Types of Denial
This type of denial make the problem seem smaller than it really is.
What is minimization
“I only drink on weekends, so it’s not a problem.”
What is Denial
“Relapse happens because recovery is hard, not because I failed.”
What is Truth
“I can handle it on my own.”
“I’ve tried before and need support to recover.”
Staying in denial increases the risk of this.
What is relapse?
I only smoke weed, not harder drugs
What is comparison
“If my boss didn’t stress me out, I wouldn’t drink.”
What is Blaming
“I relapsed because I didn’t really want recovery.”
What is Excuse/Denial
“It’s just one drink, it won’t matter.”
“One drink can trigger relapse and set me back.”
Denial can block progress in this key part of recovery.
What is honesty/self-awareness?
Blaming other people for your use instead of taking responsibility
What is blaming
“I don’t use as much as other people.”
What is Comparison
“Stress is a trigger for me, so I need coping tools.”
What is Truth?
“Everybody I know uses, so it’s normal.”
“I need to build a sober network for my recovery.”
When denial isn’t challenged, it can damage these three areas of life.
What are health, relationships, and work
I deserve to use after the week I had
What is justification
“I don’t need treatment because I still have a job.”
What is Denial
“It’s not that serious yet, I’ll quit later.”
What is Excuse/Denial
“My family is the reason I use.”
“My choices are mine, and I can learn healthy ways to cope.”
Denial prevents people from seeking this type of help.
What is treatment/support?
Making excuses like "I can quit anytime I want."
What is rationalization
“I’m not hurting anyone but myself.”
What is Minimization
“Recovery is a process, not perfection.”
What is Truth
“I’ll quit after the weekend.”
“The best time to work on recovery is now.”
Over time, denial strengthens this destructive cycle.
What is the addiction cycle?