Recovery isn’t a straight line. It’s a journey—one with twists, turns, and sometimes, setbacks. If you’ve experienced a misstep in your recovery from addiction, you may be feeling discouraged, ashamed, or even tempted to give up altogether. But here’s the truth: a setback doesn’t mean failure. It doesn’t erase the progress you’ve made. And most importantly, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep going.
Examples of Setbacks in Recovery
Setbacks can take many forms. Sometimes, it’s a moment when you slip and use again. Other times, it might be a return to unhealthy behaviors, like isolating yourself, skipping meetings, or neglecting self-care. Not every setback involves using substances—but each one is a warning sign that something needs your attention.
Here are a few common examples:
- Relapsing after a period of sobriety
- Missing therapy or support group sessions
- Hanging out with people who encourage drinking or drug use
- Re-engaging in negative self-talk or harmful thought patterns
- Ignoring your mental or physical health
These moments might leave you feeling like you’ve undone all your progress. But recovery is about growth, not perfection.
Why Setbacks Happen
Setbacks often stem from stress, emotional triggers, or a buildup of small choices that gradually lead you away from your support system. Recovery demands daily work, and life doesn’t stop being difficult just because you’re trying to heal.
Some common causes of setbacks include:
- High levels of stress or emotional overwhelm
- Unresolved trauma or mental health struggles
- Lack of structure or support
- Overconfidence in your ability to manage without help
- Loneliness or feeling misunderstood
Sometimes, setbacks happen when things are going too well. You might think, “I’ve got this. I don’t need meetings anymore,” or, “I can handle just one drink.” It’s easy to forget how much strength it took to get sober in the first place.
What to Do If You Experience a Setback
If you’ve had a setback, the most important thing is to act—don’t freeze, don’t hide, and don’t pretend it didn’t happen. You have choices, and you are not alone.
- Be honest with yourself. Admitting that you’ve stumbled is not weakness—it’s courage. Acknowledge what happened without beating yourself up. Shame will only keep you stuck. Self-awareness, on the other hand, is a powerful tool for change.
- Reach out for support. You don’t have to go through this alone. Call your sponsor, reach out to a therapist, or talk to someone at your treatment center. If you’ve been part of a group at Stone River Recovery Center, reconnect. Let someone know you’re struggling. It’s not a sign of failure—it’s a step forward.
- Reflect on the cause. Ask yourself, What led to this moment? Was it a specific event, a feeling, or a situation? Understanding the “why” can help you prevent future setbacks. Maybe you need new coping skills. Maybe your boundaries need strengthening. Either way, there’s something to learn.
- Recommit to recovery. You’ve already proven you can do hard things—you entered recovery. Recommitting might mean going back to therapy, attending more meetings, or returning to treatment for a time. Whatever your next step is, take it. Your journey isn’t over—it’s just shifting course.
What to Avoid After a Setback
During a setback, your mind might play tricks on you. It’s important to avoid falling into patterns that can deepen the damage.
- Avoid all-or-nothing thinking. Thoughts like “I blew it, so I might as well give up” are toxic. One bad day doesn’t cancel out months of healing. You can start again—today.
- Avoid isolation. You may feel tempted to withdraw out of guilt or fear of judgment. Don’t. Isolation fuels addiction. Community is where recovery lives.
- Avoid blaming yourself or others. Yes, you need to take responsibility. But that doesn’t mean punishing yourself or pointing fingers. Blame keeps you stuck. Accountability moves you forward.
- Avoid romanticizing substance use. When times get tough, it’s easy to forget the pain that brought you to recovery in the first place. Don’t let your memory trick you into thinking things weren’t that bad. Stay grounded in truth.
Setbacks Do Not Mean the End of Recovery
Setbacks are painful, yes—but they’re also opportunities. Each one can teach you more about your triggers, your strengths, and your needs. At Stone River Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas, we see people come back from setbacks every day. We’ve seen the power of recommitment, the beauty of second chances, and the strength that comes from getting up one more time than you fall.
If you’re struggling, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team is here to support you without judgment. Please contact us today to learn more about our programs and services.
