Ways to Help an Alcoholic in Denial
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) impacts a person’s behavior, affects their cognitive abilities, and makes it challenging to deal with concurrent mental health issues. Working with such patients requires a high level of empathy and a lot of patience. Many people deny they have AUD. This coping mechanism allows them to postpone dealing with the consequences of this condition. It might be daunting to help an alcoholic in denial without understanding what steps to take to minimize the dangerous effects of their habits. This guide explores the most effective ways to support someone struggling with excessive alcohol use.
What is Denial in Alcohol Misuse?
Denial is an AUD symptom, making it difficult for a person to understand they need to seek help. It prevents individuals from changing unhealthy behaviors and adopting better lifestyle habits. Many people suffer from this condition without understanding how their inability to assess their state accurately prevents them from getting the assistance they need. In the worst cases, denial can result in lifelong delusions.
One might ask: “Do alcoholics get hangovers”? At early stages of AUD, they experience discomfort between episodes, but during advanced stages, they get used to it. A patient struggling with AUD refuses to think about their problem and becomes aggressive when someone suggests seeking help. Lack of self-awareness makes them increasingly vulnerable and worsens their long-term health outcomes.
AUD is a medical condition. It should be diagnosed by healthcare specialists. Besides physical dependence on alcohol, AUD is characterized by intense cravings, making a person virtually incapable of keeping their habits under control. One may also experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms after stopping drinking.
Even though AUD symptoms may become obvious to relatives, an alcohol addict often remains in denial and avoids discussing their health. They may fear judgment or feel ashamed of their habits. Recognizing the signs of avoidance is the first step toward addressing the problem.
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Common Signs of Alcohol Dependence Denial
If someone refuses to admit their dependence, it may indicate they refuse to accept the reality. When confronted, they are likely to downplay the severity of their symptoms and insist they are perfectly capable of dealing with them.
Some relatives ask: “Why are alcoholics in denial?” It protects them against unpleasant truths. Some are prone to blaming others, throwing insults, hiding their true feelings, and coming up with complex rationalizations. Many patients with AUD cannot control their urges anymore. Here are the main signs of denial:
- Attempt to blame their surroundings or circumstances. Individuals focus on the things that trigger negative behaviors and forget about accountability. They do not consider themselves responsible for their life and do not see why they should change their lifestyles.
- Secretive behavior. Those who resort to alcohol abuse often consume substances in secret. They withhold information about their way of life and lie about the state of their finances and problems caused by AUD. When confronted, they close up instantly and downplay the situation.
- Comparing themselves to other people in their lives. They believe they consume less alcohol than their parents or friends. It allows them to see themselves in a better light.
- Demonstrating a defensive attitude. When asked a direct question about AUD, such patients feel challenged and may shift to sarcasm or throw an angry retort back. Besides, they believe they keep the situation under control and can refrain from consuming substances for any period they want if they deem it necessary.
- Coming up with excuses. Excessive rationalization of AUD results in generic explanations. It masks an inability to act as a responsible adult.
When communicating with an alcoholic in denial, don’t be misled if they are quick to agree to follow your suggestions. They might do it only to please you, but it does not mean they will act on their words and promises. Stay vigilant and hold them accountable to achieve success.
Main Stages of Denial in AUD
An inability to accept AUD develops gradually. This behavioral strategy indicates a person faces a problem they cannot solve by themselves. They start by justifying their actions and gradually convince themselves that they do not have any issues they need to fix. Here are the key stages of denial.
- Initial stage. Problems at work or interpersonal conflicts sound like perfect explanations. When people start to believe that alcohol consumption was caused by a changing situation, they form an efficient survival strategy to deal with shame.
- Further development. Once a single episode turns into a habit, it helps a patient successfully deal with guilt and shame. They become less likely to accept responsibility and admit they have a serious problem.
- Advanced denial. A patient deceives themselves and their loved ones, which prevents them from fixing the issue.
