Addiction comes in different forms. It may be our family members, loved ones, or even our closest friends. Addiction, when neglected, maybe overwhelming and may cause serious problems when left untreated. Understanding their addiction is the first step on the possible treatments that we can ask for help and know when to seek help. Aside from that, we should evaluate whether they are in denial and extend your help on how to help them in their denial stage. In this article, we will know different ways on how to help addicts in denial.

denial
How to Help Addicts in Denial

Understanding Addiction First Hand

Seeing our loved ones, friends, or colleagues experience addiction is something we cannot withstand. The first thing that comes to our mind is to understand why they have these addictions. As a concerned individual, helping them is the best option to overcome addiction.

Before we understand how to help addicts in denial, there are reasons why addiction affects every individual. It may be caused by trauma, emotional distress, and other psychological problems. As mentioned, addiction may come in different forms. Different causes of addiction must be given proper medical attention from a health professional.

The denial stage comes into the picture as their defense mechanism to show their addiction is the only coping mechanism. It only manifests the problem that should be treated before it’s too late.

Addiction affects anyone. The question now is, what are the indicators when someone’s in denial with their addiction?

How to Know When Someone is in Denial with their Addiction

How to help addicts in denial?

First, we must assess their behavior.

There are different indicators when someone is in denial of their addiction. The behavioral and emotional response is among the indicators of their denial behavior towards addiction. Take note of the following indicators:

  • Manipulative behaviors – pretends to be the victim, accusing and blaming others for their situation is the first indicator of addiction denial. Through their manipulative behaviors, they blamed others. They manipulate their family and friends to cover up their addictive behaviors.
  • Harmful behaviors – to justify their addictive behavior and become in denial, they show harmful behavior towards others. They become unmindful and responsible with their behavior to show that this is just part of their coping mechanism with their addictive behavior. Abuse and violence are few among the harmful behaviors they show when they are in denial of their addiction.
  • Defense mechanisms – in denial is their first defense mechanism in denying that they require help. They become defensive when a conversation is opened about their drug or alcohol use. They use their emotions and past experiences as defense mechanisms to justify that these factors cause their addiction, and it is reasonable.

These indicators must not be neglected and must be kept in mind for us to know when they are in denial of their addictive behavior. Read the ways on how you can show your concern towards an inflicted addict.

How Can I Help: Through Rehab Programs
How Can I Help: Through Rehab Programs

In Denial Addicts: The Short Answer

To answer the question, how to help addicts in denial, there are different ways to help them. This list might help:

  • Concerned approach – addiction is overwhelming. Giving the patients a concerned approach is the best way to help them. Talk to them in the best way possible. Make sure that they are not influenced by their addiction, to make sure that you can talk with a clear head.
  • Open conversation – let them understand the situation they are in. Let them feel that you are there to help addiction. Denial will always be the first line of defense, but patience is a virtue. It takes time for them to be encouraged to let their addiction be treated. Have an open conversation that will allow them to freely talk about their addiction.
  • Offer a helping hand – once the conversation is connected, be a helping hand. Offer rehab centers that best fit their addictive needs. This is just a step towards overcoming denial towards recovery with addiction.

Be patient – overcoming their denial stage is just a few steps in treating their addiction. Recovery is something that is done overnight. You have to be patient when it comes to its recovery towards addiction.

How Can I Help: Through Rehab Programs

Now that we have already answered how to help addicts in denial let us discuss the best ways to help them through rehabilitation programs.

Rehabilitative programs are key to overcoming addiction. Different programs are the best fit for every addiction. Considering rehab centers is the best way to overcome addiction. However, the decision will always be in the hands of the prospective addict. Your role now is to be their support system, that you are there to guide and help them in the process.

Aside from that, your behavior towards the inflicted addict should be kept in mind. Here are a few words that help open the conversation to an in denial addict.

  • As your colleague, I am concerned for you, and I want the best for you.
  • I am here to help you and to tell you to please consider getting treatment for your addiction.
  • I am concerned with your safety, and you might get harmed if you won’t get help.
  • Your job, health, and relationships are at stake. Please let me help you.
  • It is not too late to get help. I am here to help you along the way.
  • Please give me the chance to help you with what you are going through.

Conclusion

How to help addicts in denial? Simply by giving them the best support system and open conversation. Addiction shouldn’t be neglected at all, for it may risk the health, relationships, and work of the inflicted addict. Giving them the best possible options through rehabilitative programs is a big help and a support system that they can rely on. Words of encouragement and assurance may come in handy in overcoming denial addicts. Denial is just a few of the barriers that an inflicted addict will do. There are still a lot of barriers along the way. Be patient and help them the best way possible.

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