Addiction Denial and Cognitive Dysfunction The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences

Engaging in arguments often leads to defensiveness and further denial. Acknowledge their struggles but gently point out how alcohol is exacerbating their problems. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Contributors to this article for the NIAAA Core Resource on Alcohol include the writers for the full article, content contributors to subsections, reviewers, and editorial staff. These contributors included both experts external to NIAAA as well as NIAAA staff.

Why Do People Deny That They Have a Drinking Problem?

Stigma is one reason people struggle to admit to having a drinking problem. Addiction is commonly viewed as a shameful character flaw, resulting in a fear of social rejection. Unfortunately, society judges and stereotypes those who have substance use disorders, and in turn those who struggle with substance use disorders internalize society’s messages. People who suffer from substance Cannabis Marijuana National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA use disorders often struggle to admit to themselves that they have an issue, out of fear that this problem would make them weak or immoral. Research shows that people with alcohol use disorder often downplay the severity of their drinking.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs

1. “When you take steps to heal, it gives everyone permission around you to do the same,” says Spotorno.
2. Simply download our app and get professional medical intervention anywhere you are.
3. There are empathetic, actionable ways to support someone with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) who may be stuck in denial.
4. To help these individuals consider rehab, many families hold interventions.
5. Researchers estimate that up to 50% of people who would benefit from personalized care remain unaware that resources are available.

Admitting a problem means facing difficult truths and doing hard work to overcome the issue, which is challenging. Sufferers of alcohol use disorder commonly tell themselves they can quit any time, or that their drinking is under control and not that serious. And denial doesn’t only come from people who struggle with drinking; their family and friends are sometimes in denial too. This enables the person to stay in denial, even as the consequences of their drinking become more severe and noticeable. Finding support through groups like Al-Anon or therapy can offer solace and understanding unique to your situation.

Other signs and symptoms of alcoholism

Mental health and wellness tips, our latest guides, resources, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a professional, licensed therapist. Expose your teen to healthy hobbies and activities, such as team sports, Scouts, and after-school clubs. For example, getting arrested for driving under the influence or for drunk and disorderly conduct. Timmen L. Cermak, MD, is a psychiatrist who specializes in addiction medicine. He is the author of numerous books, including From Bud to Brain and Marijuana on My Mind.

Listen to relatives, friends or co-workers when they ask you to examine your drinking habits or to seek help. Consider talking with someone who has had a problem with drinking but has stopped. Your ongoing recovery depends on continuing mental health treatment, learning healthier coping strategies, and making better decisions when dealing with life’s challenges.

If safety becomes a concern, have a contingency plan for yourself and any dependents. Alcoholism affects nearly 15 million adults in the United States, yet only about 7.2% receive treatment for their condition, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). “When you take steps to heal, it gives everyone permission around you to do the same,” says Spotorno. All experts agree that when talking to your loved one, it’s best to be patient and compassionate. 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.

Tools & Resources

But you are deceiving yourself if you think that your drinking hurts no one else but you. Alcoholism affects everyone around you—especially the people closest to you. For example, you may blame an ‘unfair boss’ for trouble at work or a ‘nagging wife’ for your marital issues, rather than think about how your drinking is contributing to the problem. While work, relationship, and financial stresses happen to everyone, an overall pattern of deterioration and blaming others may be a sign of trouble. If someone has been binge drinking and is an unconscious or semiconscious state, their breathing is slow, their skin clammy, and there’s a powerful odor of alcohol, they may have alcohol poisoning.

Telehealth specialty services and online support groups, for example, can allow people to maintain their routines and privacy and may encourage earlier acceptance of treatment. The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator can help you connect patients with the full range of evidence–based, professional alcohol treatment providers. 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. If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your health care provider. Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or seeking help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help group.