It’s because they don’t have up-to-date information on what constitutes excessive alcohol consumption. Rationalization involves coming up with justifications or explanations to make their drinking seem reasonable or acceptable. They might say things like, “I only drink to relieve stress” or “Everyone drinks; it’s a normal way to unwind.”

Four variables contributed significantly to the analysis including three of the criteria predicted in Hypothesis 5 along with a SUD on illicit drugs other than cannabis. If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to help them, especially if they are in denial about their unhealthy substance use. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you find support for your loved one such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

1. Secondary denial is a form of denial that doesn’t come from the alcoholic, but from the people they surround themselves with.
2. “Express your love and point out what you’re seeing. Talk about how it affects you. And then give it time. You can’t force anyone to change. All you can do is plant a seed.”
3. The disease affects neurochemistry, and alcoholics typically refuse to believe they have an alcohol use disorder.
4. These support groups allow you to interact with people in similar situations.
5. Treating alcoholism isn’t easy, and it doesn’t always work the first time around.

Access to educational materials and ongoing support can be invaluable in addressing alcoholic denial and guiding individuals towards a healthier life. By utilizing empathetic and compassionate approaches, we understand the challenges you or a loved one might face and want to help you overcome them. Don’t hesitate to reach out to experts in the field, such as Sabino Recovery, to gain further insight into alcohol addiction and the recovery process.

Recruitment of original SDPS probands

Along the way, consider involving friends or loved ones in the process for additional support. To increase your success, plan and rehearse your intervention with everyone present prior to the actual confrontation. Usually, by the time the disease has gotten to the crisis point, a person with alcohol use disorder has developed a support system of family and friends who unwittingly enable the denial. They can display secondary denial, making similar excuses for the drinking and its consequences. Many people with the disorder lie sun rock strain and blame others for their actions. But knowing the behavioral consequences of alcohol addiction can help people understand the disease and help loved ones seek treatment.

Treatment and Recovery Pathways

But not everyone living with alcohol use disorder experiences the same level of denial, if they experience it at all. Your loved one may be aware of some of the effects of alcohol use, but not of others. The challenges faced in this arena have provided her with a strong base of practice in assessment, treatment, and case management.

What if your loved one refuses?

That is, individuals with substance disorders use denial in order to prevent threatening emotions entering our conscious thought. Lacking the capability to cope with negative states, they will erect powerful, sometimes intransigent, defenses in a desperate effort to avoid feeling them. Keeping the unacceptable feelings out of awareness result in the development of a “false self.” The price for this protection is the inability to seek out help. For instance, an alcoholic dismisses that his or her excessive drinking is a real problem. From a psychological perspective, denial allows the individual to maintain a sense of control and stability, even as their addiction spirals.

These conversations can be tricky and emotional, so you may want to involve a therapist or counselor. If you think someone you know is in denial about their drug or alcohol use, try to be understanding and supportive. Sometimes denial can be helpful for a little while when dealing with a stressful or traumatic situation. But staying in denial is harmful because it prevents you from seeking help or addressing a situation.

From the early stages of detoxification, or detox, to inpatient treatment, through to aftercare, addiction medicine continues to develop and support individuals in recovery. Many people with alcohol addiction lie to hide their drinking habits or the severity of their addiction. Or they may say they’ve only had one beer when they’ve actually had many more. Many people with alcohol addiction grapple with guilt and anger, which can lead to blame. People may blame loved ones or employers for causing stress that led to their drinking problems. Or they may point the finger at a friend or co-worker for buying them a beer in the past.

There may be many reasons why someone is hesitant to seek help — from lack of awareness to stigma and shame. You, too, might realize that your relationship with alcohol is negatively affecting your life. Remember, enabling behaviors often stem from a place of care but can hinder progress toward recovery. It’s essential for loved ones to learn healthier ways to support themselves without perpetuating denial.