How Addicts Can Manage Denial
For most addicts, denial is the psychological problem which allows the physiological disease of addiction to take hold
. People deny their life problems as they begin to use drugs as coping tools. They deny their dangerous drug habits as they develop tolerances and begin using ever-higher doses. They deny the all-consuming nature of their addictions once they develop physical dependencies on drugs. And finally, they deny the ways in which substance abuse utterly destroys their personal and professional lives. Overall, these patterns of denial facilitate addicts drug use in the face of overwhelming consequences, consequences which might cause mentally healthier people to change their ways. To cope with addiction and live drug-free lives, addicts must therefore confront this issue with education and effective coping strategies.
There are many common statements addicts make in attempts to defend their drug use and convince themselves and others that they arent really suffering. Among them are:
I can stop whenever I want to; I just dont want to stop yet.
I can control my drinking. Im just stressed right now.
My drug use isnt hurting anybody.
My problem is only minor. In fact, I probably dont even have a problem.
I can handle this on my own.
Even in the face of dire consequences, addicts will genuinely convince themselves that their problems are minor or non-existent. Many will claim that they are still in control of when and where they use drugs and alcohol, and that they actually want to get high as often as they do. They lie to themselves, and they lie to friends, family members, and anyone else who might try to force them to face their problems.
Blatant lies are just one form of denial, however. Instead of trying to convince other people that theyre fine, many addicts will isolate themselves emotionally and physically from the people they know. Abusers may also substitute one substance for another, sometimes developing multiple addictions in attempts to convince themselves that they dont have a cocaine problem or an alcohol problem. However, these people are still compulsively, uncontrollably seeking the dopamine release which results from getting drunk or high.
Unmitigated, the thought patterns of denial can cause addicts to continue drug use indefinitely without ever seeking help. Often, families and friends must stage interventions to get addicts to admit they are struggling. When they finally decide to seek help, addicts have three primary options:
*Residential Inpatient Treatment: A thirty to ninety day stay at a rehab facility with fifty or more hours of intensive therapies per week
*Partial Hospitalization Programs: Daytime treatment combined with supervised, sober living in the evenings
*Outpatient Treatment: Flexible daytime treatment options and complete freedom during the evening
These programs vary in their levels of structure and patient involvement, but they all address the issue of denial. Proven therapies help addicts to learn the underlying causes of their denial, as well the triggers which lead them to drug use. Some of the most common therapies include:
*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
*Individual Counseling
*Peer Group Discussions
*Family Therapy
*Biofeedback Treatments
Certain relaxation therapies may also be used, including massage, painting, and acupuncture. However, these types of treatments are not proven to treat addiction in the long term.
If you or someone you love is currently struggling with addiction, there is hope. Click the links at the bottom of your screen for a toll-free, confidential consultation. We are standing by day and night to help get your life back on track.
by: Laszeros Chandlerson
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