Denial is one of the most powerful and persistent obstacles to addiction recovery. For many people, it can be the primary reason they avoid or delay getting help, even when their substance use clearly harms their health, relationships and quality of life.
Recognizing Denial
Denial is a defense mechanism that protects people from complex emotions like shame, fear or guilt by distorting reality. Someone struggling with substance use might insist, “I don’t have a problem,” or “I can stop anytime I want,” even as their world crumbles around them.
Denial can take many forms, including:
- Minimizing the severity of substance use (“It’s just a few drinks at night; nothing serious.”)
- Shifting blame to others (“I take Xanax because my boss stresses me out.”)
- Justifications (“I need opioids to ease my pain.”)
- Comparisons to others (“At least I’m not living on the streets.”)
- Changing the subject or becoming defensive when confronted
Denial Among Older Adults
Older adults who develop substance use disorders may find it uniquely challenging to recognize and admit the scope of their problem. Many view addiction as a crisis that only affects younger, less responsible people and may feel they’ve “earned” the right to drink or abuse marijuana or prescription medications after a lifetime of hard work.
However, the consequences of addiction can be severe in older people because the aging brain and body are more susceptible to the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. Denial can be dangerous in this demographic because it delays necessary intervention – often until an accident, medical emergency or legal trouble forces the issue.
The Cycle of Self-Destruction
Rejecting suggestions of seeking therapy or treatment may be appealing to older adults who want to maintain their independence as long as possible. You may grow increasingly frustrated or worried, unsure how to help someone who stubbornly insists they don’t need it. Meanwhile, your loved one may lose their job, drive people away or suffer severe health issues as a direct result of unchecked substance use.
Examples of how denial perpetuates addiction include:
- Continuing to drink or use drugs after a fall or injury
- Ignoring a doctor’s recommendation to stop drinking due to organ damage or memory problems
- Becoming isolated or defensive when others raise concerns
- Hiding substance use from friends or family while claiming to still be “high-functioning”
Facing Reality and Beginning Recovery
At Hemet Valley Recovery Center and Sage Retreat, we help clients and their families confront denial with compassion, honesty and evidence-based care.
- Education: We provide our clients’ family members with comprehensive information about chemical dependency as a disease, so they can start healing and stop enabling.
- Supportive environment: Our clinical team fosters a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and respected, which makes it easier to let go of denial.
- Personalized treatment: We tailor each recovery plan to clients’ individual needs, meeting them where they are.
The Truth Sets People Free
Denial may feel protective, but it only prolongs suffering. Letting go of illusions and confronting the issue head-on is the secret to lasting recovery.
We’ve guided hundreds of people to freedom with hospital-based care and specialized programs. Whether you’re ready to accept help for yourself or worried about someone you love, our team is here to take your call.