I relapsed after 9 yrs.and I have 5 yrs.back. I had gotten complacent about going to meetings. Some of my AA friends had moved away. I started hanging around the wrong places and people. I was out 5yrs. It was progressive. Now that I am back I listen in meetings,do service,go to meetings ( I did 90 in 90 last summer and it didn't hurt me). I learned I cannot control it. I was right back into it fast. Now I don't do parties or holidays where it is. It is like the devil for me. I run. I hope your relative gets the desire to come back. It works if you live it!