That's the other problem I had with chips in AA. For some, they were markers of their journey, a good ego boost for a really bruised ego, and often motivated them to keep going on. For others it's a marker of making a milestone and that they've done so much, they've done enough, they don't need to go anymore. I never did AA, so I can't say for sure what's going on, but it's possible his addictive mind is playing tricks on him telling him not to go to AA anymore because he's done enough. That leads to thoughts of "I'm recovered." and then "Oh well since I'm recovered, I can probably handle moderate alcohol consumption." And the darkness, the addictive mind, has ensnared him again to try to get him to destroy himself. That could also be why he's withdrawing from you. But I really don't know. It's just something to look out for and listen for if he talks to you.