The Danger of Denial in Substance Abuse

According to reports by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than five million people live in denial of their drug and alcohol use. SAMHSA also states that denial is so much a part of substance abuse that without it drug and alcohol abuse would not be able to flourish.

Lying is a Form of Denial

The danger of denial in substance abuse is that it is not like lying, as lying is a conscious choice made by the individual. In contrast, in denial the individual truly believes what they are saying. Denial is also evident in the excuses that are made for a friend or loved one that is involved in substance abuse. As for the individual engaged in substance addiction, denial is portrayed in their inability or unwillingness to admit that they have a drug or alcohol problem, to passing the blame to everyone else and relinquishing their own culpability.

Control is a Form of Denial

The danger of denial in substance abuse can be as minute as thinking they are in control and can handle their alcohol or drug use, even arguing that they can quit any time they want. In many cases individuals will reject any notion that there is an addiction problem, even when that individual is on the verge of losing everything: their job, their family, their home. It is even likely that when their health starts to fail, they will still deny that there is a substance abuse issue.

There is danger in denying substance abuse especially when the individual validates their alcohol and drug abuse. To the alcoholic or addict, it is better for them to come up with a logical reason for their abuse than to admit that there is a problem. With that, they will also go to great lengths to try to convince everyone else that they do not have a problem.

Overcoming Denial in Substance Abuse

The key to overcoming denial in substance abuse is through education which will help the individual fully understand the facets of their abuse and offer suggestions on how to treat their drug or alcohol addiction. Treatment for substance abuse acceptance may take the form of counseling, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mentoring.

Becoming involved in activities that do not include engaging in alcohol or drug use is another way to overcome denial in substance abuse. Active participation in a new hobby, making new friends, getting involved in a physical activity like golf, tennis or hiking is another way to exert the energy and to maintain a healthy lifestyle that does not include substance abuse.