Being High-Functioning: Feeding the Alcoholic Denial

You might also find it helpful to talk with a counselor or therapist who specializes in alcohol use disorder. Not everyone who has alcohol use disorder hides or denies they misuse alcohol. You can also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline. This free helpline is available 24/7 and can help match you to programs, treatments, and support groups in your area if you live in the United States. At The Retreat, we believe in grounding our program on spiritual principles like those found in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). By providing education and guidance within this framework, we empower individuals to confront their denial head-on while offering them tools for sustained sobriety.

By dismissing the issue, they avoid acknowledging that their drinking has become problematic and refuse to engage in meaningful conversations about seeking help or making changes. This behavior can be frustrating for loved ones who are genuinely concerned and trying to offer support. Often, when confronted about their whats the legal drinking age in russia drinking habits, individuals in denial may brush off the concerns or downplay them as insignificant. They might say things like, “Let’s not make a big deal out of it,” or “I just enjoy a few drinks; it’s not like I have an addiction.” For example, someone might express that they can handle alcohol just fine or that they only drink socially; it’s not a problem.

1. For some, blaming others protects them from taking responsibility themselves.
2. Many may wonder how alcoholics who have lost their job, their housing and/or family could not realize that they are alcoholic.
3. Much of the literature on denial has focused on underlying mechanisms that contribute to false negative reports regarding SUDs.
4. People with alcohol use disorder may experience denial, which can delay treatment.

Coping with Denial in People with Alcoholism

In a 2015 study, almost 29% of participants didn’t seek treatment due to stigma or shame. In short, “there’s not a single image of AUD,” points out Sabrina Spotorno, a clinical social worker and alcoholism and substance abuse counselor at Monument. People who are high functioning with a drinking problem “seem to have everything together,” says Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC, a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor.

Symptoms of Denial & Stages of Recovery

“Always approach a loved one from a place of support and desire to help them, instead of leading with judgment or anger,” says Omar Elhaj, MD, a senior medical director at LifeStance Health. What might look like denial may actually be a lot more complicated and multilayered for people with high-functioning AUD. “For example, you may notice your spouse drinking more beers at dinner, sleeping less and less, and increasingly on edge well before they start missing workdays,” Grawert adds. You suspect your spouse, close friend, or relative has a drinking problem.

Denial in Alcohol Use Disorder

There are empathetic, actionable ways to support someone with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) who may be stuck in denial. When a loved one has a drinking problem, it’s hard to know how to help, especially if they are in denial. You can also visit the NIAAA Rethinking Drinking website or read the NIAAA treatment guide to learn more about alcohol use disorder and to find help for your loved one. The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator is a great tool that provides more information about alcohol use disorder, how to find treatment, and how to find support. If you think someone you know is in denial about living with alcohol use disorder, there are ways you can help them.

No matter the reason behind your loved one’s denial, help is available. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at We how to slowly wean off alcohol have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Enabling also creates an environment that fosters co-dependency and negatively impacts appropriate support systems. Acknowledge their struggles but gently point out how alcohol is exacerbating their problems.

When your loved one is in denial about their alcohol consumption, they may become defensive and protective of their behavior. They feel the need to justify and protect their actions as a personal choice or right. We need to learn what alcoholic denial is and why it happens to people with drug problems. We need to be able to approach with empathy to the loved ones who are reluctant to change, helping them face the truth and become more open to change. Researchers estimate that up to 50% of people who would benefit from personalized care remain unaware that resources are available. Don’t worry; we’ll also provide practical strategies for overcoming such denials—supportive what are whippets steps you can take as someone wrestling with your own struggles or trying to assist a loved one seeking redemption.

Out of love and concern, family and friends may often unintentionally enable or make excuses for their loved one’s drinking behavior. People might convince themselves or others that their drinking falls within the “normal” range. It’s because they don’t have up-to-date information on what constitutes excessive alcohol consumption. Rationalization involves coming up with justifications or explanations to make their drinking seem reasonable or acceptable. They might say things like, “I only drink to relieve stress” or “Everyone drinks; it’s a normal way to unwind.”