Stages of Denial During Addiction

Addiction is a brain condition marked by obsessive behaviors that persist in the face of negative or dangerous consequences. When most people think of addiction, they think of abusing drugs or alcohol. However, various types of drug abuse, gambling, sexual thoughts, cravings, and acts may all be forms of addiction. More often than not, addicts tend to make excuses for their actions. To help individuals struggling with addiction, we first must learn how to detect the warning signs of addiction denial. In today’s article, we’ll talk about the common signs of addiction, the different types of denial, the stages of denial during addiction, and ways to deal with the consequences.

What is Denial in Recovery from Addiction?

In its broadest definition, denial is the reluctance to acknowledge the truth and the inclination to distort reality. In psychology, denial is a defense mechanism that causes sufferers to ignore or dismiss evidence contradicting their worldview. This subconscious reality-bending serves a variety of purposes. When someone is addicted to alcohol or drugs, their denial takes on a strict and militant shape. Although, in general, most individuals participate in some type of denial when confronted with situations that make them feel uncomfortable.

Once an individual recognizes the reality of their addiction, their denial does not magically vanish. It can return at different points, which makes you wonder—what stage is denial in addiction, and how can it change over time? Mentally acknowledging an issue is not the same as truly accepting it. Without full acceptance, relapse is more likely. Unfortunately, when a person with a drug use disorder lives in denial and doesn’t want to go to any of the drug and alcohol treatment centers in Florida, they prolong their misery and prevent any serious attempts at recovery from getting off the ground. Before we move on to stages of denial, we’ll quickly discuss how to tell whether you or someone you care about is addicted. Then, we’ll dive into the types of denial and symptoms of denial throughout addiction.

Types of Denial

Addiction denial can take many shapes, but two forms of denial show up most often. These patterns make it hard for someone to face what’s happening. These forms of denial often block any effort to get help. Recognizing which one you’re dealing with is the first step toward change. You don’t have to stay trapped in this cycle. You might recognize these in yourself or someone close to you:

• Type A denial: You know there’s a problem but refuse to admit it. You push it away when others bring it up, even though deep down, you feel the truth.
• Type B denial: You truly believe there’s no problem. You might blame others, make excuses, or tell yourself everything’s fine. This can feel real, but it keeps you stuck.

Warning Signs of Addiction You Shouldn’t Ignore

Here are signs to watch for if you’re worried about addiction. These may also point to denial during addiction. If you notice any of these signs of an addict in denial, it’s time to take a closer look at what’s really going on:

• You try to stop using drugs or alcohol but can’t, even when you want to.
• You feel sick, shaky, or moody without alcohol or drugs. These withdrawal signs are hard to ignore.
• You’ve lost interest in hobbies or friends. You now spend time only where drugs or alcohol are involved.
• You keep using despite health problems, or you see this happening to someone you care about.
• You’ve found alcohol or drug stashes someone tried to hide. That’s a major red flag.
• Money problems are piling up because of drinking or drug use. This often means the issue is serious. Sadly, finances can influence recovery as well. You need to ask does Amerihealth cover drug rehab in your selected institution before making an appointment. Your insurance plays a big role in the whole process.

The 3 Stages of Denial During Addiction

Because an addict can’t accept the severity of the problem, they can get pretty good at deconstructing your belief that they are in denial. You have to put in a lot of work to get them to acknowledge the situation they are in. These three stages show how denial prevents a person from realizing the truth of their situation. You must understand what’s happening in their head before trying to be rational with them.

Stage One

When a person is in the first stage of denial, they honestly do not think that addiction exists. In their mind, there’s no way that addiction is their problem. Or, they sort of insinuate that they do have some from a substance addiction, but then they are quick to dispute that addiction itself is a disease. A person who has reached this stage is unable to see the bigger picture, even when confronted with overwhelming facts. The most important thing to do at this time is to convince the person that addiction is not, in fact, a minor issue. Intellectual acceptance may pave the way to increased self-awareness as well as a better comprehension of what is happening.

Stage Two

In stage two, they might have been able to come to their senses a tiny bit. They may have even gone for a therapy session or professional screening. They may even be in an intensive outpatient program in Florida. This does not signify that a person is on the way to treatment. If their addiction has progressed a lot, they won’t be able to follow through with their treatment even if they have the best intentions. Some people at this stage tend to be in denial of being helpless. Their addiction is overpowering them at this time. Intentions are not the same thing as actions.

To mature and go beyond this level, one must cultivate one’s inner vision. Conquering this stage of denial requires shifting their self-dependency to a higher power. This is the key to success. A person has to come to terms with the fact that they are helpless over their addiction and that they need assistance from a higher power to stay sober.

