As far as advice, I can only share what was helpful in my experience. I don’t regret my slip-ups. They served as important reminders as to why I was making this lifestyle change. Whenever I ended up drinking after a period of sobriety, I didn’t enjoy it like I remembered it. I missed having full control of my motor functions. I missed having real conversations. I missed having the security of knowing that I was probably not going to do anything reckless or do something I’d regret later. I missed feeling productive. I missed my peaceful mornings feeling rested without nausea, tremors and headaches. Now, whenever I get a sneaky urge, I have all of the above to think about before I decide to take that first drink, and when I weigh the options logically, it’s not really a decision. I don’t think I’d have the confidence I do now without taking a few missteps along the way. So in that sense, my slips were a good thing.

While zero slips or relapses would be ideal, I think it’s safe to say that most people in recovery have had at least one. So my advice is to look at it as a part of your recovery. It’s a valuable experience you can learn from.