People dealing with addiction often view sobriety as unnecessary. They don’t see a reason to change their behavior. Do you know how to face denial during addiction? It’s OK to accept that you might need help. Once that’s out of the way, recovery is possible. With the right treatment and support, a lasting change can be made. It’s important to remember that the journey is never easy. Still, recognizing your problem is step one. Feeling uncertain or scared is normal. In the end, facing the truth will make you stronger.
What Is Denial?
Experts consider denial to be a kind of defense mechanism. It happens when someone refuses to accept something they don’t like. They may not even realize they’re doing this. Addicted individuals are often very out of touch with themselves due to denial. Most members of the population experience this on some level. However, addicted individuals are known to be especially stubborn. It’s common for them to completely believe their own excuses.
People in denial are often surrounded by chaos. Usually, they will point to others as the cause. In many cases they won’t even consider being at fault. The blame always lies with someone else. In order to get sober, this has to change. Otherwise, attempting recovery is pointless. To be successful, one has to truly want to get better. Approval from others shouldn’t be the reason.
Are You Struggling with Addiction?
Substance abuse can lead to an addiction. As a result, the body may develop a physical dependence. Because of this, cravings for a substance or activity cannot be controlled. Users will feed their habit despite negative consequences. The signs and symptoms of addiction vary from person to person. They depend on the object of addiction, family history, and individual situations. Signs and symptoms of addiction can include:
Not Being Able to Stop
This applies to all kinds of activities, not just substance abuse. In many cases, there may be a history of trying to stop. Unfortunately, the attempt or attempts were not successful.
Feeling Signs of Withdrawal
Without enough drugs or alcohol in your system, you begin to feel sick. Physical and mood-related symptoms can occur. These include cravings, moodiness, anger, trouble focusing, depression, and resentment. Increased appetite and insomnia are also common. Withdrawal can cause violence, seizures, hallucinations, and more.
You Can’t Cope Without It
Avoiding problems becomes much easier with an addiction to fall back on. It offers an opportunity to escape the reality of life. This can lead to dangerous risk taking. Users may continue to take larger doses for more intense effects. As a result, blackouts (losing chunks of time) and permanent damage can occur.
Lying to Yourself and Others
This is where denial plays a large part. Telling other people lies is one thing. What should really scare you is when you start to believe them. Hiding or ignoring the truth does nobody any favors in the end. Displaying secretive behavior is telling, as well. So is spending most of your time alone.
Getting a Stash Together
Doing this might make you feel safe or secure. Having plenty of drugs or alcohol could be the only thing that makes you feel relaxed. A stash can be kept in multiple, carefully chosen hiding places.
Desperation to Feel Intoxicated
This is especially common with alcoholics. Big amounts may be consumed over short periods of time. Usually, this is done out of impatience to feel good.
Trouble With the Law
This could be because of lowered inhibitions due to substance abuse. Under the influence, some addicted individuals take dangerous risks. Driving too fast is one example. Breaking the law in order to support your habit is a sure sign of addiction.
Financial Difficulties
In the case of an expensive habit, this can lead to very poor decisions. People suffering from addiction may go without food or basic necessities just to save money. They then spend this money on drugs, alcohol, or other bad choices. Even cigarette smokers could spend thousands of dollars per year.
Relationship Problems
Addicted individuals often will form codependent attachments. This means that they rely on others for far too much. In some cases, they have trouble getting close to people.
Consider Addiction Treatment Options at Northpoint Seattle
Keep in mind that everyone is different. Nothing works all the time. It all depends on your individual needs. Addiction treatment should fit with what’s right for you. You’ll explore the reasons why your addiction formed in the first place. Patients can learn ways of coping without turning to harmful activities. They’ll be taught better methods for managing stress. Following through is the most important thing. There are many options to consider. The amount of care needed can depend on many things. Doing plenty of research is a good idea before making a decision. Level of treatment should depend on age, addiction history, and medical conditions. Deep stages of addiction can require intense treatment. Plenty of facilities offer extended stays to ensure a full recovery.