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psychology of person under denial

psychology of person under denial
We frequently confronted with the fact that we all lie upto some extent.
This type of dishonesty is far harder to detect and admit.
It is the kind of lying that comes from not being psychologically strong enough and the biggest obstacle to living a fulfilling life and a type of denial mechanism.
We lie to ourselves about how much we really drank today.
We lie to reflect or try to maintain social appropriateness even though we are drunk.
We feel guilt and think that it will reduce us furthermore if we show our addiction and its manifestation in our life.
We may be asking yourself, “Why should I care about this self-deception? How it benefits me?”




But, no matter what the cause is of the denial, the important part is that the addict confrontation defence mechanism.
Many times an addict will lose a job, friends or family relationships because of the addiction and start to face the denial issues because their lives truly have become completely unmanageable.

Denial in addiction is not a linear course, either. The addict may be in denial at some times and facing reality at others times, so addiction in denial may be fluid especially in the beginning stages of recovery. Even for those who are far along the recovery path, One slip up and denial can strike at any time and will need to be overcome once again to get back on track.

To Confronting Denial - Or a bad habit is which is indeed a personal disease for which one needs to take responsibility in order to break free.

More on Causes of Alcoholism

Your Understanding about Alcoholism might be wrong?

You may understand what alcoholism is, but how does it start? What leads a person from having the occasional drink to full-blown alcohol addiction? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t so simple.

Alcoholism is a result of a combination of genetic, psychological, environmental and social factors. The more risk factors a person exhibits, the more likely they are to become an alcoholic. And sometimes those risk factors are entirely out of the person’s control.

Over the past several decades, many studies have focused on the causes and risk factors associated with alcoholism. While there is not an exact formula to depict a person is drinking habits, data has shown that alcohol abuse is influenced by a variety of factors. However, alcoholism is a disease that does not discriminate and can impact anyone – regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, body type or personal beliefs.
Alcohol dependence can form quickly and aggressively, or it may surface over a longer period. Regardless of when or how a drinking problem starts, there are plenty of treatment options available to help get your life back on track. Seeking professional help will provide you with the greatest chance for lasting sobriety.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an alcohol use disorder, help is only a phone call away. Contact a treatment expert now to learn about available treatment options and find a rehab facility nearby. some of them are

1.  Stressful environments

While not every person turns to alcohol to relieve stress, some people do. When a person has a stressful job, for example, they may be more likely to drink heavily. This is often the case with certain occupations such as doctors and nurses – their day-to-day lives can be extremely stressful. To lower this risk factor, take the time to de-stress with healthy methods, like reading a good book, exercising or taking a nap.

2.  Drinking at an early age

Those who begin drinking at an early age are more likely to have an alcohol problem or a physical dependence on alcohol, as they get older. Not only is this because drinking may become a comfortable habit, but also because the body’s tolerance levels may increase.

3.  Mental health problems like depression

Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or other mental health issues can increase the risk of alcoholism. It’s easy to turn to alcohol when a person is feeling anxious or depressed – and the effects of alcohol may seem to temporarily ease those feelings. This can resort to drinking more and more, leading to alcohol addiction.

4.  Taking alcohol with medicine

Some medicines can increase the toxic effects of alcohol on the body. When a person continually takes alcohol with their medications, they may become addicted to the effects that follow – some of which have the capability to be very dangerous and even life-threatening.

5.  Family history

If you have a parent or other relative who is an alcoholic, your risk of alcoholism automatically increases. Part of this is due to genetics, but the other part has to do with your environment. Spending time around people who drink heavily or abuse alcohol can influence you to do the same.
Multiple factors can play a role in a person’s risk of alcoholism. While the above may not directly be considered “causes” of alcoholism, they can play a role in its development. It’s important to understand your risk and do what you can to lower it as much as possible

6.   Peer Pressure

When a partner or close friend frequently drinks, you may be more inclined to join them. Giving in to peer pressure can lead to drinking problems down the road, as well as many health complications that arise from excessive alcohol consumption. Rather than feel the need to drink, offer to be designated driver.

