In the SAA and SLAA 12 Step programs, there’s a term that’s often used to describe when a person in recovery is doing behaviors that is teeter tottering on the edge of their old addiction. It’s called being on the “Slippery Slope”.
Truth be told, there can be a “slippery slope” for any person in recovery from any former addiction. In AA, it might come in the form of hanging out with individuals regularly at bars. In NA, it might come in the form of regularly spending time with old friends who might also be drug dealers. In OA, it might come in the form of frequently going to restaurants that have huge buffets. As for those in SAA or SLAA, when they might be on the “slippery slope”, it could come in many forms such as repeatedly perusing the internet for G-rated pictures, habitually driving down streets or going by places where hook-ups used to occur, watching movies often that have strong sexual content, or spending time with someone on a consistent basis who is presently engaging in promiscuous behavior.
In my case, I’ve actually had a few of these “slippery slope” incidents as of late myself. One was with someone I had lunch with not too long ago whom I find very triggering and alluring only because of his present promiscuity. Another was a random sexual innuendo I made to a friend I’ve always found attractive. A third came in the form of watching a movie or two on Netflix that tempted me with a few semi-strong sexual scenes. And lastly, one that happened just the other day was when I stayed behind after an SAA meeting ended solely to talk with someone who reminds me quite vividly of previous acting out partners. And while our conversation did remain healthy, even having an extended talk with this person was like putting an opened bottle of the best beer into a recovering alcoholic’s hand for a good while.
Most often why a person who’s recovering from an addiction such as myself lands in this “slippery slope” territory and starts doing some of those behaviors is usually to tempt and test themselves. Most “slippery slope” behaviors are really just like getting a mini taste of our old addiction. In other words, we get a slight high off of doing them.
While being in the “slippery slope” area may not be an actual relapse, it is a totally dangerous place to be in. Many who allow themselves to stay in this area for too long of a time eventually land in a full-blown relapse. Thankfully that hasn’t happened to me with the few times I’ve found myself in this unhealthy arena. And truthfully, the main reason why I’m writing this for the rest of the world to read is to keep myself accountable and not let my ego kid me about any of my former addictions.
I’m still a recovering addict from a number of things and always will be. I know the “slippery slope” is not a healthy place to ever be in with any of my 12 Step programs. I’m just glad that I recognize it pretty quickly nowadays whenever I find myself getting in that risky place and immediately do the healthiest thing I can do. What is it? I simply draw much closer to my Higher Power through prayer, as that always gets me back on the right path and fast…
Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson