Encouraging a family member or friend to enter drug and alcohol rehab can be a challenging task. Many individuals are not ready to acknowledge their issues, let alone commit to spending one to three months in a rehabilitation facility. Denial serves as a significant obstacle to treatment, preventing people from obtaining the help they desperately need.
Research from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that most individuals requiring addiction treatment do not receive it. Approximately 1 in 8 people actually access the clinical support necessary to overcome their addiction. The primary reason, affecting about 94% of those who avoid treatment, is the belief that they do not need help.
For loved ones of addicts, it can be difficult to fully grasp their perspective. While the problems may seem glaringly obvious from the outside, those suffering often choose to ignore them. Unfortunately, the effects of drugs and alcohol can numb individuals to the pain surrounding them, impairing their judgment and clouding their ability to think clearly.
Signs of Denial
Trauma and mood disorders often contribute to substance use, as co-occurring disorders are common among those affected. An individual dealing with substance use disorders may harbor specific beliefs about their condition. For instance:
Indifference
Many individuals struggling with addiction reach a point where they no longer care about achieving sobriety. They prioritize getting high above all else, often disregarding the harm they inflict on themselves and others.
Misguided Belief in Control
Some may mistakenly believe they are still in control of their substance use. They think that, despite the severity of their situation, they can quit whenever they choose. This belief applies to only a small minority; in reality, many have lost control and require assistance.
No Harm, No Foul
Others may convince themselves that their addiction does not harm anyone but themselves. They might reason that since they are the only ones using drugs or alcohol and facing the consequences, there is no reason for concern from others. However, individuals grappling with addiction often fail to recognize how their behavior impacts those around them. An intervention can sometimes help them understand the damage they are causing.
False Victimhood
Some individuals view themselves as victims of their circumstances. They may feel compelled to use substances because their environment is too challenging to handle without them. This perspective often leads them to believe that life’s stress is unbearable without drugs and alcohol, fostering a sense that the world is against them.
Regardless of the reasons behind someone’s addiction, they likely remain unaware of the extent of their danger or are unwilling to confront it. Ultimately, this results in denial. They deny needing help because they refuse to acknowledge the issues in their situation. Overcoming this barrier is often the most challenging step in the recovery process. Denial can lead to rationalizing a range of harmful behaviors, such as:
Any of these behaviors may indicate that a loved one is in denial about their addiction. Allowing this denial to persist could lead to even more severe consequences in the future.
The Impact of Denial on Individuals
A man sits on a sidewalk, reflecting on his addiction. Denial perpetuates ongoing harm not only to the individual struggling with addiction but also to those around them. While loved ones or friends may easily recognize denial, it can be less apparent to the person affected by drugs or alcohol. There are several key signs of denial, and understanding them is crucial in helping a loved one acknowledge that a problem exists. This awareness can facilitate the first step toward overcoming addiction and maintaining long-term sobriety.
The Ongoing Damage of Denial
Persistent denial of addiction tends to worsen over time, often extending into the initial days and weeks of treatment. Confronting one’s own delusions can be one of the most challenging aspects of recovery, akin to removing a bullet—it’s better to address it sooner rather than allow it to fester and worsen.
The Distortion of Denial
When an individual consistently denies the reality of their addiction, they may attempt to persuade their loved ones to accept their distorted views. This can lead friends and family to adopt a false perception of the situation or to question their own beliefs. This distortion arises from the addict’s skewed understanding and perspective, resulting in ongoing chaos and destruction.
The Isolation of Denial
Individuals struggling with addiction often become increasingly withdrawn, retreating into their own dark world. They may feel exhausted from interactions or confrontations about their addiction, prompting them to seek isolation. This often leads them to spend time only with others who share their substance abuse habits, allowing them to escape feelings of shame.
Denial and Codependency
As you work to help your loved one recognize the reality of their situation, you might begin to notice unhealthy codependent behaviors in yourself. Codependents often grapple with feelings of inadequacy, frequently comparing themselves to others. This can manifest as narcissism—having an inflated self-image while simultaneously feeling unlovable deep down. They may experience guilt and a sense of perfectionism, which provides fleeting moments of self-worth. Common signs of codependency include:
The most effective way to combat codependent behaviors is to create distance, allowing your loved one to face the consequences of their actions. While this approach may be difficult and painful, it is often the only way for them to confront reality and seek the help they truly need.
