Slip as Binge
© 1999, Chris Heller
Slip as Binge
While most uses of the word "slip" involve either some sort of accident or undesirable behavior, there is at least one use of this word that involves both. Some people recovering from addictions to alcohol or other drugs speak of brief returns to drinking and/or using as "slips." Such people might say:
"Yes, Suzy had a slip last weekend, but she's back on the wagon now."
Recovering alcoholics and addicts who adhere strictly to the Alcoholics Anonymous guidelines, however, don't believe in such slips. For these people, any return to drinking and/or using can only be called a relapse. These people would likely respond to Suzy's situation like this:
"No, dammit, Suzy didn't have a 'slip.' Suzy got drunk."