Whether you are an addict yourself, or someone you love is struggling with addiction, it is important to understand that voices inside the addict’s head. These are the things that an addict will tell themselves to hinder them from getting the treatment they desperately need.
I Can Quit Whenever I Want
One of the most common lies that an addict will tell himself and loved ones is, “I can quit whenever I want.” This gives the addict a feeling of control even though inside, he or she is spiraling out of control. By repeating this statement to themselves, they are calling the shots in their life. They aren’t tied to the drugs and alcohol in their minds. By making their usage a personal choice, they can justify their behaviors, and ultimately, their addiction.
My Addiction Doesn’t Hurt Anyone Else
This is one of the most popular lies amongst addicts. Even though their family and friends are expressing pain and hurt, they can deny the reality. Those loved ones actually become enemies who are trying to control life.
The addict is moody, unpredictable and quite selfish. Their addiction does affect others especially when they engage in risky behaviors. For example, by choosing to drive drunk, they put others in danger. Their health problems as a result of addiction also burden the health care system. Besides that, they can be embarrassing, unreliable and unstable to be around.
At Least I Don’t Drink In The Morning
This lie gets told in many different ways, such as, “I don’t drink in the mornings,” or “I only drink on weekends.” This is the gauge an addict uses to judge his or her addiction compared to others. As long as someone they know is in worse shape than they are, they can justify their usage. They feel superior to others.
How much someone drinks or uses drugs isn’t what determines if they are an addict. It is about the behavior, desire, and cravings. Binge drinking can itself be a common form of alcoholism. It is often harder to reach those suffering from this than a daily drinker.
I Haven’t Lost My Job, I Can’t Be An Addict
There are plenty of people that are high-functioning alcoholics. They have a way of abusing substances without as many outward symptoms. They can maintain a “normal” appearance despite the intoxication.
Having a good job, being successful, or having a respected family will not make someone immune to being an addict. Consider the ways alcohol or drugs have hindered areas of your own life. Would they have been different if you weren’t under the influence? That’s a more realistic way to interpret your life.
Life Is Just Too Stressful Right Now, I Will Quit Later
Addicts tend to blame their issues on others. Even the smallest of life’s problems can seem like a disaster to someone suffering from addiction. Everyone faces trouble in life, but an addict struggles with finding a way to the other side without a substance to help. You’ll often hear things like, “If only my wife was better,” or “If my boss wasn’t so hard on me.”
Many times, it will sound like the world is out to get the addict. Other times, they can appear to be under more stress and turmoil than anyone else. The reality is that the drugs and alcohol are most likely causing more of their issues.
This is another one of those lies that allows the addict to justify their behavior. What they don’t realize is that many of their problems would disappear if they would get help. By committing to a recovery plan, addicts will learn how to handle the problems life will throw at them.
They Are Just Trying To Ruin My Fun
When an addict hears concerns from loved ones, it is easy for them to feel controlled. They believe that no one wants them to have fun. The family becomes the enemy during this time and will often find the addict pulling further away.
I’ve Tried Recovery Before, It Just Doesn’t Work
When someone has given treatment or recovery a try and they feel they “failed” at it, they will have a difficult time wanting to go back. Oftentimes, they weren’t ready the first time they tried. Recovery works if you work it. It isn’t something that gets received through osmosis. Sitting in the rooms and pretending to care isn’t going to get someone sober.
The addict has to be willing to follow a recovery plan and be honest with themselves through the process. Only then can true recovery take hold and peace will come to their lives.
I Don’t Care About My Life
This tends to be one of the lowest points an addict will get to. Life will become meaningless. They will find themselves consumed with the pain from the abuse. This cycle is hard to break. The longer and more often they use, the worse they will feel about themselves.
When a person feels no joy of life, there becomes no reason to achieve recovery. The reality is that the drugs and alcohol are causing these feelings and they can break free. Once working a recovery plan, the addict can once again enjoy love and peace. They will renew friendships and family relationships that have been broken. They can once again live that meaningful life they were designed for.
More About Denial
Denial is the main factor driving each of these excuses in an addict’s life. Many call it “the voice of addiction” – an aspect of the disease that tells the addict that they are not sick, and do not need help. If you or a loved one are currently in this situation, there are several steps to making recovery a reality.
- Seek out an addiction specialist or treatment center who can help the addict see the truth.
- Surround the addict with others who have found success in recovery. Often times, seeing people living a successful life is all the inspiration that is needed.
- Never argue with the addict. They will feel threatened and will not listen to any sound judgment.
- Create boundaries and rules, and stick to them. An addict who does not receive consequences, will never feel the need to get sober.
- Remember that no matter what, the addict ultimately has to be the one who decides it is time. Otherwise, recovery isn’t going to work.
Conclusion
When faced with these lies, in your own life or those you love, you can feel confident knowing that they simply are not true. It is a way to control and manipulate the situation and avoid having to do something different. You no longer have to live with the craziness of addiction. Despite the confusion and chaos, the addict and those who love them can get help and recover.
Contact Clearbrook Today
If you or someone you loved is struggling with alcoholism or addiction, we can help. For 45 years, Clearbrook Treatment Centers has been providing quality treatment to the chemically dependent person, while also offering support and education to the affected family members.
Don’t let the voice of addiction keep you from getting the help you need. Please contact our Admissions Specialists today and begin your journey to recovery.
