Founder and Contributing Writer – Jason Mayo
Words matter. The way we frame our experiences can shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. For years, the terms “relapse” and “slip” have been used to describe setbacks in recovery. But these words come with heavy baggage—shame, guilt, and the idea that all progress has been lost.
I don’t use those terms anymore. I prefer the word “interruption.”
An interruption isn’t a failure. It’s a pause, a momentary detour from the path you’ve been walking. It doesn’t erase the distance you’ve traveled, the lessons you’ve learned, or the strength you’ve gained along the way. It acknowledges that recovery is not a straight line and that every step forward builds resilience, no matter how many interruptions you face.
Why the Language of Recovery Matters
The word “relapse” often carries a finality that can discourage someone from getting back on track. It implies starting over, as if everything you’ve worked for disappears in an instant. This can be crushing for someone in recovery who’s already battling self-doubt.
“Interruption,” on the other hand, is empowering. It recognizes that:
- Recovery is a Journey: It’s not about perfection but progress.
- Experience is Permanent: You don’t lose the knowledge, growth, or tools you’ve developed.
- You’re Not Defined by a Moment: An interruption doesn’t undo your identity as a person in recovery.
The Truth About Recovery
Recovery is not linear. It’s messy, filled with highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. When we reframe setbacks as interruptions, we give ourselves permission to keep moving forward without the added weight of shame.
Think about it like this: If you’re driving and take a wrong turn, you don’t go back to your starting point. You check the map, correct your course, and keep going. The same applies to recovery. An interruption is a wrong turn—not the end of the road.
How to Handle an Interruption
If you experience an interruption, here are some steps to regain momentum:
- Pause and Reflect
Take a moment to understand what happened. What were the triggers? What were you feeling? Reflection helps you identify patterns and learn from the experience. - Reach Out for Support
Talk to your sponsor, therapist, or trusted friend. Remember, you’re not alone, and there’s no shame in asking for help. - Reaffirm Your Commitment
Remind yourself why you started this journey. Recovery is still yours, and you have every right to reclaim it. - Focus on What You’ve Gained
List the skills, tools, and achievements you’ve collected so far. These are still yours—they didn’t vanish because of an interruption. - Get Back on the Path
Take the next right step, no matter how small. Recovery is about progress, not perfection.
Words Are Tools, Not Weapons
By replacing “relapse” with “interruption,” we change the narrative from one of failure to one of resilience. It’s a small but powerful shift that can make a world of difference for someone struggling to stay hopeful in recovery.
So, let’s give ourselves and each other the grace we deserve. Let’s stop letting one moment define our worth or progress. Recovery is a journey, and interruptions are just part of the map.
If you’ve experienced an interruption, know this: You are not starting over. You’re simply picking up where you left off, wiser and stronger than before. Keep going. You’ve got this.
Jason Mayo is the creator and founder of Sober Not Subtle. He is a certified recovery peer advocate in New York. Before working in recovery, Jason was owner and executive producer of award winning visual effects and animation companies in NYC.
He currently writes for The Sober Curator, has been a contributing writer for the Forbes Business Council, creator of the popular Dad blog Out-Numbered, and author of the children’s books, “Do Witches Make Fishes?” and “The Boy and the Billy Goat.” His debut memoir, In Case of Emergency, Break Childhood is due out Fall 2025.
Jason has been sober since March 25th, 2010.
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