Denial can be a major barrier that keeps people from seeking treatment for addiction. It affects not only the person in active addiction, but also family members and friends. It can be difficult to admit when there is a problem and much easier to make excuses. People who are in denial are often unaware that there is an issue and this can mean that things spiral out of control before they finally get help.
Overcoming denial can take time. When people finally face the truth and see the reality of the situation, it can seem overwhelming. But knowing that they have support and seeking treatment at a Southern California drug and alcohol rehab center can help them get on the path to recovery.
Not everyone struggling with addiction is in denial. Some people see the damage it is causing in their lives and believe that they can fix things on their own or are scared or embarrassed to get help. They may also downplay the impact it has had on their lives and the lives of others and not think the problem is as bad as it is. But they do recognize that there is a problem.
Why are people in denial?
Denial is often used as a coping mechanism. It may be used to cope with fear of reality, change, judgment, or personal feelings. People become so used to the life they’re leading and it can be difficult to imagine it any differently. Being in denial that there is a problem shields them from dealing with the consequences of their actions, judgment from others, their own problems, and having to change. But this is an unhealthy way to live their life. Eventually everything will catch up with them and they’ll have to deal with it.
Sometimes family members can be in denial as well. They don’t want to admit that a loved one has an addiction problem. Perhaps they think it will reflect poorly on them or their family, they are trying to protect the person, or fail to see the seriousness of the issue. This can lead to enabling which just exacerbates the problem. If family or friends don’t step up to let the person know there is a problem, then they will continue on thinking it’s not a big deal.
Ways that denial is used
Denial can be used in many different ways to skirt around the issue of addiction or substance misuse. Recognizing these techniques can help friends and family to better identify when there is a problem.
- Rationalization: The person always has an excuse or a reason to justify what they are doing to themselves and others. They’ve had a rough day, they’re celebrating, their friends are doing it, they can stop when they want to, the list goes on.
- Comparison: They may compare their use to people they see on the news or others they know. They’re not in the same position, so they reason that their problem isn’t as bad.
- Blame: They don’t take responsibility for their actions and instead place the blame on others. Everything goes back to how someone else led to them using either directly or through their behavior.
- Diversion: Those who are battling addiction may change the focus of the conversation when it has something to do with their use. They try to steer things in another direction because they don’t want to talk about it.
- Minimization: They may downplay the issue to make it seem less serious than it is. This allows them to brush it off more easily and justify their actions.
Overcoming denial
It can take the effort of many to help someone break through their denial. One thing that friends and family can do is be honest when they notice the person denying their addiction. Don’t let them redirect the conversation or place the blame on someone else. While you don’t want to come across as attacking them, you do want to be assertive. Encourage them to be honest so they will begin to see that there is an issue, and let them know how their use has affected you.
One way to put things into perspective can be to keep a journal. Write down how often you drink or use drugs and how much you used. Looking back over your notes can give you a clearer picture of how much a part of your life substance use is.
Talking to others who have overcome addiction can help as well. They can provide honest insight and support. They can help family members to better understand what the person is going through and their thought processes. This can make talking to them about getting treatment more effective. Talking to an addiction specialist or therapist can help as well to provide direction and support.
Drug and alcohol rehab can be beneficial even while the person is still in denial. They may be resistant to go, but once they are receiving help, it can open their eyes to the problems that exist. Through therapy, support groups, and other resources they can tackle the challenges they are facing and change their pattern of thinking.
If someone you love is struggling with addiction, Chapters Capistrano can help them get the treatment they need for recovery. Through onsite detox, flexible approaches to treatment, and a variety of services, clients can break free from denial and embrace a substance-free lifestyle. Contact Chapters Capistrano online or call 888-690-4900 for more information.
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