Relapsing to porn can feel like you’ve destroyed all your progress, but that’s not true. In this episode of The Pausing Porn Podcast, I break down exactly what a relapse is, why it happens from a brain-science perspective, and how to respond in a way that actually strengthens your recovery. You’ll learn how the prefrontal cortex and limbic system interact during a relapse, how shame and the Abstinence Violation Effect can pull you deeper into the cycle, and why self-compassion is key to bouncing back. I also walk you through a step-by-step process you can follow immediately after a relapse to reset, reflect, and reconnect with your recovery, without starting from scratch. Whether you slipped yesterday or last month, this episode is your guide to turning a setback into a comeback.