Although it may feel like the easiest option to give in to the demands and enable their drinking habits, it will only feed the problem and make it worse. It’s common for functioning alcoholics to be in denial about their dependence on alcohol. They may try to rationalise their level of drinking by saying that if they’re able to hold down alcohol rehab a job and a healthy social life, then they can’t possibly have a problem. People may deny their alcoholism for different reasons—it’s not always about hiding it.
- If you have children, it’s important to protect them from unacceptable behavior as well.
- Unlike substances like heroin or methamphetamines that are widely stigmatized, it’s easier for individuals with an alcohol use disorder to rationalize their behavior due to its social acceptability.
- It can be difficult to know what to do to minimize conflict and stress, support your loved one, and tend to your own needs at the same time.
- It is important to remember that setting boundaries does not mean abandoning or rejecting the person struggling with addiction.
Loving Someone With Alcohol Use Disorder—Dos and Dont’s
The outward stability only postpones the point at which the person recognizes their need for professional intervention. Start your journey today on the road to recovery by reaching out to our friendly addiction managers who will be able to tell you the best next steps in treating your addiction. The mental signs of alcoholism can be baffling to family members and friends who wonder if the person is just being stubborn or deliberately ignoring the problems they are causing and experiencing. There are also other potential sources of useful information on addiction treatment. For example, you may want to consult specialists not working at a recovery center.
- Friends and family members may make excuses for their loved ones’ behaviors out of love and concern because they do not want them to get into trouble.
- It’s also incredibly challenging trying to help someone in denial about their alcohol use and its impacts.
Denying Our Mental Health: Why We Do It and How To Move Past It
Plus, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol. Try to catch them before they close, as they’re precious moments when your loved one might be more receptive to help. (“It’s trivia night! It’s Margarita Wednesday at the bar!”) Then excuses and justifications start coming up.
Why Do Some People Deny Their Drinking Problems?
For instance, they might say things like, “If my spouse didn’t nag me all the time, I wouldn’t need to drink,” or “It’s just because of the stress at work that I have to drink.” State your concerns clearly, and then, whether or not it is positively received, move on to the solution. Try to keep your emotions out of it, or the conversation can quickly spiral out of control.
When someone with alcohol dependency promises they will never drink again but a short time later are back to drinking as much as always, it is easy to take the broken promises and lies personally. This is an effective way to treat the physical side of addiction, as it will flush all traces of alcohol from your system. While you should not put too much responsibility on yourself to help an alcoholic in denial to see the truth, it’s natural that you may want to do anything you can to help.
Symptoms of Denial
Somebody with a drinking problem who refuses to acknowledge it – or hides their alcohol consumption from others – is sometimes informally referred to as a high-functioning alcoholic. High-functioning alcoholics may find it difficult to face up to their drinking problems, which is why they may make excuses for their behaviour or attempt to justify their drinking habits. Private treatment at Priory’s network of hospital sites and wellbeing centres can also put your loved one on the road to recovery from alcohol addiction. Once your loved one shows signs of acceptance when it comes to their addiction, it’s time to consider next steps.
What are the four types observed in wives of alcoholics?
That’s because they think that they haven’t hit “rock bottom” or experienced severe repercussions yet. They might downplay the frequency and amount of alcohol they consume or make excuses for their behavior when confronted by loved ones. An alcoholic in denial is not a bad person – they are very sick people who how to help an alcoholic in denial need firm but compassionate guidance to help them realize that they have a serious issue that will not go away. You may be wondering how to help the addict realize that they have a problem so they can get the help they need. At the same time, you may be burned out and frustrated, wondering how you can stay sane as you live the rollercoaster life with an alcoholic in denial.
- An alcoholic may blame others or situational circumstances rather than take ownership of their behavior.
- Physical symptoms like tolerance, loss of appetite, and deteriorating health are clear and hard to deny.
- If family members try to “help” by covering up for their drinking and making excuses for them, they are playing right into their loved one’s denial game.
Unlike substances like heroin or methamphetamines that are widely stigmatized, it’s easier for individuals with an alcohol use disorder to rationalize their behavior due to its social acceptability. When your loved one is in denial about their alcohol consumption, they may become defensive and protective of their behavior. They feel the need to justify and protect their actions as a personal choice or right. Many people in denial about their drinking may believe they don’t have a problem.
