My slips/relapses were all because I thought this time I can control it. Over many many tries and failures, I learned that my addiction is much stronger than me. Therefore, I had to accept that I can't control my drinking and surrendered to this fact. I now, remind myself daily to be humble, trust that the world needs me sober for something greater than me, and don't let my ego guide my path.
The tight rope analogy would be the way I felt when I was still active in my drinking.