Alcoholism And Addiction: Dealing With Denial

In order to avoid the issues – and reality – high-functioning alcoholics will have a seemingly rational explanation for their drinking patterns and behavior. For example, marital or family problems, stress at work, of social engagements. Some high-functioning alcoholics will laugh off their alcohol consumption and drinking episodes to validate that their drinking is a choice.

• Treatment for substance use disorder should be tailored to your specific needs.
• The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that over seventeen million American adults have alcohol use disorders.
• As is the case with any substance disorder, individuals struggling with alcohol addiction are likely to deny and get angry when confronted.
• Alcoholism often produces mental health disorders in individuals afflicted by it.
• Today, when those denial thoughts crop up, I use them as reminders that even though I have always been high functioning, I really am an alcoholic.

Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Verywell Mind’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Increasing isolation and distancing from friends and family.

Stages of Denial

Even if you are aware that your drinking has become a problem, it’s common to worry about what others might think. In a 2015 study, almost 29% of participants didn’t seek treatment due to stigma or shame. There are empathetic, actionable ways to support someone with an alcohol use disorder 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. The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers is a nonprofit professional society designed to offer support to organizations across the continuum of care. Not allowing them to live with you if they are using drugs and alcohol. It keeps good people in everlasting blindness destroying any chance for healthy change.

If they’re not receptive, keep trying — and set boundaries to protect your own well-being. Sometimes, a person’s personality can influence their tendency for denial.

Proband follow-ups, evaluation of SDPS probands’ offspring, and offspring follow-ups

A highly functional alcoholic appears to live a double life. In one, they’re responsible and sober, never missing a birthday or rent payment. In the other life, they’re a fall-down drunk whose alcohol consumption continues to increase each year. A high-functioning alcoholic doesn’t seem Alcoholism and Denial to fit any of the stereotypes. They equate their ability to complete certain tasks in the day as evidence they don’t have a problem with alcohol. Most functioning alcoholics would tell you they never miss a day of work or show up late with a hangover, so they must not have a problem.