Overcoming Alcoholism Denial

Alcoholism comes with many obstacles that make it difficult for an individual to get sober. And one of the toughest obstacles is denial.

While, to outsiders, there is an obvious link between a person’s drinking habits and the problems that the person is facing, it may not be so obvious to the person.

They refuse to admit the harsh reality that they do, in fact, rely on alcohol. They refuse to admit the truth to themselves and to others.

And, unfortunately, the loved ones of an individual suffering from alcoholism might also develop this denial, not wanting to admit that their friend or a family member has a problem with alcoholism.

Denial is, undoubtedly, a difficult obstacle to overcome. Just how difficult it depends on the person. Some may be able and willing to acknowledge the truth sooner than others.

In any case, it is no easy feat, but it is necessary. In order to recover, a person who is alcohol dependent must first admit to themselves that they have a problem and that they need help.

Why do dependents experience denial?

Below are a few main reasons that someone suffering from alcoholism may be experiencing denial. Reasons that could combine or overlap, depending on the person.

1. The stigma

One aspect is that there is undoubtedly a negative stigma against alcoholism.

People often fear judgment, and when those who deal with alcoholism see how other individuals who are dealing with alcoholism are viewed, they do not want to associate themselves with that stigma.

They may fear being looked down at by their peers, or perhaps they’re more afraid of how they’ll view themselves.

2. Admitting a harsh truth about ourselves is not easy

Another reason can stem from the previous one. All of us find it difficult to admit harsh realities, whether in reference to addiction or not.

Admitting that we have a serious flaw or bad habit is not easy for anyone, as it can often be painful or embarrassing, even if it is necessary for beginning a journey of improvement.

And an alcohol problem is, indeed, a harsh truth that people will not want to admit to themselves or to others. Even if they know that they need to admit it in order to recover.

3. Genuine belief that they don’t have a problem

This is a difficult one to overcome, as the person is at a stage in their addiction where they cannot see their habit like an addiction. Perhaps they really don’t think they’re drinking too much.

Or perhaps they know they drink a lot, but they don’t see it as a habit that they have come to rely on. Whatever the case may be, this is a common aspect of denial that is one of the most difficult to overcome.

4. Change is intimidating

One of the most common reasons is quite simple, yet it has a big impact. There is something that all of us, to one degree or another, fear. And that is change.

Often times, we have a tendency to cling to things that are familiar, even if those things are causing us problems.

Those who are dealing with an alcohol addiction may not want to admit that they have an addiction because the addiction is familiar, and admitting it is a problem means that change needs to take place.

Behaviours that someone in denial may be exhibiting.

In order to tell if someone is truly in denial, there are some notable behaviours to look out for:

• Rationalising their habit: When referring to their drinking habits, a person in denial may speak of them in a way that makes them seem “not so bad.” They could, after having a drink, say that they haven’t had one in a while and so having a ‘few’ tonight is no big deal. Or downplay how much they’re actually drinking, by saying they’ve only had one or two before they end up drinking much more than that
• Refusing to talk about the habit or even see it as a problem: This is a behaviour that makes it difficult for a loved one to confront the individual suffering from alcoholism. A person with a reliance on alcohol may refuse to talk about their habit, usually by saying that they “don’t want to talk about it right now.” Other times they will insist that there is no problem at all, which often leads to the previously mentioned behaviour of rationalisation. They are trying to convince (or already have convinced) themselves that there is not a problem, so they do not want to hear otherwise
• Agreeing that they need to stop, but having no genuine intent to stop: When the problem is addressed to them, the person suffering from alcoholism may say that they will stop drinking. They might even admit that they’ve been doing it too excessively. However, they never take any steps toward recovery. They’ll say that they need to drink less, but they don’t. They’ll say that the drink in their hand is their last drink, but they end up having more
  Becoming defensive when the issue is brought up: Someone who is alcohol-dependent will often become defensive if a loved one tells them that their drinking has become a problem. They will take on the mindset that it is their decision whether they drink, and may even feel like their loved one is trying to control them or condemn them, even though that is not the case.
• Placing the blame on other people: A person may say that they got drunk because of stress from work, or because their spouse made them upset. They don’t want to admit that their drinking is due to a disease, so they will say it is because of the actions of others that they choose to drink. They want to convince others (and themselves) that they have no addiction, that they can stop when they want to, and that the only reason they drink is that others may be stressing them out
• Hiding their habits: At some point, a person may start to hide their drinking habits out of shame. Claiming that the smell of alcohol on their breath is just from mouthwash, or that they had no drinks when they went to the bar. They’ll hide a stash of alcohol somewhere in their home and will make whatever claims necessary to hide the fact that they’re drinking excessively on a regular basis

Family and Friends Denial

Many times, the person dealing with the addiction is not the only one who will be in denial of their habit.

The person’s family members, friends, and romantic partner may also experience denial.

1. Convincing themselves that their problems are due to something other than alcohol addiction

Attributing an alcohol-dependent individuals negative behaviour to something other than alcohol is a common form of denial in the loved ones of the described individual.

They might claim that their loved one is behaving this way due to stress, depression, trauma, or another mental disorder. While it could very well be the case that the person’s mental health or stressful situation is contributing to their problems, the main culprit should not be ignored.

Their loved ones may be acknowledging an existing issue, but they are not acknowledging the one that needs to be addressed the most.

2. They will try to keep their loved one from facing the full consequences of their actions

While they have no ill intent in doing so, protecting their loved one from facing consequences is a harmful action. It stems partially from love and concern, but it can also stem from denial.

Denial that their loved one needs to hit rock bottom in order to see that they need to change. Or denial that their loved one even has a problem.

Once again, the people who are doing this have nothing but good intentions, and they might not be able to see that what they are doing causes more harm than good for their loved one.