Here on SR, there are a few evergreen topics that arise somewhat regularly:
- Is it OK to drink NA beer in recovery?
- Is Antabuse a good idea?
- Is this PAWS and how long does it last?
As a poster noted here, the ol' "recovery programs say relapse is a normal part ... " comes up, too. I've come to think that's urban legend. Perhaps something that got misconstrued somewhere along the line and repeated enough until it became canon.
I really have never seen comments from any recovery veteran here on SR, or anything in recovery literature, saying anything that would support the notion that relapse is part of recovery.
Words matter greatly, but not as much as the context in which they're delivered. From time to time, I've seen people write something along the lines of "yeah, I slipped and had a few drinks but ..." or "yeah, I fell off the wagon but it was (sporting event, some celebration or another but" and it's hard not to wonder whether the seriousness of drinking while trying to achieve sobriety is being minimized.
My own definition?
"A conscious, self-destructive decision on my part, leading to that first drink and jeopardizing my health and well-being from that point on."