When overcoming addiction, whether it’s pornography, substance abuse, or any other destructive habit, one of the biggest challenges is recognizing when we’re heading toward a relapse. Too often, we assume that falling back into old patterns happens suddenly—one moment we’re doing fine, and the next, we’ve made a choice we regret. But in reality, relapse is a process, not an event.
This is where the FASTER Scale comes in. The FASTER Scale is a tool designed to help us identify the emotional and behavioral patterns that lead us toward relapse before we get there. By recognizing the warning signs early, we can take intentional steps to course-correct, lean on our faith, and seek accountability before we find ourselves in a full-blown relapse.
What Is the FASTER Scale?
The FASTER Scale breaks down the progressive steps that lead from a place of health and recovery toward relapse. It helps us track where we are emotionally and spiritually, giving us insight into when we’re starting to drift away from a place of peace and connection with God.
The acronym FASTER stands for:
- Forgetting Priorities
- Anxiety
- Speeding Up
- Ticked Off
- Exhausted
- Relapse
Each stage represents a movement away from health and toward destructive behaviors. Let’s explore each one and how we can respond biblically.
1. Forgetting Priorities
This is the first step toward relapse. At this stage, we start to neglect the healthy routines and commitments that keep us grounded—prayer, Bible reading, accountability, rest, and self-care. We might become distracted by work, entertainment, or even just everyday busyness.
📖 Biblical Reminder: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
✅ Action Step: Take time to assess your priorities. Have you been spending less time in God’s Word? Are you skipping check-ins with an accountability partner? Refocus before small compromises turn into bigger struggles.
2. Anxiety
As we move further from healthy habits, stress and anxiety begin to creep in. We may feel restless, overwhelmed, or uneasy. Instead of bringing these feelings to God, we try to control situations ourselves or numb the discomfort in unhealthy ways.
📖 Biblical Reminder: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
✅ Action Step: Recognize your anxiety triggers. Instead of stuffing your emotions or distracting yourself, bring them before God in prayer and seek wise counsel.
3. Speeding Up
When anxiety builds, we often try to outrun it by speeding up—filling our schedules, staying busy, and avoiding stillness. We tell ourselves we’re being “productive,” but in reality, we’re running from something inside us.
📖 Biblical Reminder: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
✅ Action Step: Make space for stillness. Slow down. Take time to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with God. Recovery isn’t just about doing; it’s about being in His presence.
4. Ticked Off
If we don’t address our stress and busyness, frustration starts to build. We become irritable, impatient, and easily angered. Small inconveniences feel like huge annoyances, and we might lash out at loved ones.
📖 Biblical Reminder: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
✅ Action Step: Pay attention to your reactions. If you find yourself getting short-tempered or feeling resentful, take a step back. Ask yourself, What’s really going on in my heart? Pray for peace and ask God to help you respond with grace.
5. Exhausted
Running on stress, anger, and avoidance eventually leads to exhaustion—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. At this stage, we feel drained, hopeless, and like we have nothing left to give. We may struggle with sleep, isolate from others, or feel numb.
📖 Biblical Reminder: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
✅ Action Step: Rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you’re feeling exhausted, don’t ignore it. Take intentional steps to rest and recharge. Spend time with God, engage in healthy activities, and connect with supportive people.
6. Relapse
At the bottom of the FASTER Scale is relapse. This is when we fall back into destructive habits, whether it’s pornography, alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviors. By the time we reach this stage, we often feel like we’ve lost control, and shame can take over.
📖 Biblical Reminder: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
✅ Action Step: If you’ve relapsed, don’t stay stuck in shame. Acknowledge what happened, seek accountability, and remember that God’s grace is greater than your failures. Recovery isn’t about never stumbling—it’s about learning how to get back up and keep moving forward.
How to Use the FASTER Scale in Your Recovery
Now that we understand the scale, how can we apply it?
- Daily Check-Ins – Reflect on where you are on the scale each day. Are you feeling anxious? Rushing around? Easily frustrated? Recognizing your state early helps prevent relapse.
- Accountability Conversations – Share this tool with a trusted mentor, counselor, or group. Regular check-ins with someone who understands your journey can be life-changing.
- Prayer and Reflection – Ask God to reveal areas where you’re starting to drift. Bring your emotions and struggles to Him honestly.
- Healthy Coping Strategies – When you notice yourself moving down the scale, don’t wait until it’s too late. Take action—whether that’s resting, reaching out for help, or reconnecting with God.
Final Thoughts
Recovery isn’t about willpower alone—it’s about awareness, intentionality, and dependence on God. The FASTER Scale is a practical tool that helps us recognize when we’re moving toward danger, giving us the opportunity to realign our hearts before we fall into old habits.
If you’re serious about breaking free from addiction, don’t just rely on self-discipline. Use tools like the FASTER Scale, stay accountable, and most importantly, lean on the One who offers true freedom. As Jesus said in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
You don’t have to walk this road alone. Stay connected, stay aware, and keep pressing forward—because healing is possible, and God is with you every step of the way.
Additional Resources:
https://puredesire.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/faster-scale-check-in-2017-1.pdf
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