How To Help Drug Addicts In Denial
When you have an addict in your life, it’s common to feel a strong urge to offer help. However, that task can be extremely difficult when your loved one isn’t ready to accept that their addiction has taken hold of their life. Denial is a major stage of addiction that addicts must overcome before they’re ready to seek help. Discover some effective tips on how to help drug addicts in denial.
Mind of an Addict – The Things They Tell Themselves
While the rest of the world may be able to clearly see that there’s a problem, addicts have many ways they justify their addictions. Their love of their chosen high leads to an illusion of control and a strong sense of denial that there’s a problem. These are some of the most typical thoughts an addict has when they’re trying to convince themselves that they’re in control of their addiction:
- “The only problem is everyone complaining about it.”
- “I don’t have enough of a problem to need treatment.”
- “Quitting and going through detox will be too difficult.”
- “This is my life. I’ll do what I want with it.”
All of these responses deflect or procrastinate, giving the addict more justification to abuse their chosen drug. You’re likely to encounter some of these responses when talking to someone in denial.
Things to Remember When an Addict You Love is in Denial
It can really seem like an uphill battle to help drug addicts in denial. It’s tough when someone has trouble admitting that they have a problem. This is especially true when they become angry and hostile, as they may feel like they’re being attacked rather than cared for. Nonetheless, we must continue to reach out to the ones we love. These tips can help:
- Make it 100% clear that you’ll help them when they’re ready. If your loved one takes one thing away from your discussions, it should be that you’ll be there whenever they accept that they need help.
- Don’t make the situation more painful than it has to be. Fighting their denial directly may only make it fiercer and more volatile. Simply make your clear points but don’t take it to an emotional level more than you have to.
- Remember that they’re probably struggling with the idea of quitting their addiction. Your loved one may have been strategizing about how to quit their habit for a long time. Your support may be the catalyst they need to seek treatment.
Myrtle Beach Recovery Can Help
Helping the addicts you love in life isn’t an easy endeavor, but it’s one that’s worth the effort. There are a variety of obstacles that are commonly encountered when trying to get addicts the help they need, and denial is among the hardest to overcome. But with enough patience and understanding, you may be able to get through to your loved one and help them get the help they need.
Myrtle Beach Recovery offers a sober living facility where addicts can work through the twelve steps in a safe environment. Contact Myrtle Beach Recovery today to learn how we can help you on your journey to sobriety.
