When you consider the difficult road leading to rehabilitation and recovery, people don’t always seem to have the easiest time convincing their loved ones to get the help they need, do they? In many cases, the addicts will fight you every step of the way, believing that they do not have a problem to begin with. After all, by their philosophy, spending 30 to 90 days in an inpatient center is not exactly the best way to socialize and continue their dangerous lifestyle. Frequently, this overwhelming sense of denial can be responsible for an at-risk life taking an even more dangerous downward spiral than before. So how can we recognize the stages of denial to help our loved ones recognize their illness and get they help they need and deserve? Let’s take a closer look to understand the difficulties of overcome denial.
A Rather Perplexing Puzzle
On the surface, you may feel a mixture of confusion or even anger as your loved one denies their problem. After all, shouldn’t it be obvious they are too attached to a substance and, ultimately, will want to seek help? However, consider this. An addict’s mind is not on the same plane as yours. Due to the excessive use of a drug or alcohol, their brain is clouded even if they are not consuming this substance. As a result, they will literally not be able to recognize the problem like you, the viewer. Here are some examples of denial on part of an addict:
- No longer caring about their lives
- Feeling all-powerful
- Under the impression their illness isn’t harming anyone around them
- Victimizing themselves through self-pity
The Underlying Dangers of Denial
Ultimately, like self-pity, denial can be poisonous to an addict. How is this possible? Ultimately, this doubtful state can endure through the first month of rehab (or longer). While they can overcome it (with the proper care), addicts will not be able to dispatch their denial easily. Here are some negative outcomes of this mental state:
- Distortion of reality and manipulating loves ones’ perspectives
- Choosing isolation over socialization with loved ones and befriending active addicts
- Development of codependent behaviors (on your part, the abstainer)
Always remember that alcohol and drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or addiction troubles today.
