Slip-Ups Happen: Here’s What to Do When They Do

Let’s get one thing straight: a slip-up doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It doesn’t undo all your hard work. And it definitely doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for recovery. It means you’re human. And humans don’t heal in straight lines.

What Counts as a Slip?

A slip (sometimes called a lapse) is a brief return to an old behavior—whether that’s substance use, self-harm, disordered eating, or a compulsive habit. It’s not the same as a full relapse, but it’s a red flag. And it’s a chance to intervene before things spiral.

Step One: Pause the Shame Spiral

Shame says, “You blew it. You’re a failure.” Recovery says, “You had a hard moment. Let’s learn from it.” Guilt can be helpful—it tells us something’s off. Shame shuts us down. So talk to yourself the way you’d talk to someone you love: with honesty and compassion.

Step Two: Get Curious, Not Judgmental

Instead of hiding from what happened, try asking:

• What triggered the slip?

• What was I feeling beforehand?

• What need was I trying to meet? This isn’t about beating yourself up—it’s about gathering information. That data can help you adjust your recovery plan so it works better for you.

Step Three: Reach Out

Whether it’s a sponsor, therapist, friend, or group, tell someone. Recovery is built on community. The sooner you share what happened, the sooner you can reconnect to your support and stop the cycle before it deepens.

Step Four: Re-Engage With Your Plan

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Go back to basics. Get to a meeting. Stick to your routine. Reflect with your counselor. Think of it as a course correction, not a reset.

Your Progress Still Counts

Everything you learned before the slip still lives in you. You don’t lose those gains. In fact, a slip can be a powerful turning point—it shows you where your plan needs tweaking and reminds you how much you want this.