7.   Frequent Alcohol Consumption over a Long Period

When drinking too much becomes a pattern, you greatly increase your chances of developing an alcohol-related problem. The more you drink, the more your body builds a tolerance to alcohol. Tolerance means you will need more alcohol to feel the same effects you used to feel with less.

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Medical Conditions & Symptoms of Alcoholism and Alcohol Withdrawal

Medical Conditions that can be caused by Alcoholism

Description: Alcoholism can lead to several potential short- and long-term medical conditions. Individuals struggling with alcohol abuse should seek professional treatment to overcome their addiction and prevent future medical complications.

Symptoms of Alcoholism and Alcohol Withdrawal

The more serious alcohol abuse disorder is known as alcoholism, which the NIH classifies as occurring when individuals experience the negative consequences listed above and develop a physical dependence on the substance. When a person has alcohol dependence, he will likely experience withdrawal symptoms when he tries to stop consuming alcohol. The National Institute of Health (USA) the following symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, which occur anywhere from a few hours to a few days after the person’s last alcoholic drink:

• Anxiety
• Clammy skin and sweating
• Depression
• Dilated pupils
• A headache
• Increased heart rate
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shakiness
• Sleep disturbances such as insomnia and nightmares
• Tiredness
• Tremors

There are many more neurological conditions that can be created.

Alcohol can reduce inhibitions and focus which can cause people to behave in a foolish manner. 

Possible Lifestyle changes Alternative and Home remedies

Lifestyle and home remedies

As part of your recovery, you'll need to focus on changing your habits and making different lifestyle choices. These strategies may help.

• Consider your social situation. Make it clear to your friends and family that you're not drinking alcohol. Develop a support system of friends and family who can support your recovery. You may need to distance yourself from friends and social situations that impair your recovery.
• Develop healthy habits. For example, good sleep, regular physical activity, managing stress more effectively and eating well all can make it easier for you to recover from alcohol use disorder.
• Do things that don't involve alcohol. You may find that many of your activities involve drinking. Replace them with hobbies or activities that are not centred around alcohol.

Alternative medicine

Avoid replacing conventional medical treatment or psychotherapy with alternative medicine. But if used in addition to your treatment plan when recovering from alcohol use disorder, these techniques may be helpful:

• Yoga. Yoga's series of postures and controlled breathing exercises may help you relax and manage stress.
• Meditation. During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress.
• Acupuncture. With acupuncture, hair-thin needles are inserted under the skin. Acupuncture may help reduce anxiety and depression.

Coping and support

Many people with alcohol problems and their family members find that participating in support groups is an essential part of coping with the disease, preventing or dealing with relapses, and staying sober. Your doctor or counsellor can suggest a support group. These groups are also often listed on the web and sometimes in the phone book.

Here are a few examples:

• Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a self-help group for people recovering from alcoholism. AA offers a sober peer group and is built around 12 steps as an effective model for achieving total abstinence.
• Women for Sobriety. Women for Sobriety is a nonprofit organization offering a self-help group program for women who want to overcome alcoholism and other addictions. It focuses on developing coping skills related to emotional and spiritual growth, self-esteem and a healthy lifestyle.

Al-Anon and Alateen. Al-Anon is designed for people who are affected by someone else's alcoholism. Alateen groups are available for teenage children of those with alcoholism. In sharing their stories, family members gain a greater understanding of how the disease affects the entire family.

Possible Diagnostics and Treatment from Alcoholism

Diagnosis

You're likely to start by seeing your doctor. If your doctor suspects you have a problem with alcohol, he or she may refer you to a mental health professional.

To assess your problem with alcohol, your doctor will likely:

• Ask you several questions related to your drinking habits. The doctor may ask for permission to speak with family members or friends. However, confidentiality laws prevent your doctor from giving out any information about you without your consent.
• Perform a physical exam. Your doctor may do a physical exam and ask questions about your health. There are many physical signs that indicate complications of alcohol use.
• Lab tests and imaging tests. While there are no specific tests to diagnose alcohol use disorder, certain patterns of lab test abnormalities may strongly suggest it. And you may need tests to identify health problems that may be linked to your alcohol use. Damage to your organs may be seen on tests.
• Complete a psychological evaluation. This evaluation includes questions about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings and behaviour patterns. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire to help answer these questions.
• Use the DSM-5 criteria. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, is often used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental health conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for alcohol use disorder can vary, depending on your needs. Treatment may involve a brief intervention, individual or group counselling, an outpatient program, or a residential inpatient stay. Working to stop the use of alcohol to improve the quality of life is the main treatment goal.

