession, not only as a service provider, but also as an educator, manager, and administrator. Since I'm done educating you, allow me to kindly take off my professional hat and put on my redditor hat and rant a bit:

FUCK YOU.

Whatever reason you have to get defensive over this guy's story and our responses to it speaks more about you and your demons. Your bias against treatment are pretty fucking evident and not helpful. Get your fucking head out of your ass and stop fucking making excuses for this dude. He's not making any fucking excuses for himself, so why are you? Do you know him? Do you know somebody like him? Can you relate? If so than you should fucking be ashamed of yourself! Insidious relativistic pseudo-empathetic bullshitters are a some a dozen and undermined plenty of recovery strategies for whatever reason, probably denial. I've seen it with people's parents, partners, kids, and friends. People who approach this issue like you do are a liability. it's not a fucking game and people in recover (abstaining or risk reduction) don't need somebody like you getting in the way. Your statements smack of textbook enabling and toxic backseat driving that ruins lives and helps set up relapses (and in some cases deaths). The fuck is wrong with you? You and I both read his story and now you want to fucking normalize his experience?! Damn man, shut up and get out of the way!