6 Examples Of Typical Self-Deception In Addictions
Addictions have been commonly classified as one of the most complicated psychological problems to treat in clinical consultations. The difficulty that a person who is immersed in the cycle of addiction has in realizing their problems makes it very difficult to face their problems. And it is that a key characteristic of addiction is self-deception ; seek justifications for all actions related to this problem and thus reduce its negative impact.
On many occasions, these attitudes of self-deception do not refer only to the behavior of the addicted person, but rather seek to normalize their behavior as much as possible in the face of their environment and their closest circle, seeking to make it impossible for these people to discover their problems and seek to offer them help. or support. An addicted person will avoid confrontation with their addictive problem to enclose themselves as much as possible in a bubble in which the addiction is justified.
In this article, we are going to discuss some typical examples of self-deception among people with addictions. It is important to make clear from the beginning the importance of seeking psychotherapeutic support if you are experiencing an addictive problem or believe that someone in your environment may be going through it. Information and seeking help are important steps to overcome this disorder that is so invisible in our daily lives.
1. Minimization of the problem – “it’s not that big of a deal”
Problem minimization refers to when people with addictions downplay the severity of their dependence or substance abuse. So, They convince themselves and in some cases those around them that their addiction is not as serious as it really is , stating that they do not consume as much and that they are capable of stopping whenever they want. This self-deception allows them to continue using substances or maintaining addictive behaviors without facing the problem in any way.
2. Excuses and rationalizations – “I just need to relax”
Through excuses and rationalizations, people with addictions generate logical or emotional explanations to validate their substance use or addictive behaviors. For example, they might argue that it is the pressure or stress they experience that causes them to seek out substances or addiction as a way of relief. This tactic allows them to maintain their addiction without allowing themselves to feel guilt or responsibility
3. Comparison with others – “I don’t drink as much as he/she”
Another example of self-deception in people with addictions involves comparison with other people who are also addicted or substance users. Addicted people are often compared to those people who seem to have more serious or visible addictions or problems. In this way, they justify their own addictive behaviors by convincing themselves that “they are not so bad” compared to other people. This allows you to avoid confrontation with reality and the addiction itself and postpone taking steps to overcome it.
4. Denial of consequences – “I have never ended up so bad”
Denial of consequences refers to the way in which some people with addictive problems deny or minimize the negative effects that their addiction has on their lives and the lives of others. They may blame other circumstances or attribute consequences to external factors instead of acknowledging the influence of their addiction. This self-deception allows them to maintain their addictive behavior without feeling responsible for their actions , even though these negative consequences may be evident to the people around you. Denial of consequences can be a major barrier to seeking help and treatment, as it prevents recognition of the need for change.
5. Magical thinking – “a little bit doesn’t hurt”
In this case, addicted people convince themselves that “this time it will be different” or that “a little won’t hurt.” This type of self-deception involves believing in the possibility of selectively controlling their addiction or thinking that they can avoid the negative consequences of their addictive behavior in the future. Magical thinking is a psychological strategy that allows addicted people to justify continuing their addiction by maintaining hope that they can use the substance or carry out the addictive behavior without falling into a destructive spiral.
However, this illusion of control is dangerous because, in most cases, addiction does not work in predictable ways and often leads to serious and recurring negative consequences. This self-deception prevents them from facing the reality of their addiction and taking the necessary steps for recovery, such as seeking treatment and support. Overcoming magical thinking is essential for effective recovery.
6. Emotional self-deception – “it’s my way of dealing with my pain”
Through emotional self-deception, people who face an addictive problem use substance consumption or the establishment of addictive behaviors as escape routes to avoid facing their difficult, painful or overwhelming emotions. Thus, these people convince themselves that addiction is the only way to deal with their feelings and that it helps them feel better, albeit in the short term.
This self-deception can be especially harmful because addicted people end up relying on the addiction as a form of self-protection against their own emotions. However, in the long term, addiction only makes emotional problems worse and suffering increases. This self-deception can also make it even more difficult to seek help or treatment, as they fear having to face their emotions without the help of the addiction. Overcoming this type of self-deception involves learning healthier ways to manage emotions and recognizing that addiction is not an effective or sustainable solution.
