How to Have a Conversation with a Drug Addict Who Is in Denial

For many drug addicts, one of the hardest parts about healing is admitting to having a problem in the first place. After all, none of us want to believe we could actually be suffering from something as taboo as addiction or another behavioral or psychological disorder. For the people who are close to addicts, seeing a loved one in pain is absolutely heart-wrenching. So how are you supposed to approach one of these people if they have sunken into a severe state of self-denial? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.

Telling Lies to Yourself

Simply put, self-denial is a way of lying to yourself. For the addict and their supporters alike, telling yourself false information in an attempt to make yourself feel better is only going to make the problem worse. To clarify, Dr. Mel Pohl, Chief Medical Officer of the Las Vegas Recovery Center, has described self-denial using this acronym: Don’t Even Know I’m Lying.

The only way you can heal is to admit defeat and see the truth.

Jogging Memories

One of the best methods for helping an addict heal is to help them remember happier times, like a walk in the park or the moment their child was born. Therapists from the Las Vegas Recovery Center also recommend that you utilize S.E.T. (Support-Empathy-Truth) to help an addict come to grip with his/her sickness and let him/her know that you are there to support them.

Just remember: addicts will only stop using when they are ready to stop using. You can’t force them to do something they aren’t interested in doing. If they aren’t ready for addiction recovery, you can always carry out an intervention; just be sure they are mentally prepared for the fight ahead before you do so.

Seeking Treatment for Drug Addiction or Alcoholism   

Alcoholism and drug addiction are dangerous sicknesses that should never be taken lightly. All it takes to fall off the wagon and become sick is to take that first sniff, snort, injection, or shot before you are rolling downhill into insanity. Still, you can always push the train back up, but it will be a difficult hike. However, with the right mixture of perseverance and determination, you can easily get back on track and be happy once more. 

Are you suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or drug addiction? Do you have a friend or a loved one who is coping with the same illness? In both cases, get in touch us at with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of drug withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.

If you are seeking more information about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.