drug and alcohol rehab-how to deal with denial
I can stop whenever I want. I am not an addict. These are typical statments made by substance users, who are in denial. Alcoholics and drug addicts tend to deny or minimize their habits. The job of an alcoholic is to drink and the drug addict has to use. They will do and say anything to manipulate the people around them. The people, who want to help, are perceived as interference. The substance abusers use tactics that they have developed to maintain their habits. They can be abusive and menacing. They use emotional blackmail, even threatening suicide. Whatever works. They prey on the fears their loved ones have endured and hope that these strategies will continue to work. They need loved ones to feel guilt . As well, loved ones may feel shame or fear taking action and this is another form of denial. Finally, there is communal denial by various groups, who want to pretend that alcoholism and drug abuse does not touch them.
In time, when loved ones or other people, such as friends and employers, are finally fed up, they will take the next step. This means telling, not asking the substance abuser to get help. Frequently, everyone except the substance abuser, does all the necessary research to find help. The process is long and difficult because their are many possibilities for treatment. The abuser, in many cases, will make excuses to prolong the agony. Usually, the search ends with an ultimatum. Finally, most substance abusers, back down and accept the help, because they become tired of the abuse cycle. Lots of times, they are relieved, and happy, that they don’t have to lie anymore. Tough love may sound harsh but it is effective.
Call me Jerry Sidel at 1-877-483-3869. I can help.