When it comes to drug addiction and alcoholism, honesty is usually a trait that falls to the side. Addicts struggle with their many emotions and are usually compelled to do what they can to hide their illness from those around them. Even if you don’t realize it, most addicts do feel embarrassed, ashamed, and guilty concerning their drug use. Plus, addicts will go out of their way to avoid confrontation. They know that it will turn out negative, so they do what they can to avoid any subject that could point to their disease.
It can be difficult to speak with your loved one when you are worried about their drug or alcohol use. Addicts are often manipulative to those that love them. They will do everything they can to hide their drug or alcohol use, so it can be very hard to tell if they are lying or telling the truth. So how can you tell when an addict is lying to you about their drug or alcohol use? Keep reading to find out more.
They say that they can stop whenever they want to
Lots of addicts tell their loved ones this lie when they are using. Unfortunately, many addicts don’t even realize that they are fooling themselves with the lie. They say that they are in control of their actions, even when it is obvious that drugs or alcohol are controlling them. They can’t admit that they are using substances as a coping method, especially when there is trauma involved. If your loved one always insists that he or she can stop whenever they want to, they are likely not telling the truth.
You can tell they are being manipulative
Lies and manipulation often go hand-in-hand with addicts . Your loved one may be very good at manipulating you to think that you are the one with the problem, not them. They may even gaslight you to believe that there is nothing wrong with them. If this is the case, trust your gut. If you think that there is a problem, then there probably is. You can often tell an addict is lying if their attitude and demeanor have changed drastically. Are they acting sneaky? Do their stories not add up? Do they seem like a completely different person? If so, they may have a problem they don’t want you to know about.
They defend their addiction
Everyone tends to have mental defense mechanisms they use to defend their actions, to themselves and others around them. We all come up with things that help us distance ourselves from issues, especially addictive tendencies that are causing problems in our lives. If your loved one is displaying some of the following defense mechanisms, they are likely being less than truthful about their addiction:
Denial of the problem- Addicts tend to deny that there is a problem, even when it is quite obvious that they have one.
Acting out in anger or resentment- Addicts often get irrationally angry or upset when someone tries to speak with them about their addiction.
Rationalization- Addicts find ways to rationalize their drug use. They may say they need a drink to relax after work or that they need the pain pills because of their back problems.
Projection- Addicts will often project their unwanted and unpleasant feelings and thoughts onto someone else.
Displacement- Addicts often take out their anger and frustration on people or things that have nothing to do with them.
Their stories do not add up
When someone gets addicted to drugs or alcohol, they become mentally and physically dependent on that drug. They begin to do whatever they have to in order to get their next high or enjoy one more drink. This may include lying about where they have been, how much money they have spent, why they are sleeping during the day, and other issues. They may get upset and angry when you confront them about their unusual behaviors. If the addict is your spouse or child, you might be noticing missing money that they can’t account for. When confronted about it, an addict will often get angry, defensive, and upset.
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If someone you love is struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction, our detox and rehab center can help them get back on the road to a sober life. Call us today at 772-266-5320 to learn what our rehab center is all about. We can help your family member or friend take back their life.
