It’s important for the family or friends of the person in denial to be understanding and supportive while expressing concerns if necessary. The best approach is to talk openly but without judgment and acknowledge the person’s thoughts and feelings alcoholism and denial without trying to change them. Sometimes, people don’t understand what constitutes a drinking problem. They may think they are not “bad enough” to seek help because their drinking or drug use doesn’t seem as serious as someone else’s.
With some employees having struggled with alcohol and/or drug misuse in the past themselves, these sober employees, now in long-term recovery, provide their patients with the empathy so appreciated in the job. Unfortunately, alcoholics too often turn the realistic need to enter rehab into a battle between themselves and anyone who is urging treatment. This leads to a prideful stance to maintain a distorted sense of power by not letting anyone “force” them into treatment. “You can’t make me” becomes a battle alcoholics can win, while ultimately losing the war. A more appropriate way to screen patients for alcohol impairment would be to use a standardized and more detailed review of patterns of drinking and alcohol-related problems such as the ten item AUDIT.
High-functioning alcoholics: drowning in the river of denial
Some people with alcohol use disorder hide or deny they have difficulty with alcohol use. There are many reasons why someone would do this, like fear of societal rejection or being “blamed” for their condition. While denial is one of the most common symptoms of alcoholism, there are other signs that someone’s alcohol use has spiralled out of control and become a problem. These therapies can be very effective for individuals struggling with a drinking problem. With the right treatment plan, individuals can gain control over their drinking and rebuild a healthier life. When someone denies that they have a drinking problem, it can be because they are trying to avoid being blamed or accused of something by another person.
It also might mean admitting that they don’t have it all together, and their exterior (and interior) world is crumbling. “In some families, drinking too much is seen as comical, not a big deal, or a must during celebrations,” she adds. Consequently, many people may not realize their drinking has become a genuine problem. “For starters, the media, our workplaces, and many https://ecosoberhouse.com/ social circles normalize drinking to excess,” says Ruby Mehta, a clinical social worker and director of clinical operations at Tempest. What might look like denial may actually be a lot more complicated and multilayered for people with high-functioning AUD. All treatment providers we recommend are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or Care Inspectorate.
Chemical dependence
Sixty-two percent met interval criteria for alcohol dependence, they reported on average 11 maximum drinks per occasion and endorsed an average of four AUD criteria. One in five smoked cigarettes in the prior 5 years, 80% used cannabis, 19% had a cannabis use disorder, and 37% had used other illicit drugs, including 3% who developed a SUD on those substances. Comparisons of Groups 1 and 2 revealed that the 82% who were deniers were slightly younger and had lower proportions with alcohol dependence, lower average maximum drinks, and fewer AUD criteria endorsed compared to non-deniers.
- You can also visit the NIAAA Rethinking Drinking website or read the NIAAA treatment guide to learn more about alcohol use disorder and to find help for your loved one.
- But if you or someone you know is showing signs of denial, don’t feel discouraged.
- NuView Treatment Center is a top leading Los Angeles outpatient alcohol and drug rehab program.
- If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at
- Avoid criticizing and shaming, and focus on highlighting your love and concern.
But maybe they drinka few glasses of wine each night to help them fall asleep. Or, they get bombed every weekend but don’t skip a beat at their demanding job.
Anxiety about Life Without Alcohol
Unlike substances like heroin or methamphetamines that are widely stigmatized, it’s easier for individuals with an alcohol use disorder to rationalize their behavior due to its social acceptability. Understanding the reasons behind alcoholism denial can shed light on why individuals refuse to acknowledge their drinking problem. Shame, societal views, lack of education, neurological factors, and the influence of friends and family all play significant roles in perpetuating denial.
By dismissing the issue, they avoid acknowledging that their drinking has become problematic and refuse to engage in meaningful conversations about seeking help or making changes. This behavior can be frustrating for loved ones who are genuinely concerned and trying to offer support. Researchers estimate that up to 50% of people who would benefit from personalized care remain unaware that resources are available. Don’t worry; we’ll also provide practical strategies for overcoming such denials—supportive steps you can take as someone wrestling with your own struggles or trying to assist a loved one seeking redemption. It’s important to deal with denial if you want to heal from alcoholism. People must first realize and accept that they have a drinking problem in order to get over this obstacle.
It can make it difficult for an individual to recognize the need for help and treatment, making it all the more important for friends, family members, or other loved ones to be aware of the signs. These behaviours could suggest that the person is aware they have a problem but is trying to cover it up or justify it, as a way of denying they are struggling with alcohol addiction. By learning as much as you can about these signs and symptoms, you’ll be able to spot patterns in their behaviour and develop an understanding of why they’re acting this way, even if they deny they have a problem.
They’re able to successfully manage tasks around their work, school, family, and finances, he says. Knowing what else to look for can help you to break through the barrier of denial and convince your loved one that they have an alcohol addiction. They may not be ready to give up drinking alcohol – the very thought of it could feel terrifying and overwhelming. It can be easier to deny that there is a problem for themselves and others.