Is there a difference in a slip or relapse?
Wikipedia:
A relapse (etymologically, "who falls again") occurs when a person is affected again by a condition that affected them in the past. This could be a medical or psychological condition such as depression, bipolar disorder, multiple sclerosis, cancer or an addiction to a drug.
For example, if someone who had problems with alcohol were to give up alcohol and then later start drinking again, this drinking might be considered a relapse. It is different from a slip or lapse in that it implies a return to previous behaviour patterns, as opposed to a one-time occurrence.
What is your opinion?
If you go to AA you know you don't drink no matter what. You can call it whatever you want it but a drink is a drink.
Gidday Lineman
Sometimes you hear people share about what they have learnt from a slip or a relapse so maybe good can come out of them as long as the person does as well
Personally i dont ever want to be in the situation of wondering which one i have just experienced, because for me it would be the end, because it wouldnt just happen it would be planned....
I heard once in early recovery that relapse was a part of recovery, welll F me that stuffed me up for days because i started planning the perfect relapse and luckily i seen reason and my insanity and got to a meeting real quick
light and love zac
Sometimes you hear people share about what they have learnt from a slip or a relapse so maybe good can come out of them as long as the person does as well
Personally i dont ever want to be in the situation of wondering which one i have just experienced, because for me it would be the end, because it wouldnt just happen it would be planned....
I heard once in early recovery that relapse was a part of recovery, welll F me that stuffed me up for days because i started planning the perfect relapse and luckily i seen reason and my insanity and got to a meeting real quick
light and love zac
Hi Lineman,
I think relapses or slips happen in early recovery because sometimes whenever our triggers pop up (be it an argument with a loved one, work troubles, etc) they can revert us back to our old mechanisms of coping or reacting. When (as in my case) I could make very little decisions or cope with the ups and downs of life without a the aid of a drink, when I took the alcohol away it was like learning to live all over again. The least little thing that went wrong, my "crutch" was the first thing that would come into my mind. The perceived crutch was obviously destroying my life, however.
It is a matter of learning new ways of reacting to our triggers and new ways of thinking. This takes time. I've had several relapses after long periods of sobriety and each one was because I went back to my old ways of coping with problems instead of using the spiritual tools I was learning in AA. I think it takes time for the power balance to shift but it does if you hang in there. Keep working it and you will find that perhaps those old triggers just don't have quite the same power over you as they used to.
I think relapses or slips happen in early recovery because sometimes whenever our triggers pop up (be it an argument with a loved one, work troubles, etc) they can revert us back to our old mechanisms of coping or reacting. When (as in my case) I could make very little decisions or cope with the ups and downs of life without a the aid of a drink, when I took the alcohol away it was like learning to live all over again. The least little thing that went wrong, my "crutch" was the first thing that would come into my mind. The perceived crutch was obviously destroying my life, however.
It is a matter of learning new ways of reacting to our triggers and new ways of thinking. This takes time. I've had several relapses after long periods of sobriety and each one was because I went back to my old ways of coping with problems instead of using the spiritual tools I was learning in AA. I think it takes time for the power balance to shift but it does if you hang in there. Keep working it and you will find that perhaps those old triggers just don't have quite the same power over you as they used to.
Hi Lineman,
Cute kid! Nice fish! Is that a cutthroat? I ask as my husband has taken up fly fishing. He's really getting into it. I'm so happy for him!
I believe theres a big difference between a slip and a full blown relapse. A slip is someone who go's back out and drinks once or twice, maybe a little longer. Maybe they haven't gained the tools needed to remain sober. Perhaps their not sure they are a real alcoholic. Perhaps they have become complacent in their sobriety. The difference is they climb back on the saddle quite quickly and start their journey of sobriety again.
A relapse is someone who keeps going and going and going. Like the energize bunny. Doesn't return to sobriety for a good period of time. Isn't interested in sobriety has no remorse about drinking again.
I've seen it happen at AA many times. People from all walks of life. People with 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 ,12, 15, 20, 25 yrs. of sobriety have slips or, full blown relapses. I'm no exception either.
People become complacent and think they are well. It's like a person who has heart surgery. At first they do as the Dr. tells them. Change their diet, take their Rx's, exercise, quit smoking, lose weight. A yr or so later they feel well and start to slip back into their old life style.
Alcoholism is a disease just like heart disease we forget because many of the symptoms disappear. Thats where listening and helping the newcomer comes into play.
I hear many people at meetings and even some on this site who say they will never drink or use again. For me if I start thinking this way I'm in trouble. I don't have a crystal ball I can't predict the future. I don't know if theres going to be a massive earthquake today, or tomorrow. I don't know if a lg some of money is going to land in my lap either. But what ever works for anyone they have a right to think and feel whats working for them. We aren't clones!
Whatever program, or no program your using. Don't become complacent in your sobriety. I believe everyone is at risk. Because no one can predict the future.
