Denial Patterns
This denial pattern occurs when someone explains away or defends their substance use to make it seem acceptable instead of acknowledging it as a problem.
What is Rationalizing / Justification?
This pop singer and former Disney star has been open about her struggles with addiction and mental health, inspiring fans with her recovery journey.
Who is Demi Lovato?
This type of enabler rushes in to solve someone else’s problems, doing everything for them so they never face the consequences of their actions.
What is The Fixer?
During a negative conflict, this happens when someone tries to discuss a problem while the other person is stressed, tired, or distracted, making the conflict more likely to escalate.
What is Bad Timing?
Held every March in Houston, this event is the world’s largest livestock exhibition and rodeo, featuring concerts, carnival rides, and BBQ competitions.
What is The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?
This denial pattern happens when someone avoids talking about feelings, skips treatment, or distracts themselves from the problem instead of facing it.
What is Avoidance?
Clue: This actor, known for “Iron Man” and “Sherlock Holmes,” has publicly discussed his battles with alcohol and maintaining sobriety.
Who is Robert Downey Jr.?
This type of enabler blames everyone else—or even themselves—for the person’s substance use, instead of focusing on solutions or accountability.
What is The Blamer?
During a negative conflict, this tactic uses intimidation, fear, or demands like “If you don’t do this, then…” instead of addressing the problem constructively.
What is Threats and Ultimatums?
Every spring in Austin, this massive festival brings together music, film, and interactive media, attracting tens of thousands from around the world.
What is SXSW (South by Southwest)?
This thinking pattern happens when someone believes things are either all good or all bad, with no middle ground, which can lead to giving up after one slip.
What is Polarized Thinking / All or Nothing / Thinking in Extremes?
The “Friends” and stand-up comedian was open about his past struggles with cocaine and alcohol, inspiring others with his recovery story.
Who is Matthew Perry?
This type of enabler scolds or judges the person for their substance use but sometimes joins in or provides the substance themselves, undermining their credibility.
What is The Hypocrite?
During a negative conflict, this occurs when multiple complaints are brought up at once, overwhelming the other person and making it hard to resolve any single issue.
What is Too Many Issues?
This football championship game, held in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, draws massive crowds and is one of Texas’s biggest annual sporting events.
What is The State High School Football Championship?
This denial pattern occurs when someone measures their progress against others, thinking their situation should match someone else’s instead of focusing on their own journey.
What is Comparing?
This pop superstar, known for hits like “Toxic” and “Oops!... I Did It Again,” has publicly shared her journey through addiction and mental health recovery.
Who is Britney Spears?
Statistics show that more than this percent of individuals relapse within the first year following treatment.
What is 85%?
During a fair conflict, this strategy helps both people be ready to listen calmly by scheduling a discussion at an appropriate time.
What is Set A Time?
Held annually in San Antonio, this 10-day festival honors the city’s heritage with parades, music, food, and the famous Battle of the Flowers.
What is Fiesta San Antonio?
This denial pattern occurs when someone tries to influence or control others to justify their behavior or avoid responsibility instead of addressing their own recovery.
What is Manipulating?
This actor, rapper, and entrepreneur publicly discussed his recovery journey and now advocates for mental health and sobriety through his foundation.
Who is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson?
This recovery strategy involves showing you care, being ready to help when the person chooses treatment, and offering practical support—like driving them back—without enabling their behavior.
What is Be Available and Support Without Enabling?
During a fair conflict, this principle keeps the discussion focused so that each issue can be addressed without getting derailed.
What is Stick to One Issue?
This Dallas event, one of the largest in the U.S., features Big Tex, live music, fried food on sticks, and a massive midway each fall.
What is The State Fair of Texas?