Lying and manipulating are among the most common characteristics of an addict. Lies and manipulation tactics serve as defense mechanisms. Many of them do it to avoid confrontation, especially if you are confronting them about their addiction. It’s also a way to shield themselves from dealing with their own feelings about their addiction. Lies addicts tell are numerous and can range from the most mundane to elaborate.
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Lies & Manipulation May Exist Before The Addiction
These lies and manipulation may exist before the addiction phase. Dishonesty spread like wildfire, starting small but progressively increasing in size. Stress is a major factor in the negative effects of lying on one’s health and lifespan. Liars put their bodies and minds through a lot of stress. One lie leads to another. It might be difficult to count how many lies you’ve told. Addiction is hard enough on the body and mind, adding in a web of lies just makes everything harder.
Lies are perpetuated and made worse when individuals use lies to avoid confronting their feelings or difficulties head-on. In the end, it’s a lot of work. As a result, anxiety is a common problem in conjunction with addiction.
You do not need to struggle with addiction any longer. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you overcome.
Why Do They Do It?
Those with substance abuse addiction may think that they would not be able to live without the addictive substance. There is this fear of withdrawal symptoms. In that sense, lying about their addiction is a kind of self-preservation for them. Those addicted to drugs and alcohol may feel they must use alcohol or drugs to operate since they are under more strain than the average person.
The truth of their predicament may be too much for them to handle. They may experience humiliation and despondency when they’re up. They may even create their world to shield themselves from the pain and disappointment of their friends and family. They may brag to others about quitting drinking or doing drugs, or they may just speak about how great their lives are right now. Addiction may lead the addict to believe their lies.
Here are some of the reasons why they lie:
- Maintain their addiction with little guilt
- Avoid reality
- Avoid confrontation
- They believe they are different than others
- They are ashamed
- They feel there is no need to stop
- They are driven by fear or guilt
They Are Still A Good Person
People with addiction lie to themselves and others, so it’s essential to keep this in mind.. For many reasons, addiction convinces people that they do not need treatment, and convincing them otherwise may be exceedingly difficult. But who they are at the core is still a good and wonderful person. They are simply making bad choices.
Helping your addicted loved one go into a treatment program may not be possible on your own, but these ideas may assist steer them in the right direction:
- Stage an intervention with a professional
- Stop enabling their behavior
- Remind them that you love them but don’t love their behavior
How To Help Them
To help a loved one stop substance abuse, guiding them to addiction treatment is the best step. This can include:
- Medical-assisted detox
- Residential care
- Intensive outpatient care
- Family therapy
- Medication management
Get Help For Yourself
Addiction is not a problem for one person, it affects everyone around them. As a friend or family member, you need just as much help coping with the stress of it all. There are support groups for family and friends of addicts and alcoholics. Psychotherapy can also help you confront your own emotions and learn new coping skills. If your loved one is still refusing to get help, you can still reach out. Finding people who have similar struggles can help you realize you are not alone either.
How We Can Help You
Ethan Crossing, Springfield has a whole-person approach to substance abuse recovery, emphasizing mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Contact us today to begin the treatment process and prevent any further damage.
Sources:
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-help-addicts-22238
https://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/truth-about-lies-and-longevity.aspx
