The Dangers of Denial

Denial Is Caused By Fear
It's Not My Fault
Don't Blame Me...
Why Denial Is Dangerous
Give Up Denial

Who's Fooling Whom?

Most people who are addicted to substances, people, or behaviors don't want to admit they have a problem. Friends and loved ones of the addicted person may also deny the problem by trying to cover up for the other person's behavior. Ending denial is never easy, and takes great courage. But continuing denial makes it impossible to recover from addiction.

Denial Is Caused By Fear

Fear pushes many addicts into denial, a belief that their situation is really not that serious. People who are afraid to face their problems often start practicing denial even before they're addicted. They may get resentful, angry, or defensive when asked about their behavior. As addiction progresses, it causes its own problems. Then the idea of facing reality can be frightening and overwhelming.

Its Not My Fault

Addicted people work hard to convince themselves and others that they are not addicted. Some common excuses include:

"Most people (fill in the blank with any addictive behavior) this much."
"I only do it on weekends."
"Everyone I know does it."
"If my spouse were more pleasant, I wouldn't have to (fill in) "
"I'll stop as soon as the pressure lets up."
"A little bit of (fill in) is good for you."
"It helps me relax/concentrate/forget."
"I enjoy it too much to stop."
"It's not a problem, I just enjoy it."

Don't Blame Me...

Often addicted people have "helpers" who keep the household running or cover up the addict's job mistakes. The helpers want to deny any problem, and give all the same excuses about the addict. They also deny their own part of it:

"How can I be part of the problem? I always pour the liquor out!"
"I don't know where she gets the money to buy drugs."
"He doesn't mean to hurt us."
"Her performance will improve. She just needs to snap out of it."

Why Denial Is Dangerous

Addiction takes over addicts' lives, endangering their own and others' health, safety, and happiness. Denial lets everyone pretend that there is no problem. The longer denial goes on, the longer it takes before addicts change their behavior. Denial is dangerous for everyone.

Give Up Denial

As a problem progresses, the consequences become more serious, making it harder to deny. Facing a problem is the first step to solving it. Most addictions are difficult to overcome alone. It's easier to give up denial and then addiction when you have strong support from a self-help group, therapist, professional counselor, or Employee Assistance Program.

Smoking, Substance and Alcohol Awareness