Alcoholism Denial: Spotting the Warning Signs of an Alcohol Use Disorder

“I can stop at any time.”

This saying is so commonplace it’s often used in TV shows and movies to highlight someone who likely can’t stop at any time. Why does this happen, though? Why do people deny they have a problem when in your eyes, it’s crystal clear?

Alcoholism denial is more common than you might realize. Here in Oregon, the CDC estimates over 50,000 years of potential life are lost to excessive alcohol use each year. As one of the oldest non-profit rehabs in the state, our team at Serenity Lane has seen the many ways that alcohol use can impact individuals and families alike. Alcoholism denial is a complex subject. Learning more about it can help you not only lower stigma in your community but also be able to spot when a loved one might be in need of help.

What Is Alcoholism Denial?

You might be able to already guess what alcoholism denial is by the name. To put it simply, alcoholism denial is when someone won’t outwardly and/or inwardly accept that they or their loved one has an alcohol use disorder. In most cases, it is primarily about someone in denial of their own relationship with alcohol use.

Alcoholism denial isn’t someone who denies jokes if their friends make light of their alcohol consumption. The difference lies in how someone denies it in combination with their actual relationship with alcohol use.

How Can Someone Be in Denial About Their Alcohol Use?

If they’re the ones seeking out alcohol, surely a person is aware of how much they drink, right? How can they possibly deny what’s right in front of them?

Alcoholism denial isn’t straightforward. It’s not just someone thinking they drink less than they actually do. It’s primarily rooted in shame and fear. By acknowledging their own alcohol use and how it’s impacting them, they’re admitting to a flaw. They’re admitting to themselves that they can’t actually stop the way they want to, and that it’s impacting their lives and the lives of those around them.

Why Does Alcoholism Denial Happen?

As we mentioned, alcoholism denial often comes from someone feeling shame regarding their alcohol use, or a fear of what others will think of them, but why?

Despite its legality across the United States, there’s still much stigma associated with drinking and alcohol use disorders. There are many outdated beliefs surrounding alcohol use disorders, seeing it as a moral or personal failing, as opposed to a complex condition that doesn’t develop from a singular source.

This stigma also goes hand-in-hand with the stereotypes of what an “alcoholic” looks like. It makes it easy for someone to say, “Oh well I can’t have an alcohol use disorder cause I still have my job,” or, “I can’t be an alcoholic because I don’t drink 5 beers every night.”

Outside sources can also influence alcoholism denial, primarily those closest to the person with the alcohol use disorder. Loved ones can be just as in denial as the person themselves, further affirming to the person with the alcohol use disorder that their denial is valid.

How Can You Tell if Someone’s in Denial About Their Alcohol Use?

Not everyone who says, “I don’t have an alcohol use disorder,” is secretly in denial. Being able to tell when someone is being truthful or not comes down to identifying the other signs of an alcohol use disorder. Someone who’s in denial about an alcohol use disorder would be showcasing other physical and behavioral symptoms of an alcohol use disorder, too. 

Spotting the Signs of an Alcohol Use Disorder

The more someone engages in alcohol use over time, the more likely they are to develop other side effects from their alcohol use. These side effects can impact both their physical well-being and their actions and moods.

Here are some of the most common signs of an alcohol use disorder:

These are just a few of the signs, combined with liver damage, memory loss, difficulties concentrating, and more.

How to Talk With a Loved One in Denial About Their Alcohol Use

Approaching topics surrounding substance and alcohol use disorders can seem like a monumental task. You don’t want to scare off your loved one, and some part of you might want to be angry at them, but what approach is actually the best?

As we’ve touched on in this article, alcoholism denial frequently comes from a fear of the judgment they might receive should they acknowledge their alcohol use disorder. If you approach them with anger or disappointment, they’re more likely to continue their denial or to work harder to hide it from you.

The best thing you can do for your loved one is to take a moment to compose your thoughts before you approach them about their alcohol use. Be prepared to have an open mind and hear what they have to say.

It can be helpful to approach the conversation with questions already in mind. Ask them if they want to keep drinking, where they see themselves in a few years, or why they seek out alcohol. By understanding what their concerns and fears are, you can help set them up for healing.

There are ways to support your loved one without enabling their alcohol consumption. Remind them that you want to see them live a long, happy, and healthy life. One of the biggest obstacles to healing is taking the first step toward recovery. It can seem daunting. By offering your assistance in finding a good rehab center, or by offering to drive them to their first appointment, you can make this step much less terrifying for them.

Finding Recovery for Alcohol Use Disorders in Oregon

There are many alcoholism rehab options available here in Oregon, but knowing which one is best for you or your loved one is the key to long-term recovery.

You deserve a program with the full continuum of care available. A program that offers not only alcohol detox but inpatient and outpatient options, as well. Healing doesn’t stop when you leave a facility, so finding a good alumni program or program that will continue to work with you whenever you need additional support is important.

The road of healing isn’t linear. A good program will continue to touch base with you and adjust your treatment needs to suit your current state and obstacles. There are great programs out there, and you deserve to find one that works for you.

With our team of expert, licensed professionals, Serenity Lane is here to help. We offer the full continuum of care and have a long history of helping people build a new life of recovery. There’s no wrong time to get started, so give us a call today at 800-543-9905.

Find serenity in long-term recovery.