Does a relapse mean you no longer have anything to contribute?
Let me answer that with a sports analogy. When Tom Brady throws an interception, they don’t pull him out of the game.
We have this hope: “In him we have redemption, through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7).
Rather than condemning yourself for a relapse, learn from it. Dr. Lantie Elisabeth Jorandby offers the following tips to overcome relapse.
- Know the warning signs. It is critical to recognize your triggers so that you will be ready to respond in time.
- Create a relapse prevention plan. Jorandby writes, “To protect yourself, you need a plan. It needs to be tailored to you and ready to implement the moment you’re feeling triggered.”
Recovery Step: Relapse is neither inevitable nor terminal. Know the warning signs. Put a plan in place.
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.
