Denial is far and away the strongest tool in an addict’s armoury. We will consider two different types of denial and why they must be stopped in order to seek much needed professional rehabilitation assistance.

Self-denial:

Anyone who is drinking alcohol to excess or those who cannot do without regular hits of their drug of choice will develop a strong sense of self-denial.

This takes the form of thoughts and actions that help convince themselves they are not as heavily dependent upon their substance of choice as they really are, and that they can stop using whenever they wish, but the time is just not now.

This self-denial becomes stronger the deeper a person’s dependence becomes and is coupled with:

Denial to others:

Those with dependence issues will strongly defend themselves if partners or anyone else raises the issue of their drink or drug abuse. They will fiercely defend themselves and take the stance that thoughts and reports of their dependence are greatly exaggerated.

While they may think such strenuous attempts at easing concerns will convince those around them there is nothing to be concerned about, the reality is they are simply papering over cracks of a problem that will continue to deepen as denial continues.

Face reality – Quit denial:

One thing those with substance dependence clearly need to understand is that while they maintain a position of denial they will not seek much needed professional assistance.

Deep down they are fully aware of the amount and regularity of their substance abuse. They are acutely conscious of the health problems lying in wait, and the potentially damaging social isolation their actions and over-indulgence is creating.

Fears and concerns that have led to this denial must be overcome. It must also be made clear that there is no shame whatsoever in a person accepting that their substance of choice currently has the better of them.

Relief all-round:

Ending denial is a huge step in the right direction for treatment and healing to commence. By ending self-denial and admitting to those closest there is a problem will reap rewards in a number of ways.

Those who care deeply for you will be relieved that you have finally admitted there is a problem, and in the vast majority of cases will provide much needed love and support to help in the positive attempts at getting your life and theirs back on track.

Professional help awaits:

Another huge benefit of ending denial is the fact that professional help can be sought and is readily available. Once this is accepted it will help a person come to terms with their current situation, accept their current plight and then move on to address and overcome these issues.

Not an easy road to travel:

Overcoming dependence is not going to be a walk in the park and it will not be achieved overnight, but as millions of men and women have proved, it is eminently achievable.

Courage, determination and self-belief will be required, but couple that with positive, professional rehabilitation and a person will succeed in leaving dependence issues exactly where they belong; in the dark, distant past.