Drug and alcohol addiction can change a person’s appearance, behaviors, and emotions. Living with substance use disorder (SUD) makes most aspects of life more challenging. People may experience consequences in their mental and physical health, relationships, and ability to function daily.
The impacts of addiction can be severe. However, many people with SUD don’t recognize the severity of their addiction. They may be in denial about their problem, preventing them from getting help when needed.
This article will explore addiction denial. You will learn:
- What denial is
- The link between denial and addiction
- How to recognize the signs of denial
- How to help a loved one in denial about addiction
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with drinking or using drugs but doesn’t seem to realize it, you are not alone. Reach out to the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to explore our treatment and support programs. Contact us to verify insurance, ask questions, or schedule an intake appointment.
Understanding Denial
Addiction denial occurs when an alcohol or drug-addicted person cannot recognize the harmful consequences of their substance abuse. According to the American Psychological Association, denial is a coping strategy. It allows people to ignore negative thoughts and emotions.
To an outsider, someone living in denial may seem to lack awareness of their alcohol or drug abuse. They may seem to use manipulative tactics or forms of self-deception to avoid reality.
Denial may happen in three stages. First, people may simply not understand that their substance abuse is a problem. At this stage of denial, talking to an addict may be enough to help. Educating them about addiction may help them realize their problem.
In the second stage of denial, the addicted person may seek treatment. However, they are likely to return to their state of denial after completing rehab.
In the third stage, a person may accept that they are an addict but fail to prioritize recovery over other things. This can result in a long-lasting cycle of addiction that is hard to break.
What is the Connection Between Addiction and Denial?
Denial can keep people from getting the help they need to overcome long-term substance abuse. It is important to understand that people with addiction do not choose denial. Instead, it is a complex psychological process that can distort reality. It can protect people from realizing something that may cause significant distress or fear.
People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol may use this defense mechanism for a long time. Denial allows them to continue doing the things that feel comfortable to them at that moment. They may continue to deny they have a problem, even when there is plenty of evidence to the contrary.
Recognizing Denial
Recognizing the signs of denial can sometimes be challenging. The signs of denial may be subtle in some cases. Knowing what to look for can help you realize denial as quickly as possible and take action.
Here is an overview of some behaviors associated with denial.
Self-deception
People may try to downplay the consequences of their substance use. They may insist that they are in control over their drinking or drug use. They may seem to believe they could stop if they needed to.
Minimizing
People may try to minimize their substance use or its effects on their lives. They may point out other people who have “real” substance abuse issues. They may also accuse others of exaggerating about their substance use.
Rationalizing
People may argue that they can’t be an addict because they are still able to go to work. They may express the belief that all addicts are homeless or unable to function. They may attempt to justify their substance use by saying they need to use substances to manage stress or challenges. They may also blame situations or others for their substance use.
Denial can be powerful. However, it can be harder for a person to maintain their denial as the effects of their addiction worsen.
How to Help a Loved One in Denial About Addiction
Sometimes, overcoming denial happens when a significant event occurs. This may include an accident, overdose, severe health condition, relationship loss, or other major event. In other cases, people in denial will need to go through treatment to discover and address the roots of their substance abuse.
Friends and family members can play a significant role in helping an addicted person break through denial. Recognizing the signs of denial can be the first step toward getting help.
Once you recognize the signs of addiction, you may make a plan to help. For some people, this means staging an intervention. An intervention is a carefully planned conversation between an addicted person and their loved ones.
During an intervention, close friends and family members tell the addicted person how their addiction has impacted them. Then, they ask the addicted person to seek treatment right away.
Planning an effective intervention can take time and preparation. Working with a professional interventionist can help you stage the most effective intervention possible.
Find Treatment and Support
Watching a loved one struggle with the physical and mental health effects of addiction can be challenging. Get the support you need or find effective treatment by reaching out to the First Step Behavioral Health specialists. Learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment by contacting us today.
References:
- American Psychological Association (APA): Coping and defense mechanisms: A scoping review.
- Psychiatry Online: Addiction Denial and Cognitive Dysfunction: A Preliminary Investigation
