What Is the Role of Denial in Alcoholism?

To prepare for the study we searched the literature for specific characteristics of individuals who evidence denial. When you call our helpline, you’ll be connected with a representative who can assist you in finding mental health and addiction treatment resources at any of the Ark Behavioral Health addiction treatment facilities. Coming to the rescue of a loved one who struggles with alcohol dependence may seem like the right thing to do, but it essentially allows them to never experience the negative consequences of their drinking. For many who struggle with alcohol use disorder, it’s much easier to pretend that the problem doesn’t exist. That way, there’s no need to make major lifestyle changes or face difficult emotions.

She was also darkly depressed and felt isolated, though family and friends say they tried to reach her. On the other hand, those around her were willing to help turn her resistance to rehab into a financially profitable pop tune. Lucre for them on the back of her suffering, though she was a willing partner in this public display of self-harm. “Rehab” appeared on the album Back to Black (referring to the abyss of depression she experienced) which eventually sold 16 million copies.

Helping an Alcoholic Family Member in Denial

Lying and being dishonest are other ways that the affected person may attempt to conceal and deny the extent of the problem. To truly recover, this person needs to realise that https://ecosoberhouse.com/ only they have control over their actions. When confronted about their alcohol use, some people may attempt to rationalise their behaviour to make it seem more acceptable.

• Unconditional love and encouragement will go a long way in helping your loved one find freedom from alcoholism but, ultimately, the desire to change has to come from within.
• Comparisons of Groups 1 and 2 revealed that the 82% who were deniers were slightly younger and had lower proportions with alcohol dependence, lower average maximum drinks, and fewer AUD criteria endorsed compared to non-deniers.
• It cuts off the possibility of positive change, leading to a lifetime of issues with health, finances, and relationships.
• While some may have reached a place of awareness, others may still be trying to understand the seriousness of their condition.
• This holistic approach allows participants to gain insight into their drinking patterns without judgment or shame.

They don’t have to open themselves to judgment or navigate the unknown challenges of treatment. Research suggests that denial may be experienced by people with alcohol use disorder. You, too, might alcoholism and denial realize that your relationship with alcohol is negatively affecting your life. Even if you are aware that your drinking has become a problem, it’s common to worry about what others might think.

Social Reasons

For instance, someone who grew up with a parent dealing with alcohol use disorder might internalize shame when facing their own addiction struggles. In my own personal experience, after hitting an emotional bottom there was 90% of my rational self that recognized I was alcoholic and 10% that did not. Only 10% was my denial, yet it had more influence over my thinking than the 90%.

Learn about the types of addiction denial and the purposes denial serves. It’s normal for people with addictions to deny they have a problem with alcohol or drugs. They get the kids to school on time, they attend obligations, fulfill responsibilities and are often very successful in many areas of life. From the outside, so-called functioning alcoholics seem to have their lives together.

Addiction and Mental Health Resources

The short-term effects of alcohol abuse can make people prone to violent behavior, injuries and accidents. It is not surprising that regression analyses in the current data support Hypotheses 2–4, each of which have support in the literature. In both generations, denial was more common among AUD individuals who endorsed fewer DSM-IV criteria, reported lower maximum drinks, and those with alcohol abuse rather than dependence.

People may blame loved ones or employers for causing stress that led to their drinking problems. Or they may point the finger at a friend or co-worker for buying them a beer in the past. These individuals may become offended or enraged if someone suggests they may have a drinking problem. Denial is a defense mechanism for people suffering from addiction, and it is one factor that can keep them from seeking life-saving treatment.

Help the person to seek professional support

They may feel like the other person is wrong; and don’t want to admit guilt to protect their self-image. Many people fear being labeled as an alcoholic or drug addict if they admit there is a problem. They may fear that they won’t be accepted by society and will be judged harshly by others.

Analyses using the 70 female offspring alone could not be adequately interpreted because there were only 9 non-deniers. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at Enabling also creates an environment that fosters co-dependency and negatively impacts appropriate support systems. Unlike denial, which is a coping mechanism, anosognosia is the result of changes to the frontal lobe of the brain. Anger and frustration can be tough emotions when supporting someone with AUD. Reminding yourself that you can’t “fix” your loved one — but you can be there for them — can help you cool off, says Elhaj.

High-functioning alcoholics: drowning in the river of denial

It is the true belief that he or she is not alcoholic when all evidence points to otherwise. She was found dead in 2011 at age 27, lying on her bed with an empty vodka bottle on the floor beside her. She had been abstinent for a few weeks, drank moderately for a couple of days, and then died of alcohol poisoning. Her own lyrics told us “I don’t ever want to drink again.” But she did drink again.