Relapses are the predictable outcome of a series of poor choices. A relapse is never an event, but a process. Relapses come in three phases:
- Emotional relapse
- Mental relapse
- Physical relapse
Don’t focus too much on the physical part of relapse, the actual acting out behavior. Focus more on how you get to that point. Give greater attention to what is going on emotionally and mentally. When those areas are healthy, the chances of physical relapse drop dramatically.
Too many of us play with fire. We relapse in our thought life, thinking we can withstand the temptation we bring on ourselves.
Paul offered this bit of warning: “Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). In other words, rather than fighting temptation, we should avoid it in the first place, whenever possible.
Recover Step: Avoid the first stages of relapse.
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.
