Alcohol addiction is a disease that ravages the mind, body, and soul. It can take away a person’s individuality, autonomy, and self-awareness. When someone puts themselves in this position, guilt and shame may lead them to rationalize how they got there. Rationalization typically occurs when the individual tells themselves lies that make it easier to continue drinking and harder to acknowledge the problem and seek treatment. Here are five detrimental lies alcoholics tell themselves to avoid dealing with the disease.
“I Don’t Drink That Often, So I’m Not an Alcoholic”
Alcoholism isn’t a black-and-white issue where the individual in question is (or isn’t) an addict. When a person is in an addiction treatment center, they realize that alcoholism has multiple levels of severity.
Since the condition exists on a spectrum, those who suffer from it have numerous excuses to use. They often believe what they tell themselves and may think that they’re drinking much less than they are.
“I Can Quit Drinking Anytime I Want”
One of the first—and likely one of the most harmful—lies an alcoholic may tell is that they aren’t addicted and can stop at any time. When things negatively affect a person’s life, but that person chooses to keep doing them for the short-term benefits, quitting isn’t as easy as it seems—and it’s much more difficult with a substance abuse disorder like alcoholism.
A major barrier to recovery is the acknowledgment of the problem. In many cases, this requires intervention from well-meaning friends and family members who can help the person accept their situation.
“Sobriety is Boring and I Will Be Too”
This point stands out to those who have managed to recover from alcoholism. However, a person in the throes of the disease may find it hard to see anything other than what’s in front of them at that moment—and that perspective is physically and mentally reinforced. When a person’s body craves alcohol, nothing else will do. While one can have fun while drinking, it is equally possible to live an exciting life without the substance they have come to rely on.
“I Still Get Up and Go to Work Every Day, So There’s No Problem”
Although a person’s failure to handle their responsibilities is an indicator of an addiction that’s worsening, many individuals fit the description of a functioning alcoholic. Alcohol dependence may affect someone’s life in hidden ways, and a person who seems capable at work may still rely on those nightly drinks once they get home.
“It’s Only Affecting Me, and I Don’t Understand Why Everyone is So Worried”
Those in addiction treatment programs have likely said that their conditions were theirs alone and that no one else was affected. Accountability is a crucial aspect of recovery, but too much of a good thing can be harmful. Alcoholism affects not just the person with the condition but their friends, family, and community.
Stop Being Dishonest and Start Recovering From Alcoholism
Breaking free from the dishonesty of alcoholism is essential for a person struggling with the disease. Addiction is a health condition, not a moral failure, and seeking help and support can guide an individual into recovery. By confronting the lies they tell themselves, alcoholics can get on the path to recovery and live a healthier and happier life.
