Denial in Alcohol Use Disorder I Psych Central

Some people with alcohol use disorder hide or deny they have difficulty with alcohol use. There are many reasons why someone would do this, like fear of societal rejection or being “blamed” for their condition. People who are high functioning with a drinking problem “seem to have everything together,” says Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC, a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor.

The Role of Education in Alcoholism Awareness

Go to an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting or set up an appointment with a mental health professional. At the end of the day, the person with addiction has to be willing to accept help. There are factors that pop up again and again when determining who might have an issue with alcoholism. If you’re in the “at-risk” population, it doesn’t take much to become dependent on alcohol or other drugs. You don’t have to be homeless and drinking out of a brown paper bag to be an alcoholic.

Potential Predictors of Alcohol Use Disorders

Getting drunk after every stressful day, for example, or reaching for a bottle every time you have an argument with your spouse or boss. Treating alcoholism isn’t easy, and it doesn’t always work the first time around. Often a person has been contemplating abstinence for some time, yet couldn’t get sober on their own. Don’t blame yourself if the first intervention isn’t successful. The most successful treatment happens when a person wants to change.

Finding Detox and Treatment

1. Individuals blame outside influences instead of recognizing personal accountability for their actions and choices.
2. Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, can play a vital role in maintaining long-term sobriety.
3. In many cases, the blaming and lying will not stop until the alcoholic admits to having a drinking problem.
4. Blame involves shifting responsibility for their drinking onto external factors.

Before you speak with them, try putting yourself in their shoes. The most important thing is to let them know that you care and that you’ll be there when they need your support. Realize that you can’t force someone who doesn’t want to go into treatment. Imagine yourself in the same situation and what your reaction might be. Let the person you care for know that you’re available and that you care.

Secondary denial often prevents loved ones from addressing this issue with HFAs and therefore preventing them from getting treatment. If you think a family member or loved one might be showing signs, signals or symptoms of alcoholism, know that it won’t “go away” on its own. Their brain is changing—and without help, there can be serious long-term consequences. Early treatment and intervention can help people with alcohol use disorder. While it’s up to the person to willingly start their sobriety journey, you can also help. Read on for some steps you can take to help your friend, family member, or loved one.

Mental Health Services

Remember, we understand the challenges you or a loved one might face, and seeking professional help is crucial in overcoming denial and working toward recovery. There may be many reasons why someone is hesitant to seek help — from lack of awareness to stigma and shame. In our society, drinking is often how do you smoke moon rocks normalized and socially accepted.

“I see it as a protective barrier we have that we might or might not be aware of,” Scholl says. “It keeps us safe. It also keeps us from looking at ourselves or addressing something around us and making a change.” If someone you trust has suggested you are, take time to step back and examine the situation from afar. Try to think objectively about the little and big ways alcohol or drugs play a role in your life. One critical component in the recovery process is finding a suitable treatment center.

Begin by addressing the issue privately and calmly, while demonstrating your concern for their well-being. Discuss the negative consequences of their drinking habits and emphasize the benefits of seeking help. Along the way, consider involving friends or loved ones in the process for additional support.

Try to formulate statements that are positive and supportive. Unconditional love and encouragement will go a long way in helping your loved one find freedom from alcoholism but, ultimately, the desire to change has to come from within. If you’ve had thoughts similar to the above, you may want to speak with someone you trust or a therapist to further explore your habits. They can help you recognize and overcome denial, improve your habits, or get help for a substance use disorder. Learn how to recognize denial, better understand how it affects the cycle of addiction, and how to help yourself or someone you know get past it.