Treatment for alcohol use disorder may include:

• Detox and withdrawal. Treatment may begin with a program of detoxification or detox — a withdrawal that's medically managed — which generally takes two to seven days. You may need to take sedating medications to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Detox is usually done at an inpatient treatment centre or a hospital.
• Learning skills and establishing a treatment plan. This usually involves alcohol treatment specialists. It may include goal setting, behaviour change techniques, use of self-help manuals, counselling and follow-up care at treatment centres.
• Psychological counselling. Counselling and therapy for groups and individuals help you better understand your problem with alcohol and support recovery from the psychological aspects of alcohol use. You may benefit from couples or family therapy — family support can be an important part of the recovery process.
• Oral medications. A drug called disulfiram (Antabuse) may help prevent you from drinking, although it won't cure alcohol use disorder or remove the compulsion to drink. If you drink alcohol, the drug produces a physical reaction that may include flushing, nausea, vomiting and headaches. Naltrexone, a drug that blocks the good feelings of alcohol causes, may prevent heavy drinking and reduce the urge to drink. Acamprosate may help you combat alcohol cravings once you stop drinking. Unlike disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate don't make you feel sick after taking a drink.
• Injected medication. Vivitrol, a version of the drug naltrexone, is injected once a month by a health care professional. Although similar medication can be taken in pill form, the injectable version of the drug may be easier for people recovering from alcohol use disorder to use consistently.
• Continuing support. Aftercare programs and support groups help people recovering from alcohol use disorder to stop drinking, manage relapses and cope with necessary lifestyle changes. This may include medical or psychological care or attending a support group.
• Treatment for psychological problems. Alcohol use disorder commonly occurs along with other mental health disorders. If you have depression, anxiety or another mental health condition, you may need talk therapy (psychotherapy), medications or other treatment.
• Medical treatment for health conditions. Many alcohol-related health problems improve significantly once you stop drinking. But some health conditions may warrant continued treatment and follow-up.
• Spiritual practice. People who are involved with some type of regular spiritual practice may find it easier to maintain recovery from alcohol use disorder or other addictions. For many people, gaining greater insight into their spiritual side is a key element in recovery.

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

Complications and Impact on health because of of Alcoholism

Complications

Alcohol depresses your central nervous system. In some people, the initial reaction may be stimulation. But as you continue to drink, you become sedated.

Too much alcohol affects your speech, muscle coordination and vital centres of your brain. A heavy drinking binge may even cause a life-threatening coma or death. This is of particular concern when you're taking certain medications that also depress the brain's function.

Impact on your safety

Excessive drinking can reduce your judgment skills and lower inhibitions, leading to poor choices and dangerous situations or behaviours, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents and other types of accidental injury, such as drowning
• Relationship problems
• Poor performance at work or school
• Increased likelihood of committing violent crimes or being the victim of a crime
• Legal problems or problems with employment or finances
• Problems with other substance use
• Engaging in risky, unprotected sex, or experiencing sexual abuse or date rape
• Increased risk of attempted or completed suicide

Impact on your health

Drinking too much alcohol on a single occasion or over time can cause health problems, including:

