Characteristics associated with denial of problem drinking among two generations of individuals with alcohol use disorders PMC

When a loved one is engaged in alcohol abuse, watching them spiral out of control can cause inner conflict for friends and family members. The disease affects neurochemistry, and alcoholics typically refuse to believe they have an alcohol use disorder. In some instances, their denial causes them to fail to recognize how their substance abuse is affecting their lives. Identifying alcoholism, especially when denial is a factor, can be a delicate and crucial task. Recognizing the signs of denial and understanding the nuances of alcoholism are essential steps in extending meaningful help. Resurgence Behavioral Health, a respected authority in addiction recovery, offers guidance on recognizing and how to help an alcoholic in denial and how to proceed with empathy and effectiveness.

• Enabling also creates an environment that fosters co-dependency and negatively impacts appropriate support systems.
• Neglecting responsibilities and interests in favor of drinking is a red flag.
• For instance, calling in sick on behalf of an intoxicated spouse or continuing to invite someone with alcohol use disorder out to bars can reinforce their denial by minimizing the consequences.
• Genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior.
• No matter the reason behind your loved one’s denial, help is available.
• Many may wonder how alcoholics who have lost their job, their housing and/or family could not realize that they are alcoholic.
• This disorder also involves having to drink more to get the same effect or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.

This holistic approach allows participants to gain insight into their drinking patterns without judgment or shame. Confidant Health provides Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for alcohol use disorder to provide professional help and guidance to get rid of alcoholism. In MAT therapy, healthcare professionals use medications and psychological techniques to overcome substance use disorders. Struggling with an alcohol addiction isn’t the same as struggling with other substances, such as illicit drugs like heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Being addicted to a substance that is socially acceptable, legal, and easily accessible may often give the users and family and friends the illusion that no problem exists when it actually does.

How to Help an Alcoholic

Alcohol use disorder includes a level of drinking that’s sometimes called alcoholism. Our analyses searched for potential correlates of one form of denial to help clinicians and researchers better understand denial and to optimize their ability to identify these individuals who might benefit from advice. Although some prior studies reported a higher rate of denial in African American and Hispanic individuals (e.g., Clarke et al., 2016), that could not be adequately tested in the SDPS sample. Half reported a biological father with DSM-III alcoholism and half had no known alcoholic relative (American Psychiatric Association, 1980; Schuckit and Gold, 1988). For some people, outpatient programs with therapy treatment sessions are a great way to start the recovery journey.

Providing resources and information about available treatments, such as rehab centers or support groups, is a good idea. Many people with denial may struggle to open up and talk about their feelings. It’s important for the family or friends of the person in denial to be understanding and supportive while expressing concerns if necessary. The best approach is to talk openly but without judgment and acknowledge the person’s thoughts and feelings without trying to change them.

Addiction and Mental Health Resources

You can, however, provide resources and information about available treatments, such as rehab centers or therapy sessions. At NuView Treatment Center, our team of dedicated professionals is here to help individuals in recovery find the resources and support they need to return to living a life free of alcohol dependence. Contact us at (323) 307 – 7997 or email us at to learn more about how we can help you. Rehab centers offer comprehensive treatment plans for individuals with an alcohol use disorder.

You might also find it helpful to talk with a counselor or therapist who specializes in alcohol use disorder. If you or someone you know is living with alcohol use disorder, there are a number of resources that can help. If you think someone you know is in denial about living with alcohol use disorder, there are ways you can help https://ecosoberhouse.com/ them. In addition to supporting your own mental health, this serves as a role model to your loved one. There are empathetic, actionable ways to support someone with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) who may be stuck in denial. When a loved one has a drinking problem, it’s hard to know how to help, especially if they are in denial.

What are the Steps to Support an Alcoholic Who Doesn’t Accept Their Condition?

When you see a family member or loved one repeatedly choose alcohol or other drugs above all else, you might begin to lose sight of the person you thought you knew. The problem is that alcoholism—or what doctors today refer to as “alcohol use disorder”—has taken hold. If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder. However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important. Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol or continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems. This disorder also involves having to drink more to get the same effect or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.

Denial is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a refusal to admit the truth or reality of something.” In psychology, it’s a defense mechanism to avoid confronting a personal problem. It’s extremely common for people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) to resist the reality of their drinking problem. Encouraging an alcoholic alcoholism and denial to seek treatment can be difficult, as they may not be willing to accept that they have a problem. The best approach is to provide support and understanding while discussing the issue. It’s also important to be honest about your feelings and let them know that you are there for them no matter their decisions.