12 Common Things People Tell Themselves To Avoid Rehab

Regardless of the drug of choice, people who suffer from substance abuse disorders often deny the problem or try to manipulate their way out of getting help and going to rehab. Going to a rehabilitation centre implies admitting that professional help is needed and this can be a very stressful and trying time for the individual and family members.

Denial can take the form of refusal to accept the severity of the issue or partial acceptance or compliance that provides an explanation of their negative and self-destructive behaviour. It can also aggravate a number of other problems like anxiety or depression. This is because denial is actually a survival mechanism. The problem with denial is that it is not a good long term solution to dealing with addiction and trauma. 

Denial and avoidance mean refusing to accept the consequences and taking responsibility. Denial is not the same as lying – lying is a conscious act while someone in denial believes that they are right.

Here are 12 Common Things People Tell Themselves To Avoid Rehab:

1. I can quit any time I want
2. I’m under so much stress
3. My drug abuse or alcoholism doesn’t hurt anyone else
4. I only drink or take drugs over the weekend
5. Lots of other people also drive drunk
6. These are legal prescription drugs so they are fine
7. I don’t drink in the morning, so I can’t be an alcoholic
8. There are lots of other people who drink more than me
9. I have a great job, never call in sick so I can’t have a problem
10. I only drink wine or beer, not the hard stuff

Not only addicts suffer from denial. It’s a very normal way for a person to deal with a traumatic experience. At some point, any individual can face a problem which they are in denial about. Unfortunately being in denial doesn’t reduce the severity of the problem.

Try to answer these questions to ascertain whether or not you are in denial:

• Could it be possible that the person worried about you sees things about you that you do not?
• Are there elements of truth in what people are saying about you drinking too much?
• Are you threatened by change or the prospect of going to rehab?

Going to rehab is one of the hardest but most worthwhile things you could do for yourself. It’s not easy, but living a life free from substance abuse is.

Also See These Articles

• Why do Addicts Persist With Their Denial?
• How to Help an Addict After Rehab