Many people wonder: “Is hiding alcohol a sign of alcoholism?” It’s one of the most common signs of the problem. When one no longer believes others wish them best, they become extremely cautious and learn how to hide their true thoughts. It’s only when close people motivate them to recognize these symptoms and become aware of their behaviors that they get a chance to change their ways.
What is Secondary Alcoholism Denial?
This situation happens when family members and friends disregard the severity of AUD. This denial is especially dangerous if one fails to recognize the signs of mental health disorders in their partners. They make excuses about their behaviors and attribute them to trauma, a difficult day, or stress.
Fear of a direct conversation leads to the normalization of unhealthy dynamics. Family members may start taking extra responsibilities to cover up for a person’s inability to manage their life. They are ashamed to admit the situation and do not seek assistance from professionals.
How to Help an Alcoholic in Denial
When a person’s destructive behaviors start to impact their life, career, and relationships, it’s time to show the way out. Understanding the different types of denial in addiction, such as minimization, rationalization, and blaming, is essential for guiding a person toward recovery. Closest people assist individuals suffering from AUD to recognize the risks associated with their behaviors. Below, we have described the main steps people should take to motivate their friend or relative to get alcohol addiction help. They will allow one to grasp the severity of the condition and take the necessary measures.
Step1. Discuss the Problem
Even if your relative is a functioning alcoholic and can still perform daily tasks, they may still demonstrate some signs of asocial behavior. It may point out the necessity of having a serious conversation about their changed habits. Choose the right time and location. An addict should feel safe and comfortable knowing that they won’t be eavesdropped on. Going for a walk or visiting a person at home might be a great solution if you want to discuss the problem in a secure setting.
When an individual feels safe, they are more likely to discuss their fears openly. Be sure to gently bring up the examples of their destructive behavior without sounding judgmental. It will help them understand that their habits have a negative impact on their life. If they suddenly become defensive, stay calm and approach the situation with kindness. It’s recommended to avoid using words like “addict” and “alcoholic,” as they may provoke an instant negative response.
Step 2. Describe the Best Ways to Get Support
After getting past the denial behavior and helping an individual recognize they have AUD, be sure to show them the way out. Having a supportive environment is important to achieve long-term sobriety. Family members and close friends cope with this task most effectively. They need to provide the necessary resources, suggest signing up for therapy, or joining support groups. The main goal is to show an individual that they do not need to deal with everything alone, as they will always have the support of their peers and relatives. Also, joining Alcoholics Anonymous can be a valuable step toward long-term recovery.
Step 3. Establish Clear Boundaries
Denial in addiction is a persistent condition, which means it could take several conversations to bring your point across. Be firm and insist that a person needs help even if they do not take the issue seriously yet. Describe in detail how their habits affect others and show them what they should do to move toward recovery. Express your concerns instead of throwing accusations. Be sure to offer several alternatives to show the person that they are free to choose a suitable approach.
Recovering is a long and challenging process, but you don’t have to be alone. We are here to guide you and offer a safe and substance-free environment to regain control of your life and create a new path for your future.
Moving Toward the Recovery
Many addicts experience shame from drinking and need only a slight nudge to get their lives back on track. After joining Alcoholics Anonymous and enrolling in rehab centers, they find a supportive community of peers who will help them move forward and achieve sustainable progress. There are dedicated centers for those who battle alcoholism. Staying surrounded by peers who face the same problem permits one to recognize their condition and accept help.
Although an Eco Sober is not a rehab, it provides a safe haven for every alcoholic in denial. It allows people to find a community of individuals who share their goals and aspirations. Living in a well-organized environment is perfect for achieving peace of mind and focusing on getting better. We offer an opportunity to stay at safe and clean facilities, where a person can communicate with their peers who understand the challenges they have to deal with. If your relative needs to achieve sobriety, get in touch with our team now and embrace a new life without unhealthy habits.
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