Words matter, but not as much as the meaning behind those words.
A duel with three people isn’t actually called a duel. It’s a truel.
Three-way duels have been described since at least the nineteenth century, but the word “truel” was not introduced until the 1960s, in books about game theory and gambling.
In recovery, there are two other words that are often used interchangeably – slip and relapse.
Whether you call it a slip or a relapse, it is still a loss of sobriety, and that is what really matters. Don’t overthink it, and don’t make it more complicated than it has to be.
Paul said, “There is no time to waste, so don’t complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple” (1 Corinthians 7:30-31).
Recovery Step: We can define the nuanced differences between a slip and a relapse. But better yet, I suggest that you not do either one.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
