Breaking Through The Denial

Breaking Through Denial Is An ADDICT'S First Step in Recovery.

Looking in the mirror and accepting what we see can be one of the hardest things we ever do. It’s especially hard when the image staring us in the face is painful or doesn’t fit with how we want to see ourselves. 

Sometimes, the truth is so painful that we avoid it at any cost. 

Refusing to accept a painful reality that alters the perception of ourselves is a psychological defense called DENIAL. 

As human beings, we may use denial to protect ourselves from knowledge, insight or awareness that threatens our self-esteem, mental or physical health, or security. 

The term “denial” is often used in the ADDICTION field to describe people who deny ADDICTION problems. “Denial is the tendency of alcoholics AND addicts to either disavow or distort variables associated with their drinking, drug use OR gambling, etc.... in spite of evidence to the contrary. 

It’s a common misconception that all alcoholics and addicts are in denial. In fact, people have various levels of awareness of their ADDICTION problems and readiness to change behavior. People may recognize certain facts concerning their use, such as number of arrests or how often they drink. At the same time, they may woefully misperceive the impact their addiction has had on the people around them, their relationships, how they feel about themselves, or the implications of their drinking history. 

Some common statements made by addicts who deny their disease include: 

* “I could quit anytime I wanted to.” 

* “I’d quit using if people would quit bugging me.” 

* “If you were in my situation, you’d drink, too.” 

Typically, the more severe the addiction, the stronger the denial. This is often baffling and frustrating to family members and others who care about the addicted person. If a person doesn’t recognize that his or her behavior is creating problems, then he or she wouldn’t see the need to change or seek assistance. They are also likely to react negatively to people who believe they have a problem. 

Also feeding denial is the stigma and shame associated with addiction. 

Unfortunately, much of society still perceives adiction as a moral failure. 

There are many barriers to overcoming denial. In some cases, the addicts behavior may be similar to his or her peers — it’s hard for them to understand that anything is wrong. 

Other people don’t think they can be successful in making changes in their lives, so they refuse to recognize there is a problem. 

Addicted people don’t have a monopoly on denial. The defence is also employed by many people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and AIDS. People with these diseases may use denial to avoid accepting their mortality, giving up fantasies of control or invincibility, or dramatically changing lifestyles. 

An article in the Dec. 14, 1994 issue of the “Journal of the American Medical Association” notes that “denial may constitute a barrier to the patient’s sharing of essential information; it may also interfere with the patient’s ability to hear and accept professional advice.” 

Examples of denial include not reporting chest pain or other potentially life-threatening symptoms and denying the impact of chronic or disfiguring illnesses. 

It is a myth that harshly confronting a person with the consequences of his or her behaviour helps people break through denial. 

In most cases, it builds up the defence even more. People fear coming into treatment because of the shame and stigma associated with ADDICTION; they fear rejection and confrontation and facing up to their guilt and low self-esteem. 

A more effective way is to help people learn more about their disease of addiction and get support from others who also have the disease. 

Family members can help by allowing the addicted loved one to experience the consequences of his or her addictive behavioue. If someone passes out in the yard — unless it’s a life-threatening situation — they should be left there. The person will begin to recognize that there are consequences for his or her actions. 

If family members give feedback, it should be when the person is sober or straight and it should be expressed in a caring and loving way rather than confrontational manner. 

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS IN DENIAL ABOUT AN ADDICTION CALL US TODAY FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. PHONE 07 560 66315

 

Web: www.coachingwithsubstance.org.au

 

Email info@coachingwithsubstance.org.auinfo@coachingwithsubstance.org.au

ABOUT COACHING WITH SUBSTANCE (WINNER Best Not-for-Profit 2014)

We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency for Australasia and New Zealand. Call us on 07 5606 6315 if you want to speak to an Addiction Specialist.

Our Founder, Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first of its kind in Australia as registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association that focuses on wellness using coaching principles of peak performance. She is currently completing her PhD on Recovery Coaching and is the first registered Recovery Coach in Australia.

We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all. Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained Taoist Monk, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

We welcome enquiries from all English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.