“Some men succeed because they are destined to, but most men succeed because they are determined to.”
-Greame Clegg

One of the common mistakes someone can make when they stop drinking and have a slip, is to throw all they have accomplished away. Don’t allow the guilt to take over, or use a slip as an excuse to keep on drinking. The list below is to help you understand what to do if a slip occurs.

What To Do If You Drink Again

Stop – If you drink again following a period of not drinking or get drunk while trying to moderate your use, the first thing to do is tell your self to STOP drinking immediately.

Make it a Slip – Feeling bad or guilty is a signal to change and not give up and keep drinking. Acknowledge what you feel. Guilt and disappointment are normal under the circumstances of a slip and you have to work through them.

Get Honest – Be honest with yourself. Now that the slip has occurred, being proactive by taking positive steps is a practical and meaningful way of getting back to abstinence. Get the help you need. Do what worked before.

Get Help – Immediately share what happened with some other concerned person, such as a family member, friend, sponsor, counselor, or support person. If you have been drinking over a period of weeks or months and you know you should stop, seek professional intervention.

Reflect on What Went Wrong – Journaling is a good way to list and understand the circumstances that contributed to your slip. Did circumstances include a change in relationship, an alteration of goal-oriented practices, a shift in emotions or maybe an unexpected event?

Reflect on What Worked – Evaluate how well you have used your support systems in the past. Had you reduced the number of support activities prior to your slip? What activities or friends helped to support your abstinence? Write down anything that helped you.

Get a Plan – Write out a plan and/or contact an understanding person that can assist you in writing a plan to stop drinking.

Cut Off the Slip as Soon as Possible – Regain control. Do what you need to do to be healthy and safe!