Addiction and Lies

The behavior of an addicted person is often deceptive, frustrating and sad. Usually, their words and actions are controlled by the addictive substance. The power of addiction is so strong that the individuals are overwhelmed by the hold it has on them. It is hard for the family to understand that the odd, abusive, or erratic behavior of their loved ones is the result of the addiction. Mostly it is difficult for people to function normally as a part of the society once they get addicted to drugs or alcohol. Eventually, stress shows up, leading to unfavorable behaviors.

An addicted individual lies more often than they tell the truth. They try to justify themselves by thinking, “I’m not hurting anyone” or “I can stop any time” Lying becomes like second nature, and they lie even when telling the truth is easier.

The Reason behind the lies

Lying becomes a natural response for an addicted individual. Many don’t even realize that they are lying or that others are able to see through their lies. The only way to help a person undergoing this problem is to understand the reason. Here are a few plausible reasons behind the lies:

1. To preserve their addiction: For an addicted individual, it is easier to lie than to face the damage caused by their addiction. Most of the time, they are unable to think beyond their cravings and tend to lie their way out of tricky situations to manipulating continue using drugs or alcohol.

2. To avoid facing reality: Addiction often leads to drastic changes in the personality and lifestyle of an individual. Their life is sucked into a downward spiral of problems and misery. To avoid facing the truth about the state of their lives, addicted individuals take to lying to themselves and their loved ones. They say that they have been clean for weeks, while in reality, they might have been high just a few hours ago. They say that they have landed a really good job, while in reality; they might be completely out of money.

3. They are in denial: Denial is one of the main reasons behind an addicted individual continuing with the substance abuse. It often encourages an individual to turn a blind eye to their problems and makes it easier for them to continue the addiction. A person in clutches of addiction is likely to think that it is not only an acceptable but a necessary part of their life, and those trying to stop it are his/her enemies.

4. They believe they are different: Mostly every addicted individual knows about the negative aspects of addiction but they believe themselves to be the exception. Usually, they believe that the addiction doesn’t control them and they can quit anytime they want. This delusion allows them to live outside normal standards of behavior.

5. They feel ashamed:In sober moments, an addicted individual may feel extreme
shame, embarrassment, and regret. Usually, they are unable to cope with these negative emotions and turn to the one thing they find comfort in, their addiction. To maintain their image, they lie and paint a picture of themselves to others that is far more flattering than the reality.

6. Because they can: Sometimes the friends and family of the addicted individual turn a blind eye or enable their worrisome behavior simply because the truth is too painful to bear. This emboldensthem and they start lying through every rough patch or sometimes even when they don’t need to.

What can be done?

When a loved one is addicted, the truth is heart-breaking, but knowing the truth will help one get to the root of the addiction. The lies and other behavioral oddities only serve as distractions from the main problem. That is why it is essential to stop these lies in their tracks and put an end to this vicious cycle. It is essential to make the individual understand that lies will only result in isolation, anger, and frustration. While it is not possible to stop a person from lying, certain steps can be taken to illuminate the realities. A few of them are as follows:

• Accept that lies are a part of the disease and that they fulfill a purpose for the addicted individual.

• It is important to understand the reason behind the lies, but it is equally important to realize that the lies will keep the cycle going. Getting the addicted individual clinical help and pointing out negative consequences of their addiction in real-time might prove to be helpful.

• A supportive environment that facilitates honesty would encourage the individual to start telling the truth. Once they stop feeling isolated, their chances of being honest will increase.

Breaking through the denial might be difficult, but it is an essential step in the path of recovery. Sobriety cannot be attained if the addicted individual is not ready to see the errors of his/her ways. With a proper support system and clinical care, absolute recovery is possible.

Read also - 5 Steps to Recover from Drug Addiction

REFERENCE: NARCONON | PSYCHCENTRAL