Getting Past Denial in Addiction

The saying, “The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem,” is 100% true. Unfortunately, many addicts needing support and recovery services cannot admit that they have a problem. Instead, they bury themselves in denial, causing their addiction problem to persist and lead to further harm.

Getting past addiction denial is vital, whether for yourself or a loved one. Read on to learn more.

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The Role of Denial in Addiction

At its core, denial plays a crucial role in ongoing addictions. It enables an addict to continue self-destructive behavior and other harmful habits that can decimate relationships, cause them to lose their jobs, and so much more. It also prevents addicts from seeking help, whether by leaning on family members or checking into an outpatient rehab center.

Depending on the person and the circumstances, denial in addiction can take several forms, such as:

• An accusatory attitude. The addict might judge individuals for their problems or behavior to deflect attention away from themselves
• Blaming other people for their condition or continued usage/drinking
• Manipulative tactics, such as playing the martyr or saying that they’re the real victim in every situation
• Justifying behavior, in which an addict might justify their decisions or harmful choices for a variety of reasons, including blaming you or those concerned for them
• “Bracketing” means using days when they are too sick or otherwise unable to drink or use drugs, then using those days as evidence that they are in control and can stop at any time.
• Destructive or harmful physical behavior, which can be particularly common among meth addicts¹
• Flat-out denial, where an addict denies that a problem exists despite evidence to the contrary and despite you pointing out that evidence right in front of them

In many cases, denial in addiction will look like many of these signs or behaviors rolled into one.

Stages of Denial

Upon first hearing the claim that they are addicted to a substance or alcohol, an addict may progress through one or several stages of denial. ² These include:

• The first shock or numbness phase, during which the addict might feel overwhelmed by the diagnosis or be unable to admit to the possibility that they are addicted to a substance.
• The second stage is characterized by anger and questioning. An addict might blame their problems on someone else or ask hypothetical questions like, “How can this happen to me?”
• The third stage is characterized by avoiding discussing the issue at all. An addict might shut down discussions about getting treatment or avoid talking to people who will continually press the matter.

But to truly grow and recover from the issue of addiction, a person has to acknowledge that they have a problem and open themselves up to the possibility of help.

Getting Past Your Denial of Addiction

No matter what form it takes, if you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, your denial of your condition only harms you in the long run. It prevents you from getting the help you need and accessing resources to assist with withdrawal symptoms and long-term recovery.

More importantly, denial of your addiction harms the people that you love. Your family members, friends, and coworkers might all be concerned for you, but you must admit that you need their help to move forward.

It’s okay to feel sad or scared. But the truth is, everyone makes mistakes. You don’t need to feel guilty about being addicted to a substance! All you need to do is admit:

• You need help.
• It’s time for your life to take a new, positive shape.

There’s nothing shameful about asking for help, especially if you ask the people who love you. If needed, ask someone whose opinion you trust frankly whether they think you are addicted to a substance. If they say yes, believe them – then check into a rehab center at the earliest opportunity.

Helping Someone Overcome Addiction Denial

What if you have a loved one addicted to drugs or alcohol but won’t admit it? This situation can be very difficult for a friend or family member, especially a parent, spouse, or child.

It’s often helpful to confront the addicted individual again and again. Over time, they might admit they have a problem and be willing to let you help them seek help. If others in your life are similarly concerned about the same individual, you may stage an intervention; get everyone together and express your love and support for the addicted person, but tell them firmly that they need to check themselves into a program to get better.

If you don’t know where to start or what to say, contact addiction pecialists. Therapists and recovery center staff members can give you the tools you need to withstand the pressures and difficulties of this situation and help you determine what’s best for your loved one during this challenging time.

Find a New Path with Desert Cove Rehabs in Arizona

Ultimately, starting on a new, healthier path is always possible, particularly when you work with the best rehabs in Arizona. Desert Cove Recovery is committed to helping people like you overcome addictions through comprehensive, science-backed treatments. With our assistance, you’ll gain the skills you need to live a full life going forward. Get in touch with one of our representatives today.

Sources:

Blake Nichols

Blake Nichols is the Director of Operations at Desert Cove Recovery. Blake battled his own addiction to drugs and alcohol and was given the gift of recovery at the age of 23. Since 2008, Blake has dedicated his life and career to the field of addiction. He has experience in all aspects of addiction treatment including direct care, admissions, marketing, and administration.

Blake feels that the greatest reward of working in the recovery field is being part of the transformation that a person goes through from the time they arrive and begin treatment, through the hard work and the Miracle of recovery, and ultimately the change into a confident and capable person ready to carry the message of recovery.

“My career has focused on serving others. I have accepted ownership of my responsibilities as that is the key to working at the highest level of professionalism. I have worked to be positive and offer solution-based suggestions in my work and personal life.”