Is he making excuses.....well, let's look at the responses. My ex included....I have only seen maybe one person who "did it on their own". In my opinion, those "who do it on there own" don't want to get clean & sober. I've heard all the excuses. I went into rehab for drinking & was sober 7 years. I stopped going to meetings, stopped talking to my sponsor & then thought I could go drink Pepsi in the bar with my ex. I relapsed & went back to rehab May 12, 2003 & have been sober since. My ex said the same thing. I threw him out 1-1/2 years ago. As of yesterday he is still trying to do it on his own & he's STILL using!!! What does that tell you?
So, I would just say "whatever" & go on with your own recovery. Sometimes they don't like that.
Lynne