Stage Three

To remain sober, a firm commitment is required. When a person has other issues and priorities, their recovery and sobriety are not being focused on or intentionally worked on. At this stage, an addict has already recognized the problem and stopped running away from reality. However, they are not able to follow through with their entire treatment. Which oftentimes includes abstaining from all substances. This may result in relapse if they don’t follow their instructions correctly. You can fall into relapse even if you are in Adderall addiction rehab. Adderall is much less dangerous than some other common drug issues people have, but it can still shake up your boat quite a lot.

A person currently in this stage will only be able to go over denial by fully devoting themselves to the healing process and reaching out for help. Participating in therapy sessions and support groups, finding a sponsor, or talking to other people who are going through the same thing as you may help you develop support for the hard days that are to come. Oftentimes, the addict will have to go to a partial hospitalization in Palm Beach if the doctors find it more suitable for their condition.

How to spot a person in denial?

Denial of a problem’s existence in the face of overwhelming evidence is a red flag. Is there a chance that you, or someone you know, exhibits any of these symptoms of denial during addiction? If that’s the case, you’re probably wondering how you could aid them in seeking drug rehab in Palm Beach. Here are some signs a person might be in denial:

• Manipulation tactics. Playing the victim or the martyr is a common tactic used for this purpose.
• A defensive stance when questioned about substance abuse. When confronted with their excessive drinking, people in denial often accuse the person who has spoken out against them of condemning them.
• One of the most recognizable symptoms of denial is an out-of-character refusal to acknowledge responsibility for one’s destructive actions.
• Denial is often shown by the practice of shifting responsibility for one’s actions away from oneself, such as what happens when someone is drunk or high.
• Justification of addictive behavior is often expressed as “I could quit any time I choose, I simply don’t want to. No one can get the better of me since I have everything under control.” However, deeds are more persuasive than words. Evidence of denial exists when the individual in issue is obviously not in charge.

Best Strategies for Dealing with Denial During Addiction

Since denial is a subconscious process, the difficulty with avoiding addiction denial is that the individual in question is unaware of what they are doing. Still, there are tried-and-true approaches to overcoming this obstacle to abstinence. Although some may find success with them, others may find that none of these approaches are right for them. Take into consideration which of the following methods would work best for your loved one:

1. Journaling

Starting a drug or alcohol diary might be helpful for someone in denial who may not be aware of how much they are drinking or using drugs. Get them to establish a food diary where they may be completely transparent about their eating or drinking habits. If they’re open to the notion, writing down their own numbers might help them realize they have an addiction issue. This method has encouraged many to consider alcohol rehab Florida programs, and many of them are now fully recovered.

2. Don’t be too pushy

You should not try to set up an appointment with an addiction therapist for your loved one without their permission. Forcing the topic usually only leads to further pushback. A therapist may assist a patient in breaking down the barriers of denial and getting back on the path to health if the patient is willing to do so.

3. Talk to a recovered addict

If you or a loved one has a friend or relative who has overcome an addiction, having an open and honest conversation with them about their experience may help them embrace change. They can help you in more ways than you’d think. Check with them about which institutions they went to and what their experience was like. They are sure to give you some recommendations. You can ask them questions like ‘Where should I go? What insurance did you have? Does Aetna cover alcohol rehab? Talking to recovered addicts will not only help you become more motivated, but they can also provide some valuable information.

4. Stop lending money

It’s tempting to shield a loved one from the unpleasant effects of their addiction, yet doing so just keeps the cycle going. If you suspect they are spending the money you provide them with on drugs or alcohol, you should stop giving it to them. Especially if they are on heavy drugs like crack cocaine. You are actually disrupting their crack cocaine rehab this way. So stop using excuses for illness to get out of work. Don’t defend them any longer. Slowly taking away this safety net will compel them to face the consequences of their choices.

5. Attending a recovery meeting

Even if your loved one is certain that they are not addicted to alcohol or drugs and shows no sign of wanting to become clean, encouraging them to attend a single recovery meeting like NA or AA will put them in close contact with a group of individuals who are experiencing the same kinds of problems. There may be some valuable lessons to be learned here.

Moving Forward Starts with Facing Denial

Denial during addiction doesn’t mean someone is weak or doesn’t care. It’s often a way to cope when things feel too hard. Denial in addiction blocks real change and keeps people stuck. If you see these signs in yourself or someone close to you, know that help is possible. Recovery takes time, but the first step is facing the truth. You don’t have to do this alone. Talk to someone you trust or reach out to a professional. Even small actions can make a big difference. Denial feels safe in the moment, but it holds people back. Change is hard, but staying stuck is harder. If you’re ready to take the next step, don’t hesitate to contact us. Don’t wait for things to get worse. The sooner you act, the better things can get.