Opiate Addiction Video

How Does Opiate Addiction Denial End?

Often one of the main symptoms of opiate addiction is denial. This might come in the form of rationalization, blaming others, or intellectualization. Regardless of exactly what denial looks like, it is a barrier between the addict and recovery. Opiate addiction can be life-threatening and can have disastrous results. However, in order for someone to get help, he or she will have to acknowledge that the addiction exists and is a problem.

Why Do People Deny Opiate Addiction?

Opiate users may or may not deny an addiction consciously. Denial is a defense mechanism that varies between people. Many people begin using opiates for a legitimate health issue and will accidentally develop a physical dependence and tolerance. As they continue to treat their problem, they will require increasing doses of the drug in order to feel its effects. In this process a psychological dependence will often develop as well, leading a person to behave in uncharacteristic manners in order to cover up the addiction and get more of the drug. A person might try to justify taking the drug rationalize the overuse by telling herself that her body reacts differently to the drug than others’ and they need more of it.

Opiates can also create feelings of euphoria. Some may abuse the drug as a means to numb unpleasant feelings or deal with negative circumstances. In denying that the drug overuse is a problem, they therefore don’t have to deal with the underlying issues. Denial may be a result of embarrassment about having an addiction or an unwillingness to feel helpless or out-of-control. Unfortunately, denial can rob a person of critical recovery time. The longer an addiction progresses, the greater the consequences and the more difficult the recovery process becomes.

How Does Opiate Denial End?

Sometimes the consequences of the opiate addiction will cause a person to recognize the problem. He might have to deal with damaged or severed relationships, job loss, financial problems, and sometimes even legal problems. This is commonly referred to as hitting “rock bottom.” However, someone may not have to go through the trauma of hitting rock bottom, especially if friends and family are intent on helping the individual.

An intervention can be a good way to confront a person with the reality of addiction. A successful intervention should be well-planned, often with the help of a drug counselor, and is an opportunity to express concern and emotions and present treatment options. If it is done well, an intervention, whether formal or informal, can be instrumental in causing a person to recognize the addiction and desire treatment. It is unlikely that a person can successfully recover from opiate addiction without professional help and treatment. It is when the denial is overcome that the process of recovery can begin and restoration can take place.

Do You Need Opiate Denial Help?

Are you or someone you love struggling with denial about opiate addiction? Please let us help you get past this obstacle that is preventing recovery. Help is just a phone call away, and rehab may even be covered by your health insurance. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day, so call our toll-free helpline now.