Thats why most programs call for total abstinence. I started smoking pot/doing drugs at age 13. Was drinking nightly from age 18 and was a full blown alcoholic by age 24/25 drinking at east 15 beers every night. Started AA and stopped drinking at 27 but abused hard drugs then pot until age 35.
Committed 100% to AA, steps, sponsorship, 7 meetings a week and was 100% clean and sober for 20 years. Followed directions to a tee. Many, many people come to AA and quite honestly they don't follow directions, fail, then come on to boards like this spewing hatred for AA. But I have seen it work first hand for thousands of people. People say "AA brainwashes you." They are right, but my brain need washing.
At age 55 I smoked pot again...but did not like the effect. I do take ecstasy once or twice a month, but I am just fine with half a hit. I have dabbled with other drugs but simply do not abuse them anymore. I have not touched alcohol in nearly 36 years. Alcohol is what got me really in trouble, locked up, fired, etc.
I have used Kratom the last few years, had unlimited access to Oxy and fent for about 2.5 years. Fortunately I found this forum and everyone scares me poopless about opiod addiction. I was told 2 years ago that I would be homeless by now/hopelessly hooked but I am still living in the house I have owned for 20 years driving the same car. The reason is I take very, very seriously the stories of the people here....I know what a slippery and fast slope opiods can be. I think that also part of the reason I don't have big problems is related to the psych meds I am on and also the small amount of Zepbound I take to keep my weight down. Supposedly the Zepbound curbs addiction.