This document discusses denial in addiction. It defines denial as an unconscious psychological defense mechanism where a person rejects the meanings of an event. Denial is considered the number one symptom of addiction. The document then examines how denial relates to substance abuse by allowing addicts to ignore consequences. It explores whether denial is a choice, explaining that it is a primitive defense mechanism not deliberately used. The document outlines the stages of denial in addiction treatment and recovery. It stresses the importance of support groups in breaking the cycle of isolation and commitment to a new way of living. Finally, it identifies the seven deadly sins of denial commonly used by addicts.

1. DENIAL IN ADDICTION
Presented By: Nicole Lewis

3. Denial
 A primitive psychological defense mechanism by which a
person UNCONSCIOUSLY rejects some or all of the
meanings of an event or situation.
 The #1 symptom of addiction.
 Dubbed the “Hallmark of Addiction.”
 Of the 23.1 million needing treatment, 20.8 million didn’t
receive it and 95% said it was because they felt they
didn’t need it.

4. Denial’s Relationship to Substance Abuse
 It’s like a mask that an addict can wear to help
them ignore && avoid the consequences for their
actions.
 People in addiction lie in order to conceal and
maintain their unhealthy behaviors.

5. Is Denial a Choice?
 Let’s take a closer look at the definition
 PRIMITIVE is a characteristic of the early state of human development.
So it’s like saying that denial is ingrained in us, it’s something that our
brain does without us always noticing.
 DEFENSE MECHANISM is a way for our minds to protect us from being
consciously aware of thoughts or feelings that are too difficult for us
to accept.
 UNCONSCIOUS is like saying we use it without even knowing its being
used.
 Sometimes yes they do know the truth but choose to lie about it.
Generally speaking though, denial is not a deliberate, willful act on
the part of the person who is abusing substances; rather, it’s a set of
defenses and distortions in thinking, typically caused by the use of
substances.

6. Is denial a bad thing?
 No. Our denial defenses were designed to help us cope in
stressful and traumatic situations.
 Denial is meant for short-term protection from painful
news or traumatic experiences.
 Example: finding a lump in your throat
 It can be a healthy coping mechanism because it gives you
time to adjust to painful or stressful situations by allowing
your mind the opportunity to unconsciously absorb
shocking or distressing information at a pace that won’t
send you into a psychological tailspin.

7. So when substance abusers utilize denial
techniques, how are they being protected?
 THEY AREN’T!!
 Misuse of denial
 The only thing they are really protecting is their
addiction.
 Addicts are denying reality to so that they can keep
engaging in unhealthy behaviors. This is when denial can
be harmful.
 When it comes to substance abuse, denial is detrimental
to treatment.

8. How Does Treatment Impact the Denial
System?
 Treatment programs bring patients problems to the surface and it forces them to see
their addiction for what it is.
 Treatment programs are designed to provide information that makes people aware of
their problems and ultimately, to break through their denial.
 Treatment is aimed at getting patients get in touch with themselves. Once in
treatment, all of the things addicts have been trying to protect themselves from
thinking and feeling suddenly surrounds them. Eventually they are forced to stare
their problem in the face. That makes it pretty much impossible for them to keep
denying the problem exists.
 So instead of understanding themselves and their addiction, that 95% refused
treatment so they could continue using and pushing their unwanted thoughts,
memories, or feelings away.
 Treatment programs, if nothing else, plant a seed of change and teach fresh ways of
doing things that incorporate positive actions to take root. It might not grow right
away, but over time, it is expected to flourish.

9. Stage 1: a person flat-out refuses to admit
they have a problem with substances.
 They might accept being addicted but they don’t see it as
a problem.
 Ultimately, in stage one, they flat-out deny their
addiction entirely.
 Typically towards the end of stage one, they consider
themselves to be a drug abuser, but not chemically
dependent.

10. Stage 2: a person denies the need for
ongoing sobriety support after treatment is
completed.
 Learning new patterns for thinking and behaving requires steady
reinforcement. It is so easy to fall back into old habits, even after
those habits have been broken.
 This stage usually doesn’t surface until after a treatment program has
been completed.
 People in stage 2 denial typically think they can maintain their
sobriety on their own. This stems from an addict refusing to feel that
they are powerless to their substance. Therefore, they deny the need
for outside help and refuse to seek support from groups such as 12-
step programs, outpatient treatment programs, aftercare treatment,
or other support groups.
 Good intentions during treatment, do not guarantee program action
after patients have been discharged.

11. Stage 3: refusing to go to any length
during recovery.
 People in stage 3 are in denial that they are in need of
obtaining a sponsor and refusing to work the 12-steps.
 Working the 12-Steps is critical!!!! Fully applying yourself while
working the 12-Steps will help you identify the traits that make
you unhappy, let go of those traits, and learn something better
in their place.
 The steps are a way to recognize and remember core values.
Working them is almost like a roadmap back to humanity.
 The 12-Steps are by no means an easy process. In fact they are
incredibly difficult. But putting forth the effort to work them is
a commitment to your sobriety and mental health.

12. Why are 12-Step Support Groups So
Important?
 It demonstrates a high commitment to sobriety.
 It provides a constant reminder to keep thinking
and living life differently.
 It breaks the cycle of feeling isolated by providing
a support group.

13.  Rationalizing – The person offers “reasons” or “excuses” to use substances.
They try to explain away their substance use by making up good explanations
for why they use and what is “really” causing their problem.
 “Everyone at my school drinks.”
 “It’s my birthday so I’m going to drink.”
 Avoiding/Diverting – Somewhere deep inside the addict is afraid that they
might have a problem with drugs or alcohol; but they find that when they
don’t think or talk about it, they feel okay. They change the subject and avoid
talking about their drug or alcohol use as much as possible.
 You ask: “Were you drinking last night?” They reply: “What’s for dinner?”
The 7 Deadly Denial Sins!!

14. The 7 Deadly Denial Sins!!
 Minimizing – Someone makes something seem smaller than what it is. They try
to make their usage seem unimportant like “it’s no big deal.” Keywords: Only
and Just.
 I only smoke a little bit of weed, and its just at night to help me sleep.

15.  Lying – Being flat-out dishonest about substance use entirely. Substance
users tend to weave a confusing and complex web of lies to cover their
tracks.
 “I quit.”
The 7 Deadly Denial Sins!!

16. 7 Deadly Denial Sins Continued…
 Blaming – Avoiding responsibility for their choices and actions by
making it seem like other people or factors cause their
problems.
 “I get high because my parents won’t stop nagging me.”
 Comparing – Comparing their substance use to another person’s
usage in an attempt to make their problem seem smaller.
Showing others are worse than them proves that they don’t
have serious problems.
 “Sally shoots up heroin and I’m only smoking a little bit of weed.”
 Anger – By getting angry about being confronted about their
substance use, they are focusing on the anger and trying to
ignore the actual issue, which is their substance use.
 “I HATE YOU!! You went through my personal stuff to find these drugs!!”