Denial

Denial

Denial: When a person does not assert or, acknowledge an action or a behaviour it is called as denial.

Denial[1] with respect to a person is also a defence mechanism[2] to avoid confrontation with personal problems by denying the existence of the problem, reality or situation.

Another definition provided is

Refusing to accept a painful reality that alters our perception of ourselves, it is a psychological defence mechanism. As human beings, we may use denial to protect ourselves from knowledge, insight or awareness that threatens our self-esteem, mental or physical health, or security.

The reason it is defined as a defence mechanism as it is a natural instinct a part of the fight-or-flight response. However, over usage of it can be a sign of a deep seeded mental issue.

Denial and mental issues related to it are not exclusive to Alcoholic or addicts but used by many people as a defence with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and AIDS.

As this article deal with Alcoholism and Addiction, we will limit our scope to the same and behavioural patterns to the related field.

Some things, which needs to be highlighted, are.

1. Denial is one of the most common and most used defiance mechanism when it comes to alcoholism or addiction.
2. When an addict or an alcoholic uses denial they are aware that something different or "wrong" about them and needs a cover-up.
3. When addressed properly the denial can lead to acceptance which is the first step of substance use disorder.
4. 4.       The continuous abuse of Denial as a defence mechanism can lead to more psychological problems and complications.
5. There are 2 types of denial observed
   

    A) By person with substance abuse.

    B) By family members, coworkers and people who care about the person with substance abuse issue.

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denial

[2] defense mechanism