Why was it difficult to stop? why the relapse?
I would venture that bad habits are always difficult to stop because there is a yetzer hara, and this should prove that it’s not good for you.
Or because it’s a habit. If i try to stop picking my nose (in public, of course) and have a hard time, is it because of the yetzer hara?
I can also tell you that whenever I relapsed, there was a yereda in my davening and desire and ability to learn. when I would stop, it would take , on average 3 months , to get back to where I was before the relapse.
Understandable. However, there’s also the possibility you felt negatively about yourself, low self confidence etc.