Originally Posted by
tomsteve 
I know a man who had over 20 years sober that went back out. Only out for a month, I was very glad to see him back at an AA meeting. Something I don't want to forget hearing him say: I didn't pick up where I left off. It was as if I never stopped. Why it's like that I don't know. But I believe it and accept it.
Many years ago I read, or heard, that if you relapse you pick up where you left of but, quickly progress to where you would be as if you never stopped. Anyway you look at it, it's scary stuff!