Lapse vs Relapse

Technically, that's what it is really called. Whether we are talking about substance use or eating disorder or even just behavioral change, relapse is an active part of permanent change. I always say that it isn't really relapse that is the problem, but rather the thought process we use with it. This is why I personally say there are two types of relapse: The "Oh Shit" Relapse and the "Fuck It" Relapse. 

In the "Fuck It" Relapse, you have a thought pattern that endorses your continued old pattern behavior. Maybe the thoughts are, "I'll never be sober," "I'm just a drunk," or "I'll always be fat and ugly." These negative thoughts and words further endorse your continued use. You're mentally giving up, and those words, those powerful negative words, propel you into a longer and often more destructive relapse cycle. 

In the "Oh Shit" Relapse, you immediately recognize that you stumbled off the path you set for yourself. You relapse, recognize it, recognize the negative feelings associated with it, and then treat yourself like a person in need of help. Reach out to a sponsor, call a support person, call your therapist or a treatment facility, walk to a meeting. Because if you relapse and then immediately care for yourself as someone that needs support and resources, what have you lost? Maybe a little time and pride. "Oh Shit" relapse is about identifying and accepting that you are a human and you do all the humany things that we do. It's okay to deviate from the path, so long as you remember to reach out when you start to veer off into the woods. 

​Remember, You Are Enough.