I hope this helps answer your question. Maybe somebody here with more sobriety time will start a thread on complacency. Have a good day Lineman. Happy fishing with your son. I think thats your boy.
Cute kid! Nice fish! Is that a cutthroat? I ask as my husband has taken up fly fishing. He's really getting into it. I'm so happy for him!
I believe theres a big difference between a slip and a full blown relapse. A slip is someone who go's back out and drinks once or twice, maybe a little longer. Maybe they haven't gained the tools needed to remain sober. Perhaps their not sure they are a real alcoholic. Perhaps they have become complacent in their sobriety. The difference is they climb back on the saddle quite quickly and start their journey of sobriety again.
A relapse is someone who keeps going and going and going. Like the energize bunny. Doesn't return to sobriety for a good period of time. Isn't interested in sobriety has no remorse about drinking again.
I've seen it happen at AA many times. People from all walks of life. People with 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 ,12, 15, 20, 25 yrs. of sobriety have slips or, full blown relapses. I'm no exception either.
People become complacent and think they are well. It's like a person who has heart surgery. At first they do as the Dr. tells them. Change their diet, take their Rx's, exercise, quit smoking, lose weight. A yr or so later they feel well and start to slip back into their old life style.
Alcoholism is a disease just like heart disease we forget because many of the symptoms disappear. Thats where listening and helping the newcomer comes into play.
I hear many people at meetings and even some on this site who say they will never drink or use again. For me if I start thinking this way I'm in trouble. I don't have a crystal ball I can't predict the future. I don't know if theres going to be a massive earthquake today, or tomorrow. I don't know if a lg some of money is going to land in my lap either. But what ever works for anyone they have a right to think and feel whats working for them. We aren't clones!
Whatever program, or no program your using. Don't become complacent in your sobriety. I believe everyone is at risk. Because no one can predict the future.
I hope this helps answer your question. Maybe somebody here with more sobriety time will start a thread on complacency. Have a good day Lineman. Happy fishing with your son. I think thats your boy.
| QUOTE |
| Is there a difference in a slip or relapse? |
You slip on ice. You relapse on purpose.
Good one, skg
To me a slip is a relapse. I am still early in my recovery and I have 2 1/2 years sober. To me if I had one drink right now I would consider it a HUGE relapse not a slip.
Perhaps when someone is early on in their sobriety and struggling to quit and they have a drink it might be considered a slip. All you can do is put one foot in front of the other and DON'T DRINK under any circumstances.
Good Thread. Gave me some food for thought!
Perhaps when someone is early on in their sobriety and struggling to quit and they have a drink it might be considered a slip. All you can do is put one foot in front of the other and DON'T DRINK under any circumstances.
Good Thread. Gave me some food for thought!
Great question...to me, I've never believe there to be a difference...basically, reverting back to an old behavior...I guess I say this with this thought in mind...my senior thesis was on the recidivism rate in sexual offenders. I didn't make a distinguish between a slip (victimizing one time) versus a relapse (continual victimization)...With that said, I'd say a slip is a relapse and a relapse is a slip.
Just my opinion.
Just my opinion.
I would like to thank everyone for their honesty. I have never been apart of a chat group but I tell you what, it is really neat to see how each one of you can support each other through being "real' and being honest about how addictions can affect ones life. I strongly agree that an individual who is suffering from an alcohol addiction, whether it be a slip or a relapse, either one will in turn affect their life. I grew up with an alcoholic father and today I can tell you that he one time attempted to stop the cylce of dysfunction and disruptions for himself and his family by staying sober for 19 days. He truly struggled with maintaining his sobriety as he felt the need to have one or two drinks to calm him down from work as he encountered a great amount of stress. I believe that one, two or ten drinks truly affect an alcoholic emotionally, mentally and physically. It may be difficult to maintain sobriety but with self-worth, discipline and comittment, one is very capable of reaching success. The biggest fear that often arises with family or a significant others is the need to have stability in their life and when the one person they love demonstrates a slip or a relapse, it creates huge barriers and more chaos for everyone. Just remember as skj stated it very well..........a slip is on ice, relapse is on purpose. If you want to be disciplined, you have to love yourself and have the motivation to face the temptations with confidence and support from your loved ones.
Thanks for sharing and take care of yourself.
Kari
Thanks for sharing and take care of yourself.
Kari
| QUOTE |
| It may be difficult to maintain sobriety but with self-worth, discipline and comittment, one is very capable of reaching success........... If you want to be disciplined, you have to love yourself and have the motivation to face the temptations with confidence and support from your loved ones. |
Kari~~
No offense but sometimes having discipline and committment isn't enough to keep an alcholic sober. It's a disease and you can love yourself all you want but it is a life long battle with a disease for which there is no cure. You can be sober but you will forever have the disease of alcoholism. JMHO
Thanks for your take on it though. It's always interesting to hear other people's view of my reality. I forget that not everyone has the relationship with booze as I do.
Haven't seen you before. Welcome. :-)
Lookinup, that is one of my twin boys that caught a Northern Pike this last summer. As you can tell he was very excited.
