[Choice Recovery Coaching]

Some say reoccurrence is a natural part of the process, while others believe it should not be normalized. Is reoccurrence a predictable part of change, or does normalizing it lower expectations and personal accountability?

[Michelle Simons]

It can be a part of the addiction process.  To quote William White Relapse of recurrence however you name is what actually defines addiction but it’s not a part of the recovery process or “getting well”.

See WW article: Relapse is not a part of recovery attached. Although I’m sure you have.

“Relapse is part of recovery” blurs the distinction between illness (addiction) and health (recovery).
It fails to acknowledge that full, permanent recovery without relapse is possible.
It minimizes the serious harm, including death, that can result from relapse.
It reinforces stigma and pessimistic beliefs about addiction and recovery.
It can act as an excuse or invitation for continued substance use.
It allows treatment programs to avoid accountability for poor recovery outcomes.

PDF

Relapse-is-NOT-Part-of-Recovery-William-White.pdf 136 KB