If you’re walking the path of recovery, you’ve already made one of the most courageous decisions of your life. Choosing to leave behind addiction and step into healing isn’t easy—but it’s worth it. And while the journey ahead is filled with growth and hope, it’s also true that setbacks can happen along the way.
Maybe you’ve had a slip. Maybe life threw something at you—old wounds, unhealthy relationships, unexpected stress—and you lost your footing. If that’s where you are right now, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. And more importantly, you haven’t failed.
A setback isn’t the end of your story. It’s just a pause, a plot twist—a reminder that recovery isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning, growing, and getting back up.
At Mountain Laurel Recovery Center, we believe healing isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a journey. And every journey has bumps in the road. What matters most is what you do next. So if you’re feeling discouraged, keep reading. This post is for you.
What Is a Setback in Recovery?
A setback can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s returning to substance use after a period of sobriety. For others, it’s slipping into old thought patterns, behaviors, or environments that make recovery feel harder.
Here are a few common types of setbacks:
- Relapse. Returning to drug or alcohol use after a period of abstinence.
- Emotional setbacks. Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, guilt, or shame.
- Behavioral slips. Engaging in risky behavior or reestablishing contact with unhealthy influences.
- Motivational dips. Losing sight of why you started recovery in the first place.
- Isolation or disconnection. Pulling away from your support system, meetings, or treatment plans.
Causes of Setbacks
Recovery is a deeply personal journey, and the causes of setbacks can be just as personal. Here are some common reasons people experience setbacks:
- Stress and emotional overwhelm. Life doesn’t stop being difficult just because you’re in recovery. Work stress, relationship conflict, or financial struggles can weigh heavily.
- Triggers. People, places, or situations that remind you of past substance use can trigger cravings and emotional distress.
- Unrealistic expectations. Thinking that recovery will be easy or linear can lead to disappointment when challenges arise.
- Lack of support. Without a strong support system, it’s easy to feel alone or misunderstood.
- Negative self-talk. Harsh inner dialogue can wear down your confidence and make you question your progress.
- Complacency. Sometimes, things are going so well that we let our guard down and stop using the tools we’ve learned.
How to Recognize and Deal With a Setback
The sooner you can recognize a setback, the sooner you can take steps to redirect yourself. Here are some signs that you may be struggling:
- You’ve missed therapy sessions or support group meetings.
- You’re avoiding friends or loved ones who support your recovery.
- You’re having intense cravings or romanticizing past substance use.
- You feel hopeless, numb, or emotionally overwhelmed.
- You’ve had a slip and feel tempted to give up altogether.
Dealing with a setback starts with honesty. Be real with yourself. Denial only deepens the damage. Reach out to someone you trust—whether it’s a sponsor, a friend, a therapist, or a staff member at Mountain Laurel Recovery Center. You don’t have to face this alone.
Tips for Managing Setbacks in Recovery
You can handle this. One step, one day, one moment at a time. Here are some practical tips to help you get back on track:
- Don’t panic or shame yourself. Setbacks are common in recovery. They don’t mean you’ve failed—they mean you’re human. Speak to yourself with kindness. You deserve compassion, not criticism.
- Talk about it. Isolation breeds shame. Talk to someone. Let them help you make sense of what happened and what you need now. Vulnerability is a strength.
- Revisit your recovery plan. Think about what’s been working—and what hasn’t. Do you need more structure? More therapy? More time for self-care? Adjust your plan without judgment.
- Reconnect with your support system. Whether it’s your recovery community from AA or NA, family, therapist, or peers from Mountain Laurel, now is the time to lean on your people. You don’t have to carry this weight alone.
- Focus on what you’ve already achieved. You’ve already come so far. Even if you’ve had a slip, that doesn’t erase the growth you’ve made. Let your past progress remind you of your strength.
- Practice self-care like it’s a priority. When you feel emotionally shaky, go back to the basics of self-care: eat a balanced diet, rest, hydrate, move your body, and do things that calm your nervous system.
- Take one small step today. You don’t have to fix everything at once. Make one healthy choice—call someone, journal, or go to a meeting. Then take another step tomorrow.
Ready to Start Again? Our Pennsylvania Treatment is Here For You
If you’re struggling with a setback, reach out to Mountain Laurel Recovery Center in Westfield, PA. Our team provides compassionate, individualized support for every stage of recovery. You don’t have to do this alone—and you don’t have to give up.