• Liver disease. Heavy drinking can cause increased fat in the liver (hepatic steatosis), inflammation of the liver (alcoholic hepatitis), and over time, irreversible destruction and scarring of liver tissue (cirrhosis).
• Digestive problems. Heavy drinking can result in inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), as well as stomach and esophageal ulcers. It can also interfere with the absorption of B vitamins and other nutrients. Heavy drinking can damage your pancreas or lead to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
• Heart problems. Excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure and increases your risk of an enlarged heart, heart failure or stroke. Even a single binge can cause a serious heart arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation.
• Diabetes complications. Alcohol interferes with the release of glucose from your liver and can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This is dangerous if you have diabetes and are already taking insulin to lower your blood sugar level.
• Sexual function and menstruation issues. Excessive drinking can cause erectile dysfunction in men. In women, it can interrupt menstruation. 
• Eye problems. Over time, heavy drinking can cause involuntary rapid eye movement (nystagmus) as well as weakness and paralysis of your eye muscles due to a deficiency of vitamin B-1 (thiamin). A thiamin deficiency can also be associated with other brain changes, such as irreversible dementia, if not promptly treated.
• Birth defects. Alcohol use during pregnancy may cause miscarriage. It may also cause fetal alcohol syndrome, resulting in giving birth to a child who has physical and developmental problems that last a lifetime.
• Bone damage. Alcohol may interfere with the production of new bone. This bone loss can lead to thinning bones (osteoporosis) and an increased risk of fractures. Alcohol can also damage bone marrow, which makes blood cells. This can cause a low platelet count, which may result in bruising and bleeding.
• Neurological complications. Excessive drinking can affect your nervous system, causing numbness and pain in your hands and feet, disordered thinking, dementia, and short-term memory loss.
• Weakened immune system. Excessive alcohol use can make it harder for your body to resist disease, increasing your risk of various illnesses, especially pneumonia.
• Increased risk of cancer. Long-term, excessive alcohol use has been linked to a higher risk of many cancers, including mouth, throat, liver, esophagus, colon and breast cancers. Even moderate drinking can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Medication and alcohol interactions. Some medications interact with alcohol, increasing its toxic effects. Drinking while taking these medications can either increase or decrease their effectiveness, or make them dangerous.

What are causes of Alcoholism

Causes

Genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behaviour. Theories suggest that for certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder.

Over time, drinking too much alcohol may change the normal function of the areas of your brain associated with the experience of pleasure, judgment and the ability to exercise control over your behaviour. This may result in craving alcohol to try to restore good feelings or reduce negative ones.

Risk factors

Alcohol use may begin in the teens, but alcohol use disorder occurs more frequently in the 20s and 30s, though it can start at any age.

• Steady drinking over time. Drinking too much on a regular basis for an extended period or binge drinking on a regular basis can lead to alcohol-related problems or alcohol use disorder.
• Starting at an early age. People who begin drinking — especially binge drinking — at an early age are at a higher risk of alcohol use disorder.
• Family history. The risk of alcohol use disorder is higher for people who have a parent or other close relative who has problems with alcohol. This may be influenced by genetic factors.
• Depression and other mental health problems. It's common for people with a mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder to have problems with alcohol or other substances.
• History of trauma. People with a history of emotional or other trauma are at increased risk of alcohol use disorder.
• Having bariatric surgery. Some research studies indicate that having bariatric surgery may increase the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder or of relapsing after recovering from alcohol use disorder.
• Social and cultural factors. Having friends or a close partner who drinks regularly could increase your risk of alcohol use disorder. The glamorous way that drinking is sometimes portrayed in the media also may send the message that it's OK to drink too much. For young people, the influence of parents, peers and other role models can impact risk.

12 Steps AA

12 STEPS FOR ALCOHOLIC RECOVERY by (ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS)

1.     We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.

2.     Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

3.     Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

4.     Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

5.     Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6.     Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

7.     Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

8.     Made a list of all persons we had harmed, an became willing to make amends to them all.

9.     Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. 

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. 

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

What is considered as one drink?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines one standard drink as any one of these:

• 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of regular beer (about 5 percent alcohol)
• 8 to 9 ounces (237 to 266 milliliters) of malt liquor (about 7 percent alcohol)
• 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of unfortified wine (about 12 percent alcohol)
• 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 80-proof hard liquor (about 40 percent alcohol) 

Details  collected from various sources like mayo clinic and local news papers.

When to see a doctor

If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your doctor. Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or seeking help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help group.

Because denial is common, you may not feel like you have a problem with drinking. You might not recognize how much you drink or how many problems in your life are related to alcohol use. Listen to relatives, friends or co-workers when they ask you to examine your drinking habits or to seek help. Consider talking with someone who has had a problem drinking, but has stopped.