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10 Signs You Are in Denial

Person thinking about the signs they are in denial about their addiction

Someone struggling with addiction first needs to overcome their reason for becoming addicted in the first place. Sadly, many individuals struggling with addiction will never get to this point and, thus, won’t seek treatment. As with most issues, being in denial about addiction is the first barrier to recovery. Contact our knowledgeable and experienced team at Northpoint Recovery by calling 208.486.0130 to learn how to spot signs of denial about addiction and how our addiction treatment programs in Idaho can help.

10 Signs You Are in Denial of Struggling with Addiction

1. You Avoid Talking About the Issue

A reluctance to face an issue head-on, even in a simple conversation, is one of the leading signs that you might be in denial about your substance use disorder.

2. You Use Other People’s Behaviors as Evidence That You Don’t Have a Problem

Pointing to how bad someone else’s addiction has gotten does not mean you don’t have a problem as well. Contrary to popular belief, many people struggling with addiction don’t fit the profile of what many people think a substance abuser looks like.

3. You Promise Future Control to Ward Off Concern

Suppose you can admit that your substance abuse behaviors are an actual problem. You may still be in denial if you make promises like “I’ll get it under control soon” or “I’m working on cutting back.” Whether you’re just trying to get people to leave you alone or trying to convince yourself, repeating the same excuses without progress points to a problem.

4. You Deny the Problem Absolutely

When you outright deny behaviors that others have seen you engage in firsthand, you may consciously or subconsciously try to cover up hints of destructive patterns of abuse.

5. You Rationalize Your Substance Abuse Behaviors

Rationalization is one of the most powerful techniques that individuals with substance abuse problems engage in. You may overuse excuses, such as:

  • “I’ll just use this weekend because it’s a special occasion.”
  • “I have a hard time sleeping if I don’t take the drug, and I don’t want to be tired for work tomorrow.”
  • “I’m unbelievably stressed right now and need something to help me blow off steam.”

These excuses can all be used to cover up extensive and long-lasting behaviors that point to a severe problem.

6. You Blame Others for Your Problem

Whether it’s pointing towards your boss riding you too hard at work or perhaps a parent with a history of substance abuse, you ultimately control what you do. And if you consistently blame others for your use, you’ve undoubtedly got a problem.

7. You Ignore the Advice and Concern of Loved Ones

One of the earliest signs of a substance use disorder is the growing concern of friends and family. If they tell you they’re worried you may have a problem, it may be likely that you do.

8. You Have “Stints” of Sobriety

While you may point to being able to quit whenever you want as the primary defense against being addicted, the fact that your sobriety only occurs for short periods is indicative of a problem.

9. You Engage in Manipulative Recovery Efforts

After some hard pressure from a family member or friend, you’ve finally agreed to try to control your substance use disorder. However, they don’t know you’re just going through the motions to get them off your back. If you are reluctant to fully commit to a recovery effort, you probably haven’t truly accepted that you have a problem.

10. You Consistently Fall Back on the “It’s My Life!” Defense

One of the most apparent signs you are in denial is willingly and knowingly engaging in self-destructive behaviors simply because “It’s my life and my decision.”

Find Addiction Treatment in Idaho at Northpoint Recovery

Accepting that you have a substance use disorder is the first step toward recovery, and it can be tough to make that admission. However, our team at Northpoint Recovery in Idaho is here for you. Contact our team today at 208.486.0130 to learn more.