I know I've used those phrases in the past but don't think I've done so in quite a while.
I just went back and looked at my re-introduction post from a couple of days ago and this time I just put it bluntly, "I decided to take that first drink." Simple and honest to myself and to others and it put the responsibility for my drinking exactly where it belongs--on me.
Our words do matter especially when it comes to being honest with ourselves.