Thanks for the responses. I was trying to be succinct-you know how one can get started and never stop
Anyway, more details. He started using at 15, pot and pills-got a DUI at 17, fine and probation-has been on and off (mostly on) since. Minor scrapes with the law (loitering and prowling ie: walking the streets messed up) Was on methadone for over a year-had a job, an apartment, car doing good-then started again, got second DUI-fines and probabtion. Went into detox, rehab and 6 months in halfway house-got a job, apartment, attended meetings for about a year-his dad died (alcoholism) he was okay for a while, even seemed more committed and stronger, then relasped. For the first time his sisters and I were able to agree to stop with any type of help. He lost his job, got arrested for prowling again, became homeless.......after a few weeks, he checked himself into a hospital. The doctor called us and suggested he was ready for some help so we brought him home, where he currently lives with one of his sisters, almost immediately found a job, gets around by bike, bus or walking, pays her rent, has managed to take trains and buses to other counties for court dates, is a good houseguest. Seems fine mostly, but sometimes we can't help but wonder about his behaviour. No, he has never been diagnosed with any mental disorders. He has seen many psychiatrists and none has thought he was depressed UNTIL this last doctor who prescribed him medicine for depression. He has attended a few meetings, but certainly not daily. He's 23.
I think that answers everything. Thanks again for the suggestions.