Alcoholic in Denial: Identifying Hidden Struggles and Supporting Recovery

They may instead see the drugs and alcohol as an escape from their problems. Many may wonder how alcoholics who have lost their job, their housing and/or family could not realize that they are alcoholic. The fact that they are able to function and, in many cases excel, feeds their denial and leads them to truly believe that they are not alcoholic. Even if someone contemplates the idea that their substance use could be problematic, they may still find it hard to confront the severity of their addiction within themselves.

Supporting a Loved One Struggling with Alcoholism

1. Take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance abuse.
2. For addiction problems, make that first call to a substance use disorder hotline or recovery center, or try attending just one meeting of a 12-step program (such as Alcoholics Anonymous).
3. The fact that they are able to function and, in many cases excel, feeds their denial and leads them to truly believe that they are not alcoholic.

In time, you can learn to face your fears or concerns, and develop a concrete plan to change. It may be difficult for someone who is in denial about their addiction to be willing to seek out some of the treatment options listed above. Additionally, speaking with a therapist, talking to people who are in recovery, confiding in their physician, and exploring recovery resources may empower a person in denial to seek help on their terms.

Before you do anything, it’s important to know whether your friend or loved one has an alcohol addiction. Alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, is more than just drinking too much from time to time. Sometimes alcohol as coping mechanism or social habit may look like alcoholism, but it’s not the same. People with alcohol use disorder don’t drink in moderation, even if they say they’re only having one drink.

Addiction: What Is Denial?

For an addict, it can be terrifying to acknowledge the harm one has done by one’s addiction to oneself and potentially to others one cares for. When they are high, their fears of inadequacy and unworthiness fade away. Learn how to recognize denial, better understand how it affects the cycle of addiction, and how to help yourself or someone you know get past it. When we fall prey to perfectionism, we think we’re honorably aspiring to be our very best, but often we’re really just setting ourselves up for failure, as perfection is impossible and its pursuit inevitably backfires. And not everyone with alcohol use disorder experiences it the same way.

In such a manner, they can avoid confronting the reality that they have a drinking problem. We are available to explore addiction treatment options that can help you or your loved one get the assistance needed to start recovery. These individuals maintain appearances, hold down jobs, and fulfill most daily responsibilities. In fact, their loved ones may reinforce the denial by not acknowledging the warning signs themselves. It allows a person with an alcohol use disorder to dismiss all warning signs that their alcohol abuse has become a problem. Many younger people are redefining what it means to have fun without the need for alcohol.

Is denial characteristic of an alcohol addiction?

What sets Gen Z apart is that this change appears to be more than a passing trend. As researchers in consumer behavior, we study the factors that influence and drive changes in consumer choices. Our expertise tells us that the rise of the “Lo/No” alcohol lifestyle reflects genuine change for Gen Z. In fact, compared to preceding generations, Generation Z may be the soberest generation yet.

According to Conroy, it may be easy to get what to do if you have been roofied caught in denial with AUD if you subconsciously feel something is wrong with you at your core. It also might mean admitting that they don’t have it all together, and their exterior (and interior) world is crumbling. “For example, you may notice your spouse drinking more beers at dinner, sleeping less and less, and increasingly on edge well before they start missing workdays,” Grawert adds. Engaging in arguments often leads to defensiveness and further denial.

Health conscious and informed

In addition to therapy, some people may benefit from medication-assisted treatment to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings during the initial stages of recovery. Additionally, some people may feel pressured to maintain an image of success and stability, further suppressing the acknowledgment of their problem. In such cases, it is crucial to be aware of the impact of society and culture on an individual’s journey toward acceptance and recovery. “Mental health care is critical for achieving long-term success in overcoming AUD,” says Elhaj. Instead, she recommends seeking more formal support with Al-Anon or therapy to help you create boundaries and care for yourself.

Individuals may feel embarrassed or stigmatized about their drinking habits, especially if they come from families where alcoholism was present. For instance, someone who grew up with a parent dealing with alcohol use disorder might internalize shame when facing their own addiction struggles. Recognizing denial as the first step in addressing alcoholism is crucial. Only by acknowledging there’s an issue can someone begin taking steps toward recovery. It can be seeking professional help, joining support groups like Al-Anon or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), talking openly about concerns, or attending educational programs for those grappling with substance abuse disorders. Protecting, rescuing, and secondary denial are all ways that people close to alcoholics enable their addictive behaviors.

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