Myth #4: Relapse is Part of Recovery

Decoding Nine Myths About Recovery

In my novel, Stay Sober and Save the World the Cave Woman Way, Cave Woman and Sylvia (or Sil) develop an epistolary relationship with each other. The letter writing continues, as you’ll see below.

Myth #4 Relapse is part of recovery

Dear Cave Woman,

Is relapse part of recovery?

Relapse simply means old survival patterns are still running. Recovery is an ongoing experiment. Relapse simply highlights a roadblock yet to be set aside. 

You make it sound so easy, but relapse is shameful. 

Most modern humans don't understand emotions and let shame, which is meant to bring us together, keep us apart. No one should ever judge another for relapsing. Learning about emotions, especially shame, will help ease some of the self-diminishment, which keeps people from reaching out.