Denial in Addiction

Quite often, those who struggle with a drug or alcohol addiction will be in denial about the whole situation. Many of them simply do not believe that they have a problem. With those who do recognise that they are displaying concerning symptoms, it is not uncommon to simply ignore it and hoping it goes away. Unsurprisingly, this issue will not go away unless the addict comes to terms with the severity of their addiction and acts upon it.

In many cases, the abuser will not accept any form of support, but this is what can lead to the addiction spiralling out of control. At this point, it can be extremely challenging to regain control, but it is entirely possible to do so with the correct help and support. The affected individual just needs to be willing to accept this help.

Habit Versus Addiction

When a person has a habit, he or she still has control over the substance being consumed or the behaviours being displayed. The individual would not think or talk about their habit constantly, and he or she can use or engage in their habit in moderate doses. However, someone who is suffering from an addiction will be the complete opposite. An addict is controlled by the substance being abused, and he or she will think about their next fix all the time.

Stages of Addiction

An addiction will begin with curiosity; there has to be a first use as you cannot develop an interest in something unless you actually like it. The same way that you cannot like something without experiencing it first.

The next stage is desire. If your first couple of experiences made you feel good, you are more likely to want to do it again. Desire can come at random times; however, when desire becomes more regular and it becomes more intense, you are progressing to the ‘want’ stage.

When you physically want something, you will start to behave in a manner that will allow you to use the substance or partake in the activity regularly. This stage is when the individual will begin to plan their life around the substance he or she wants.

After you have been through these stages, you will find that you have now got a habit. At this point, you can find yourself using the substance or engaging in the activity without giving it a second thought. It almost becomes second nature; it is from here that you are in danger of developing an addiction.

Denial

If you were to look up the word ‘addiction’, it is often defined as ‘someone who has a problem with a substance such as drugs or alcohol’. Many will consider the possibility that they have an addiction themselves but then pass it off. Perhaps it is because they can still function normally, still go to work every day, do everything that is expected of them and overall lead a ‘normal’ life.

The term ‘addict’ often seems too defining for some people. Many individuals are under the impression that if one is classed as an addict, then he or she needs help. If you are not an addict, then you don’t need help. So, in many cases, the addict would not admit this purely because he or she is not willing to accept support. The affected person may feel as though he/she does not need support as they are ‘fine’. Others will know they need help but do not want to be labelled an addict because of the stigma attached to the illness.

Accepting Help

We have established that not many addicts are willing to accept help for various reasons. Nevertheless, if you are suffering from addiction and want to overcome it, you need assistance. Although an addiction can be beaten without medical support, it is extremely rare and very difficult. Here at Middlegate, we will ensure that you receive the best possible treatment for your needs by putting you in contact with the most appropriate facilities for your situation. Contact us today for more information on how we can help.

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