Addiction is a serious disease, one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Unfortunately, for those who are struggling, their friends and family may not realize the full problem until it is too late. People with substance use disorders may try to hide their problems from them until they can no longer do that.
In fact, the truth is that they often try to hide it from themselves. They tell themselves lies, for many reasons. It is hard for individuals with substance use disorders to admit that they actually have a problem. They may also be telling themselves lies as they struggle to come to terms with the problem.
Watch our for these 5 lies.
I can have only one and it will be fine. Many people who struggle with alcohol and drug addiction trick themselves into thinking that they can control their disease. They believe that they can have one drink and stop. They may just take a pill, thinking that they will stop at that one. However, as all addicts know, they aren’t satisfied with one. They will keep drinking or taking pills until they are drunk or high.
I deserve a beer (or a pill) after the day that I had. People with SUD also try to justify their disease by thinking that they deserve that drink because they had such a stressful day. However, as the lie above says, they won’t be able to stop at just one. One will lead to two, which will lead to much more!
I just need a little something to help me relax at night, so I can get a good night’s sleep. They will also justify their drinking and drug abuse by thinking that they need something to help them relax so that they can sleep. Unfortunately, one will lead to more and, before they know it, they will be drunk or high.
This is hopeless. All of these lies above may make an addict feel hopeless. They get stuck in a cycle where they really want a drink or drug. Then, they do everything that they can to avoid them. Until, they decide to just have one, which leads to a lot more. Then, they vow to stay away from their problem and the cycle starts all over. After going through the cycle a few times, an addict can really start to feel like there is no hope.
I don’t need help. Once a person with a substance use disorder decides to change his or her life, they may try to do it all on their own. They may try to go cold turkey when they are alone. However, an addict is going to need some help. Whether or not they decide to go to an inpatient facility, they are still going to need the support of family and friends to get them through this rough patch. That being said, people with SUD must be careful with who is on his or her side. He or she may have to let some go, especially those that aren’t going to support them through this difficult time.
Many people with a substance use disorders don’t really understand the extent of their problem. They often think that they can just have one drink, though it often leads to many more. They may also justify that they deserve to get high one last time because they had such a hard day (or they need to relax so that they can sleep). They may also feel quite hopeless because they have been fighting their addiction by themselves, with no success.
If you or someone that you love is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can call us at 844-489-0836 and we will be happy to help you get started with your recovery.
