--- title: Coping with Slips and Relapses description: It is important to understand that a slip or a relapse isn't a moral failure. Here are few constructive ways to motivate yourself towards maintaining a sober lifestyle. image: https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/hubfs/blog/Coping-with-Slips-and-Relapses.png --- [Skip to content](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/coping-with-slips-and-relapses#main-content) [![Aquila logo](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AquilaVA_logo_final.png?width=300&height=99&name=AquilaVA_logo_final.png) ![Aquila logo](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AquilaVA_logo_final.png?width=300&height=99&name=AquilaVA_logo_final.png)](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/) [Call Us](tel:703-215-1808) [Get a Free Consultation](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/consultation) - [About Us](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/about-us) - Who We Serve - [For Patients](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/patients) - [For Families](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/families) - [For Medical Pros](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/doctors) - [Mission](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/about-us/mission) - [Staff](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/about-us/staff) - [Career Opportunities](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/careers) - [FAQs](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/faqs) - [Programs and Treatment](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/programs) - [Intensive Outpatient Therapy](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/intensive-outpatient-program-northern-virginia) - [Outpatient Alcohol Recovery](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/alcohol-addiction-treatment) - [Outpatient Drug Rehab](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/drug-treatment-rehab-northern-virginia) - [Dual Diagnosis Treatment](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/dual-diagnosis-addiction-treatment-northern-va) - [Continuing Care Program](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/continuing-care-program) - [ASAP Referrals & Evaluations](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey/vasap-referrals) - [Insurance](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/substance-use-treatment/insurance) - [Additional Resources](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey) - [Addiction Screening Tool](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/brain-science/screen/) - [Community Support](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey/community-support) - [Residential Treatment Partners](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey/residential-treatment-partners) - [External Resources](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey/information) - Testimonials - [Previous Client Testimonials](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/client-testimonials) - [Medical Professional Testimonials](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/about-us/alcohol-drug-rehab-reviews) - [Blog](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/contact) 2 min read # Coping with Slips and Relapses By: [Russ Kallina](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/author/russ-kallina) on Sep 29, 2017 [Addiction](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/topic/addiction) ![Coping-with-Slips-and-Relapses.png](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/hubfs/blog/Coping-with-Slips-and-Relapses.png) Seeing yourself return to substance use can be discouraging but it isn’t the end of the road. It is important to remember that a slip or a relapse is not a moral failing and it doesn’t mean that you can’t get clean. While a relapse can be frustrating and make you feel like a failure, there are constructive ways to deal with it. Here are a few ways to help you get back on track. ![coping-with-slips-relapses.jpeg](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog/coping-with-slips-relapses.jpeg?width=275&height=183&name=coping-with-slips-relapses.jpeg)**Step Up Meetings** It’s often when we feel the best about our progress that we’re most at risk of losing it. Maybe you’ve cut down on group meetings or therapy sessions because things were going so well. This is the time when you need to step it up again. You need the support from this network to reinforce your commitment to sobriety. **Stay Positive** Stay focused on your recovery. Every day is different, with some being more challenging than others. Keeping a positive attitude will help you through these challenges. Even when you’re struggling, remind yourself that it’s worth it. You are worth it. This is just a bump in the road and with commitment to recovery, this too shall pass. **Take the Spiritual Route** Meditation, yoga and many other forms of [holistic treatment](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/the-effectiveness-of-holistic-treatment) can have a two-fold effect on your recovery: it can help you work through previous trauma and emotional distress, while also helping you build up emotional resilience to help you stay calm and peaceful in times of stress. This resiliency can help you keep your cool when the pressure is on, reducing your likelihood of resorting to substance use in times of stress. [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/705269/2ee3f92f-4160-438c-a69a-027d1535a8d5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/705269/2ee3f92f-4160-438c-a69a-027d1535a8d5) **Be Kind to Yourself** The tendency to be tough on yourself will be hard to overcome, but you’ll need to train your mind to control your thoughts. Instead of berating yourself for what you might think of as your failures, acknowledge the changes you have already made while you are on your recovery. You have come so far – this slip or relapse does not erase everything else you have accomplished. You’re experiencing a set-back, you can [overcome a relapse](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/overcoming-a-slip-or-relapse). The first step toward being kind to yourself is to forgive the faults you have made in the past. **Have an Action Plan** It always helps to have a plan. You know how easy it can be to slip and it can often seem to come out of nowhere. You now know that your cravings have a powerful influence on you and that sometimes, you can’t just wing it. Having an action plan at all times can help you [identify your triggers](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/identifying-triggers-can-reduce-chances-of-a-relapse) and know ahead of time which strategies and behaviors you will use in different situations. **Get Help Before You Need It** When you recognize the signs, or feel yourself starting to slip, make it a point to get help right away. The situation won’t go away on its own. You need to be proactive. Asking for support from your family and friends or your recovery support team can help you from having another slip or relapse in the future. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## [How A Positive Lifestyle Change Can Help You Overcome A Relapse](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/positive-lifestyle-relapse) [Relapses and slips](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/overcoming-a-slip-or-relapse) are part of recovery, and not necessarily a sign that what you’re trying to do... ## [Addiction Recovery is Easier with a Strong Support System](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/addiction-recovery-is-easier-with-a-strong-support-system) Peer support systems are encouraged as key components of many treatment programs because of how... ## [The Power of Mantras and Positive Affirmations in Recovery](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog/mantras-and-positive-affirmations-in-recovery) One of the most beneficial ways to stay on the right track and guard against a potential relapse in... ##### About About - [About](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/about-us) - [Mission](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/about-us/mission) - [Contact](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/contact) **Phone:** (202)-288-3023 ##### Resources Resources - [Blog](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/blog) - [Resources](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey) - [Testimonials](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/client-testimonials) - Respect - [Privacy Policy](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/privacy-policy) ##### Programs Programs - [Intensive Outpatient Program](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/intensive-outpatient-program-northern-virginia) - [Outpatient Alcohol Treatment](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/alcohol-addiction-treatment) - [Outpatient Drug Treatment](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/drug-treatment-rehab-northern-virginia) - [Continuing Care Program](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/continuing-care-program) - [ASAP Referrals and Evaluations](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/recovery-journey/vasap-referrals) ##### Locations Locations **Herndon, VA** 425-B Carlisle Drive, Herndon, VA, 20170 **Mailing Address** 425-B Carlisle Drive, Herndon, VA, 20170 [![White Aquila logo.](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com/hubfs/aquila-white.png)](https://www.aquilarecoveryva.com) © 2026 Aquila Recovery of Virginia [![Verify Approval for www.aquilarecoveryva.com](https://static.legitscript.com/seals/9366263.png)](https://www.legitscript.com/websites/?checker_keywords=aquilarecoveryva.com)