Xanax (benzodiazepine) is a poor choice for a recovering alcoholic as it acts on the brain in the same manner as alcohol and benzos combined with alcohol super magnify the effects of alcohol and should never be taken together. Alkies LOVE to mix the two as it makes one drink seem like you drank 4 drinks and very often leads to extreme nastiness and blackouts.
It is so sad to hear of someone relapsing after doing well for so long ... this is why I have determined in my heart that I will never get involved wth a person with addictive history even if sober... I could not take the stress of the uncertainty and very real possibility of relapse. Life is simply too short to take the chance again....