Founder and Contributing Writer – Jason Mayo
In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, introductions often begin with a straightforward declaration: “Hi, my name is Jason, and I’m an alcoholic.” For many of us in recovery, this acknowledgment is vital. It’s a cornerstone of Step One, a humbling and honest admission of our powerlessness over alcohol and the unmanageability it caused in our lives. Within the walls of an AA meeting, this label can feel like an anchor—grounding us in accountability, camaraderie, and a shared understanding that fuels recovery. But outside those rooms, this label becomes much more complicated.
The way we talk about ourselves shapes how others perceive us and, often, how we see ourselves. This is where person-centered language becomes essential. It shifts the focus from defining a person by their condition to recognizing them as a whole human being. Instead of saying, “I am an alcoholic,” person-centered language encourages statements like, “I live with substance use disorder” or “I am a person in recovery” This small change in phrasing can make a big difference in combating stigma and reframing addiction as a condition—one that is treatable and manageable with the right lifestyle changes and support.
Why Language Matters
Imagine if we defined people entirely by their medical conditions. No one introduces themselves as, “Hi, I’m Jason, and I’m diabetic,” or, “Hi, I’m Amanda, and I’m HIV positive.” These health challenges, while significant, do not encapsulate the full complexity of who these individuals are. Yet in the realm of addiction and recovery, labels like “alcoholic” or “addict” are often used in ways that reduce a person to their struggle, overshadowing their humanity, achievements, and potential.
When we use terms like “alcoholic” or “addict” outside of a recovery context, the focus tends to shift away from recovery and toward the stigma associated with these words. For many, these terms conjure up stereotypes—images of people who are broken, unreliable, or perpetually struggling. In reality, people in recovery are mothers, fathers, friends, professionals, artists, volunteers, and so much more. We are creative, intelligent, empathetic, and resilient. Our struggles may shape us, but they don’t define us.
Person-Centered Language and Recovery
Person-centered language emphasizes that addiction is a condition, not an identity. Phrases like “living with substance use disorder” or “a person in recovery” recognize that addiction is something a person experiences, not who they are. This language aligns with the understanding that recovery is possible and that people can and do lead fulfilling lives beyond their struggles with alcohol or drugs.
The power of this shift in language lies in how it changes perceptions—not just others’ but our own. It reinforces the idea that we are more than our addiction. While AA’s introduction practice serves a specific purpose—reminding us to stay vigilant against the disease—it’s equally important to remember, especially in broader contexts, that we are multifaceted individuals.
It’s important to acknowledge that within AA, identifying as an alcoholic has its purpose. It connects us to the program’s principles and reminds us of our need for ongoing recovery work. However, outside of AA, we can embrace a broader narrative. We can own our recovery while also highlighting the many layers of who we are.
For me, this balance has been a revelation. I am a person in long-term recovery. I am also a husband, father, writer, advocate, gamer (not a very good one) and friend. My recovery is a defining part of my life, but it is not the only part. This perspective doesn’t diminish the importance of my sobriety; it enriches it by integrating it into the larger tapestry of my identity.
Fighting Stigma Through Language
Stigma thrives on oversimplification and misunderstanding. By defining people solely by their struggles with addiction, society perpetuates harmful narratives that addiction is a moral failing or a character flaw. Person-centered language challenges these narratives by reframing addiction as a complex, multifaceted condition influenced by genetics, environment, and mental health.
When we use empowering, respectful language, we help shift societal attitudes. Instead of being seen as “those people,” individuals with substance use disorders are recognized as part of the larger human story—people who face challenges but also contribute to their families, communities, and workplaces. This shift doesn’t just benefit those in recovery; it fosters a more compassionate and understanding society.
A Call to Action
Changing language is more than a semantic exercise—it’s a way to build bridges, challenge stigma, and foster understanding. By embracing person-centered language, we remind ourselves and others that recovery is not just about what we’ve overcome but also about the lives we’re building.
So, let’s introduce ourselves not just by our struggles but by the full spectrum of who we are. We are more than our addiction. We are living proof that recovery is possible, and that life beyond addiction is rich, complex, and worth celebrating.
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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