When it comes to addiction treatment; therapists, clients, and families they defiantly discuss denial as an important aspect. There is a lot of literature available on Denial.
Here we will try and understand denial as a self-deception tenancy. My post on deadly D's has an explanation on self-deception. In short, self-deception is something which prohibits the recognition and acceptance of the disease and the negative consequences. Denial is the first part of self-deception which always help the addict to be in illusion that nothing to worry..... I can stop using anytime....... or I can control my using...... I know there is nothing wrong if I drink or use....etc.
Eventually, addicts come across the negative consequences but their denial never allows them to see the reality. E.g. few addicts justify drinking saying that limited amount of drinking is good for the heart, good for xyz....etc but they fail to understand that when liver report clearly indicates the dysfunction due to the excessive, harmful use of a substance. They still stick to the selective information which supports the using.
DENIAL IS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE HARMFUL CONSEQUENCES OF ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE.
What I observed during my practice so far is we can make few categories according to the responses of various addicts which shows the patterns of denial.
1. Denial by defining the problem
2. Denial by blaming or by creating problems with external factors.
3. Denial by minimization.
Let me explain all three points elaborately.
1. DENIAL by defining the problem: addicts feel that if they can give strong reason to use no one will blame them. The other type is kept on proving people that they are functional and able to achieve something.
Like this kind of people, they say that 'look! I have a good job I am earning then how can I be an alcoholic or addict?'
My doctor only prescribed me those pills.... so I am using them.... how can I be an addict then.
But the reality is they fail to see the whole picture. They overlook the other evidence such as the withdrawals, preoccupation, cravings, family conflicts due to use, accidents under influence, fail to cut down or stop using.
2. DENIAL by Blaming or by creating problems with external factors: Most of the addicts throw the blame on external factors. they mention rather justifies that how other people and their behavior is only causing the problem. This kind of addicts may mention job pressures as the reason for alcohol/drug use. they may mention that they drink because of critical wife, physical pain, someone is trying to corner etc.
They look at the substance as a remedial part but they fail to understand that abusing alcohol or substance is putting them again into a problem rather aggravating the problem instead of solving them. Eventually, they create new problems for them. E.g; if one keep on blaming that wife is a reason for drinking; in turn, he makes his relationship more stressful with a wife. He never puts any efforts to talk about how is he getting affected by his wife's behavior or never makes an effort to openly talk to her. after some period he faces separation. then he again starts drinking more saying that his wife left him.
3. DENIAL by minimizing: To avoid the confrontation many times addicts stops defending themselves but in such situations, they opt for minimizing the amount they use and also minimizing the harmful consequences they face so far.
this kind of people they say ...... yes! I drink.... BUTTTT no as much as you think... Just 2 pegs...
No...believe me! my accidents were not under influence. I do drink but its not as bad as XYZ.
Eventually, addicts get confronted with harmful consequences. that point they are unable to deny the use &/or negative consequences of addiction. However, the story doesn't end here.
Unknowingly, once denial stops working they go to the next level of self-deception.
To know more read my next article....
SHEETAL BIDKAR
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