Valerie,
Thank you so much for your honesty and ability to further explore my thoughts. I appreciate your insight on being an alcoholic, I always wondered why my father was unable to stop his cycle and why he did not love his family enough to strengthen connections and establish stability. Listening to you makes me understand that no matter how disciplined or how much one loves self, fighting the disease is something that will always be present. It must be a difficult challenge to face everyday.
Just a little about myself......I have worked in the social work field for 10 years and about 8 months ago decided to go back to school. I am currently enrolled at Capella University in the Master's program for Mental Health Counseling. I was expected this week to seek out online chat groups, identifying the different topics and my overall thoughts on how supportive these groups appear to be for everyone. To be honest, I am truly amazed!!! I did not realize that these chat groups were available for people and I have seen so many of you reach out to give support unconditionally which probably enhances ones ability to maintain sobriety and establish stability in their life. I would love to continue chating with others about addictions as I lived in a dysfunctional home and with my current work, it is helpful to truly understand how others perceive addiction.
Thanks again for your honesty and risk.
Kari
Thank you so much for your honesty and ability to further explore my thoughts. I appreciate your insight on being an alcoholic, I always wondered why my father was unable to stop his cycle and why he did not love his family enough to strengthen connections and establish stability. Listening to you makes me understand that no matter how disciplined or how much one loves self, fighting the disease is something that will always be present. It must be a difficult challenge to face everyday.
Just a little about myself......I have worked in the social work field for 10 years and about 8 months ago decided to go back to school. I am currently enrolled at Capella University in the Master's program for Mental Health Counseling. I was expected this week to seek out online chat groups, identifying the different topics and my overall thoughts on how supportive these groups appear to be for everyone. To be honest, I am truly amazed!!! I did not realize that these chat groups were available for people and I have seen so many of you reach out to give support unconditionally which probably enhances ones ability to maintain sobriety and establish stability in their life. I would love to continue chating with others about addictions as I lived in a dysfunctional home and with my current work, it is helpful to truly understand how others perceive addiction.
Thanks again for your honesty and risk.
Kari
Hi Kari~
No problem. Everyone is welcome. You might get more info on the Families Board since you lived your life with an alcoholic parent. It is truly baffling at times why we can't just stop. If that was the case none of us would be addicts.
That is why so many people lose just absolutely everything they love in the world. Sometimes it's just not a matter of loving yourself or your family. Everyone that is an addict loves their families. Well I shouldn't say everyone. Mother's and father's love their children so that isn't the issue. The addiction takes over their lives. It's hard to understand unless you yourself have been an addict.
This board has been a God send for me. I have met really great friends here and when I feel like I am going to lose it...I stop by here to my on-line pals and get support.
I would however be careful suggesting advice to addicts. We are real quick to turn on someone who hasn't walked the walk so to speak. Are you an addict or alcholic? Recovering or not? Just curious. Or are you "only" here to get information for your studies? Either way..welcome.
Valarie :-)
Edited to Say: I shouldn't speak for the boards and say "we" are quick to turn on someone.....I will say "I" myself am quick to dismiss those giving advice who have not been through it themselves. No disrespect just being honest. :-)
No problem. Everyone is welcome. You might get more info on the Families Board since you lived your life with an alcoholic parent. It is truly baffling at times why we can't just stop. If that was the case none of us would be addicts.
That is why so many people lose just absolutely everything they love in the world. Sometimes it's just not a matter of loving yourself or your family. Everyone that is an addict loves their families. Well I shouldn't say everyone. Mother's and father's love their children so that isn't the issue. The addiction takes over their lives. It's hard to understand unless you yourself have been an addict.
This board has been a God send for me. I have met really great friends here and when I feel like I am going to lose it...I stop by here to my on-line pals and get support.
I would however be careful suggesting advice to addicts. We are real quick to turn on someone who hasn't walked the walk so to speak. Are you an addict or alcholic? Recovering or not? Just curious. Or are you "only" here to get information for your studies? Either way..welcome.
Valarie :-)
Edited to Say: I shouldn't speak for the boards and say "we" are quick to turn on someone.....I will say "I" myself am quick to dismiss those giving advice who have not been through it themselves. No disrespect just being honest. :-)
Slips Suck
Relapse Blows
Relapse Blows
Good one LineMan. Both suck and blow in my opinion. LOL
BTW your little boy is too cute with his fish. He looks so proud!
BTW your little boy is too cute with his fish. He looks so proud!
Valarie, that was my first vacation sober with my twin sons.
Lineman,
It's a great picture. He is a cutie patootie!! He looks so proud. I bet he was happy to have his Dad "back" as well. Feels good to get out and do things sober doesn't it??
Have a great sober day!
It's a great picture. He is a cutie patootie!! He looks so proud. I bet he was happy to have his Dad "back" as well. Feels good to get out and do things sober doesn't it??
Have a great sober day!
