Whether you have experienced a relapse in the past or not, knowing how to deal with it can help you prevent future setbacks and recover if one should happen. No relapse is too big to recover from. Here are some immediate steps to take in the aftermath of relapse, as suggested by the editorial staff of the American Addiction Centers.
- Reach out for help.
- Attend a group.
- Avoid triggers.
- Set healthy boundaries.
- Engage in self-care.
- Learn from the relapse.
- Develop a relapse prevention plan.
I don’t know anyone who never relapsed after they initially got into recovery. The key is what comes next. Solomon wrote, “The righteous falls seven times and rises again” (Proverbs 24:16).
Recovery Step: Relapse is not inevitable, nor is it the end of the story. Our goal is to never have a slip or relapse, but it is wise to have a plan in place, just in case.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
