Is a Day of Relapse a Setback or Part of the Journey?

Phil delves into a thought-provoking question about the nature of recovery. He raises the intriguing scenario of someone with 20 years of recovery who relapses for a day and ponders whether the entire 20 years is erased. Phil explores the concept of cumulative recovery, questioning if multiple instances of being clean for shorter periods contribute to the overall recovery journey. He reflects on the social dynamics within fellowship circles, highlighting how individuals may face judgment or ostracism for relapses. Drawing from personal experience in an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, Phil shares a unique perspective of someone claiming "10 years in recovery except for three days." The uncertainty surrounding when those three days occurred adds an extra layer of complexity to the understanding of one's recovery journey.
Episode 133 of the Recovery Matters Podcast, a podcast addiction and the multiple pathways to recovery, is available now via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you consume your podcasts! Full video podcast also available on our TH-cam page 'CCAR 4Recovery’ under our Recovery Matters Podcast Full Video Episodes playlist

[@joshuatrott193]

I agree fully. You don't lose what you gained due to relapse

[@geekinhard343]

In rehab, they just call this a lapse

[@clarewolsoncroft5099]

my experience is I've never been ostracized for relapses! but what if i pick that drink/drug up in one day i could die! eeek