What do I do if have slipped in my addiction recovery?Īcknowledge the mistake. But if a slip does occur, it is important you return to your recovery plan immediately. You are out with work buddies, and you find yourself tempted to use alcohol or drugs “just this once.” Maybe you are in a highly stressful situation, and someone who doesn’t know you are an addict hands you a pills “to calm your nerves.” Knowing your triggers and being honest about your disease will help prevent such slips.

In some circumstances, temptation might be too hard to resists. For example, you are served a vodka tonic when you simply ordered tonic water with lime or ate a pot brownie thinking it was just a brownie. Unknowingly consuming drugs or alcohol is one scenario. What are the circumstances someone might slip when it comes to drugs or alcohol? Clearly a slip can easily turn into relapse, but it does not guarantee it. On the other hand, if you then go get a candy bar at the gas station, buy a tub of ice cream at your next shopping trip, and you completely give up your diet, then that is relapse. It is a spontaneous decision and confined to that one time. In a moment of weakness, perhaps at a birthday party with your friends, you eat a piece of chocolate cake. Let’s look at it without the context of drugs and alcohol. Relapse happens when a recovery plan is completely abandoned. A slip is a single unplanned use of alcohol or drugs. However, Most addiction professionals distinguish between slip and relapse by looking at the addict’s intention. Some addicts see them as the same thing, but really it depends an individuals unique experiences with addiction. Sometimes slip and relapse are used interchangeably, so it can be confusing. Many people in recovery hear the terms slip and relapse, and wonder if they are the same thing. Relapse? Is a slip and relapse the same thing?

Quit all addictions at once