Well he wasn't sober in the first place then Dan, so it wasn't a relapse just a return to drinking! Sounds like you and my sponsor would have a good chat about all this, mostly in agreement i am sure! I don't agree with the one year fits all thing, i think better than time would be share of you have actually worked the steps...i've met people with several years of not drinking(well one with 20, couldn't believe it scared the **** out of me, i remember i had just finished step 4 i said to my sponsor that night, it was a social occasion, mate we need to get moving on step 5...he laughed when i told him why!) who haven't worked the steps and are still insane, they know the lingo and attend shed loads of meetings but basically need to do what you suggested...we do have 2 ears and one mouth for a reason...just my opinion:-)