I think Richie's idea of sober living is not the absence of drinking but the absence of being stupidly drunk. With that reasoning, 8 years ago he tried to adjust his lifestyle but have had a few "slips." There are people who drink responsibly who are considered non-drunks; it is just that given Richie's history, there will always be a worry that he won't be able stop drinking before that point.

I also think the reason he went off the tour is something major between him and Jon but he is presenting this line--I needed a longer break, I am happy that I am spending more time with my daughter--which protects the Bon Jovi secrecy edit and sends a message to Jon that he is not going to tell the real reason and/or slag Jon off. So he is accepting responsibility, not criticizing, not telling secrets = he is still a member of the band.