I’m 5 week clean from coke now, and I have joined C A anonymous, but regarding your question. Since I have been in the meetings a lot of people say because they still didn’t work the steps after, 6, 9 month even 2 years it causes them to relapse. I even did it my self after 2 and 3 month. I never did the steps then but I tested myself with a party – stupid decision!. I guess you can tell what happened.
You have to have some sort of programme or strict rules to obey weather its 12 steps or not. Your mind will always play tricks on you and trick you into using.
I don’t agree with you can’t trust recovering addicts, I’ve seen so many videos and read a lot of books and a lot are successful people, even millionaires and they help other addicts. Everyone makes mistakes and can change. But it all boils down to are they really trying, and sticking to their princiciples.
My opinion is if he is giving up on doing his usual stuff that helped him quit, I’d say he more or less will relapse. That’s my opinion though.
Feel free to ask me anything