Why It’s Hard to Admit You Have a Substance Use Disorder

More than 46 million people in the US alone experience substance use disorder (SUD), which can be defined as an unhealthy reliance on substances, including alcohol and illicit or prescription drugs. Despite its prevalence, SUD remains one of the most stigmatized health conditions in the world.

For people experiencing substance use disorder, perceived stigma, both internally and externally, can result in issues of denial. This denial can prevent such individuals from admitting the problem both to themselves and to others, which can significantly add to feelings of guilt and loneliness, as well as make the recovery journey much harder. 

True recovery isn’t possible unless an individual is self-aware about the extent of their SUD and the behaviors they’re displaying as a result of that reliance. At Jackson House Recovery Centers, we work to help people with SUD come to terms with their addiction and find their way back to a better life. We unpack why it’s hard to admit to an SUD and how to start breaking down the barriers of denial on your recovery journey.

Denial as a Defense Mechanism

According to the American Psychological Association, denial can be defined as ‘...a defense mechanism in which unpleasant thoughts, feelings, wishes, or events are ignored or excluded from conscious awareness.’ 

Individuals experiencing SUD may fail to admit to the problem in an attempt to protect themselves. Most often, SUD denial will take the form of behaviors such as:

• Avoiding conflicts
• Ignoring health complaints
• Justifying an addiction using unhealthy comparisons 
• Minimizing the extent of an addiction
• Rationalizing problematic behaviors

Unfortunately, these imagined protections are precisely the things that allow an addiction to develop. Countless individuals fail to seek treatment or help because they don’t see the true extent of their problem. They may also begin avoiding or lying to loved ones who threaten to unveil their denial, which can increase isolation or dependence on unhealthy relationships that enable addictive behaviors to continue. 

Fear of Judgement

SUD remains one of the most stigmatized health conditions in the world, and societal misconceptions mean that many people see addiction as a moral failing rather than a devastating medical condition. People with substance use disorders will often face misconceptions from both their loved ones and medical professionals, who may assume that they’re deceitful, unreliable, and unwilling to help themselves.

Many individuals with SUD are afraid of this judgment and its potential impact on their lives, particularly when it comes to their closest relationships. They may experience concerns about losing or ruining those relationships if they’re open about the extent of their addiction. 

Perceived judgments can also result in a ‘why try effect,’ which prevents people from seeking help under the assumption that others will be unwilling to help someone they already consider a lost cause. 

Shame and Guilt

The psychological impact of addiction is extreme, and it’s common to experience shame or guilt, especially in the aftermath of giving in to addictive behaviors. This guilt may relate to the addiction itself, or regrettable things a person might have done while under the influence. Shame can also often arise due to things like the financial impact of SUD, which can result in regrettable expenditure, often at the cost of other crucial things.

This guilt makes it more likely that an individual will hide or downplay an addiction, attempting to disguise their guilt-inducing behaviors from those closest to them, and even from themselves. In many ways, this links back to denial as a defense mechanism. If an individual admits their loss of control over substance use, they will have to face up to shameful behaviors, which could be incredibly painful. Instead, they may prefer to deny that addiction and thus downplay or overlook the behaviors they feel most guilty about. 

The desire to avoid ongoing feelings of shame and guilt can also result in what’s known as ‘cognitive dissonance in addiction,’ which means that an individual may modify their reasoning and belief system to support addictive impulses. This practice makes it easier to justify bad or shameful behavior and thus alleviates both the admittance of a problem and any feelings of shame or guilt while pursuing that addiction.

Fear of Consequences

Any addiction can have significant consequences, especially if it becomes known. As well as potential health risks, these ramifications may be legal, personal, or professional. The most notable consequences might include:

• A prison sentence of a year or more
• Breakdown of important relationships
• Health-related problems or hospital stays
• Sudden job loss

These are all dire consequences that can have a lasting impact on an individual’s life and future opportunities. Even secretive addictive behaviors may result in things like missed work, strained relationships, and so on. 

However, many individuals experiencing SUD develop a belief that they can avoid these worrying consequences by simply keeping the problem a secret to themselves and those around them. They may downplay their addiction in the belief that they’ll be able to maintain things like work and their personal relationships. Unfortunately, most people are unable to do so as their addiction grows.

Attachment to Substances

Using any substance regularly can result in an attachment to the effects of that substance, which could include the ability to more easily overcome stress, trauma, or emotional pain. Regular substance use can also become a normalized part of everyday life and something unrecognizable as a disorder to the user. This reality is especially likely if they spend time with other people experiencing addiction, who are also using that substance regularly.

When this happens, it’s common to overlook or undermine certain symptoms of SUD, which may include:

• Difficulties at work
• Relationship breakdowns
• Social isolation
• Sudden mood swings
• Using or drinking larger amounts

By denying or ignoring these signs, individuals continue seeking substances they’ve come to rely on and likely don’t know how to replace. 

Addiction Recovery Treatment Near Me

There are several reasons why it can be hard to admit to a substance use disorder, but continuing to deny an addiction can significantly worsen your situation. The longer that denial continues, the greater risk there is that addiction will cause significant psychological, physical, and personal pain to you and your loved ones. 

While it isn’t easy for every individual experiencing SUD to exercise self-awareness, it is possible for them to take noticeable steps toward recovery, including:

• Reflecting on their behavior/usage
• Listening to feedback from others
• Seeking help to understand and overcome their addiction

At Jackson House Recovery Centers, we provide vital support for individuals in San Diego who are coming to terms with their addiction and its impact on their lives. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment programs that can provide you with the support you deserve on your recovery journey. Whether you’re concerned for yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact us today to bring addiction out into the light.