Relapse doesnt have to be part of your recovery. But unfortunately people do relapse so therefore it does becomes part of their recovery. Personally I do not think I will make it back from a relapse as it was a miracle I survived my last drunk. Even if I relapsed and lived I believe I will be dead mentally and spiritually if not physically so I will keep doing whatever it takes , one day at a time, to not pick up a drink. For me, to drink is to die.
You are doing really well. !!