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I'm taking a little time away to refill my cup on vacation, so this week I'm sharing one of my favorite repeat episodes. Whether it's your first time hearing it or you're listening again, I hope it meets you exactly where you are.

In this episode, we're talking about relapse—without shame, without judgment, and with a whole lot of honesty. We explore why relapse often starts long before the first drink through isolation, stress, and subtle shifts in our thinking. Most importantly, we talk about how to recognize the warning signs early and what to do if a slip happens.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why relapse is usually a gradual process that begins with thinking and disconnection.
• Common warning signs like isolation, resentment, stress, and romanticizing drinking.
• What people mean when they say, "Your disease does push-ups in the parking lot."
• The relapse thoughts that sound perfectly reasonable—but can be incredibly dangerous.
• Why hiding after a slip only feeds the problem, while connection is what helps us heal.
• Practical next steps after a relapse: reach out, tell the truth, get back to meetings, and start again.
• How friends and family can support recovery without shaming or enabling.
• How relapse can uncover weak spots like burnout, overconfidence, and unresolved pain.

If you're struggling today, please don't do it alone. Reach out. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help.

You can always email me at [email protected], or visit MarcyBackhusMedia.com—that's Marcy with a Y and Backhus with a CK—where you can send me a message through the website.

Thanks for being here, and I hope this episode reminds you that recovery is never about perfection—it's about coming back, one day at a time.