Breaking the Chains of Denial: A Path to Addiction Recovery
Embark on a journey of understanding as we explore the ABCDEs of addiction—a mnemonic that unravels the complexities of this challenging disease. Join me, Dr. Mark Winsberg, an Addiction Medicine Specialist, as I share insights into the protective shield of denial, its consequences, and the transformative journey to recovery.
The ABCDEs of Addiction: Decoding the Disease
In the world of addiction, the ABCDE mnemonic becomes a compass, guiding us through key aspects of this intricate condition:
A = Inability to Abstain
Refers to the constant challenge individuals face in abstaining from substances—a fundamental aspect of addiction.B = Increasing Inability to Control Behavior
So often we notice an escalating difficulty in controlling behavior, a common thread in the progression of addiction.C = Craving or Insatiable Hunger
A constant of addiction is also the insatiable craving for substances or experiences, shedding light on the powerful grip of addiction.D = Decreased Ability to Recognize Problems
We must understand the decreased ability to recognize behavior and relationship problems—a critical aspect often masked by denial.E = Decreasing Control of Emotional Responses
We must face the diminishing control over emotional responses, showcasing the emotional toll of addiction.
The Protective Shield of Denial: A False Sense of Control
The “D” in the above mnemonic could also stand for Denial. Denial forms a sort of protective shield around your worsening disease, and often manifests as minimizing the problem, rationalizing increasingly aberrant behavior, or outright refusing to acknowledge that there’s any issue at all. (“You’re the one with the problem, not me!”) That shield also provides a false sense of security, allowing you to feel as if you’re in control over your life, even though everyone around you sees that you’re spinning out of control.
Consequences of Denial: A Harrowing Reality
The consequences of denial can be, and often are devastating. While denial keeps your disease growing ever stronger, it will leave you feeling increasingly isolated as friends, family, employers, doctors, etc. finally give up on trying to help you. It allows you to rationalize your worsening irrational and destructive behaviors. And, most importantly, it delays and, in some cases, prevents you from ever seeking help. This is one reason why people die from this disease.
Breaking Through Denial: The Turning Point
So the million dollar question is: “If I’m in denial about my supposed problem, how do I break out of it?” There are lots of different approaches that people who care about you may take, such as doing an intervention, trying to force you into therapy and/or inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs, getting you committed to a psychiatric treatment ward, and so on. When your behaviors get to the point that society at large has had enough of you, you can be incarcerated.
Most People Find a Way: A Message of Hope
From what I’ve seen in my practice of Addiction Medicine, the point where the denial shield starts to crack is when the pain of continuing to use is greater than the pain of stopping. That point is different for everyone with this disease. Maybe you’ve lost your job, lost your house, lost most of your friends, but now your wife is packing up and taking the kids and the dog with her. Maybe that’s the final straw when it suddenly dawns on you that what everyone was saying is true: you do have a problem with alcohol, or cocaine, or whatever. Or maybe you’re a doctor who’s experienced all of the above losses, and still has the denial shield intact. But now you’ve been reported to the state medical society, and you’re at risk of losing the medical license that you spent over half of your life to earn.
The take-home message here is that, yes, denial is a formidable barrier to overcome. But most people with addiction do find a way to break through the denial, do get better, and do go on to live happy and productive lives.
Your Path to Recovery with Dr. Mark Winsberg
As your dedicated Addiction Medicine Specialist, my role is to guide you on the path to recovery. Realize that addiction is not an insurmountable challenge—many have overcome it. The key lies in investing the same effort into recovery that was once devoted to the disease.
Break through the denial and build a brighter future—connect with me, Dr. Mark Winsberg, and start your journey to a healthier, happier life today.
