Addiction Denial: Symptoms, Behaviors & How To Help

The ability to recognize harmful behaviors and the negative consequences of drug use is an important aspect of a person’s recovery. However, remaining in a state of denial prevents many people from understanding the toll that their harmful behavior takes on themselves and those they love. Any level of denial can also make it difficult for a person to seek or become willing to receive help for their substance use disorder. This guide will examine the concept of denial, explore some common signs and symptoms of denial to look out for, and learn how to help someone who is in denial about their addiction.

Some feelings of uncertainty and ambivalence can be a normal part of the process of change — especially during early recovery. However, uncertainty and ambivalence can also serve as obstacles and may hinder a person from changing their substance use behaviors.3 Furthermore, denial may function as a way for someone to ignore the reality of their situation or diminish the severity of their substance use, especially when it pertains to the damage caused by their resistance to stop using.4 Though denial may be considered an involuntary process that functions to help a person resolve emotional conflicts or ease anxiety,1 it can be dangerous when it pertains to addiction and problematic substance use. Someone who is in denial about the harm their addiction is causing might be considerably resistant to change their behavior and engage in treatment. Furthermore, just as with certain other diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and others, when left untreated, substance use disorders can become lasting, progressing issues and can lead to overdose, long-term medical or mental health issues, and may even lead to death.5 For these reasons and more, it is essential for someone in recovery to be open and honest with themselves and others about their substance use. This can help them to understand the impact that their addiction has had on their lives, relationships, and families, and it can also empower them to actively engage in changing their unhealthy behaviors.3