Supporting Someone in Denial
With the information on denial in mind, you may be wondering how to help your loved one address their issues. It can feel overwhelming, but there are several practical ways to foster positive change for both you and your loved one.
Organize an Intervention
Individuals struggling with addiction often struggle to accept the reality of their situation. Many do not recognize that they are dealing with a mental health condition, and even more, refuse to acknowledge the severity of the problems caused by their substance dependence. An intervention is a proven approach for friends and family to encourage a loved one to seek treatment.
An intervention involves a carefully planned process where loved ones confront the individual about their addiction. This typically takes place at a predetermined date and time, often without the addict’s prior knowledge. During the intervention, friends and family are encouraged to share their feelings and concerns in a positive and structured manner. The most effective interventions involve significant forethought and planning regarding the structure, the messages to be conveyed, and the next steps following the intervention.
Court-Ordered Treatment
A gavel used in a courtroom. According to the National Institute of Justice, there are over 3,000 drug courts across the United States. These courts facilitate the management and sentencing of drug offenders, requiring them to complete court-ordered treatment, work with specialized caseworkers, and participate in regular drug testing. Court-ordered rehabilitation provides an alternative to incarceration for individuals charged with drug-related offenses, allowing them the opportunity to receive the help they need to turn their lives around.
In Kentucky and Ohio, individuals can seek court-ordered treatment for those who are not facing active criminal charges. This is known as Casey’s Law, which allows close friends, family members, and relatives of addicts to legally require someone to attend a treatment program. The process involves petitioning a court to assess the severity of the individual’s addiction and determine whether they should be committed to treatment and the extent of that treatment.
Detachment
For friends and family members of an alcoholic, one of the most challenging yet crucial aspects of recovery is learning to let go and “let God.” In the Al-Anon program, this principle is referred to as “detachment.” Detachment encourages those in relationships with an alcoholic to separate themselves from their loved one’s addiction in a healthy way.
A key element of Al-Anon is understanding that those living with an alcoholic did not cause their drinking, cannot control it, and cannot stop it. Detachment teaches individuals how to release their fixation on the alcoholic’s behavior, relinquish attempts to control or influence them, and allow themselves to lead happier, more manageable lives.
Being involved with an alcoholic often means trying to care for or manage their addiction. The stress and exhaustion associated with this chronic disease can lead to frustration, anxiety, depression, and even unsafe living conditions. Therefore, detaching from the situation is one of the most vital steps toward achieving emotional well-being.
The Psychodynamics of Addiction
Denial is defined as the selective ignorance of information, refusing to acknowledge reality, and serves as a form of self-deception that detaches individuals from the truth. This often occurs to maintain a positive self-image. Psychological mechanisms such as repression, forgetfulness, and distraction all contribute to the dynamics of addiction, and many of these processes operate subconsciously rather than deliberately.
Traditional psychology views denial as a defense mechanism. Individuals with addiction problems frequently use denial to prevent threatening emotions from entering their consciousness. Coping with negative feelings can be challenging, leading people to create a distorted reality that is more palatable. This effort to block out unacceptable emotions often results in the development of a “false self.” Ironically, this defense mechanism can hinder the ability to seek help; for example, an alcoholic might dismiss their excessive drinking as a non-issue.
Acknowledging the negative consequences of substance abuse necessitates ending its use, which can cause significant pain and distress. Thus, denial acts as a protective barrier, shielding individuals from painful experiences and the harsh realities of their situation.
Over time, those struggling with substance abuse may experience cognitive impairment. Chronic drug and alcohol use is associated with diminished self-awareness, difficulties in memory recall, and reduced empathy. Future consequences often become insignificant as the immediate, fleeting pleasure of substance use is prioritized over long-term benefits like health, happiness, peace, and financial stability.
Ultimately, denial lies at the core of addiction, explaining why addicts may continue despite clear evidence of harm. The first step in Alcoholics Anonymous is to admit having a problem and begin seeking help. Since individuals rely on denial to shield themselves from the pain of reality, those suffering from substance abuse need new tools to cope effectively with that pain.
In Conclusion
At Sunrise Recovery in Clarksville Indiana, we offer both inpatient and outpatient facilities staffed by knowledgeable professionals committed to helping you regain a healthy lifestyle. We believe that each individual’s journey is unique and requires a tailored, ongoing approach to treatment. Contact Sunrise Recovery today to start your journey toward a brighter tomorrow.
