Having an alcoholic in your life can be challenging and disruptive. The behavior of a person struggling with addiction can cause tremendous harm to relationships, especially if they are lying on a regular basis. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic condition marked by an inability to control or stop alcohol consumption despite negative consequences in social, occupational, or health aspects of life. This disorder deeply affects individuals, often leading to strained relationships and a pattern of deceit as they attempt to hide their addiction. But why do alcoholics lie?
Santé Center for Healing offers alcohol addiction treatment in Texas. Our treatment center in Argyle provides residential and outpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder. We can help you or a loved one break the cycle of alcohol addiction, change your thoughts and behaviors, and begin rebuilding trust and restoring healthy relationships. Call 866.238.3154 to start your journey to healing and recovery.
Effects of Alcohol Use Disorder
Physical and Mental Health Effects
Alcohol use disorder can significantly impact both physical and mental health. Physically, it can lead to liver damage, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, and increase the risk of heart-related issues like high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, and stroke. Neurological problems, including memory issues and neuropathy, are also common. Mentally, alcohol can exacerbate conditions like depression and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle of dependence. Cognitive impairments are frequent, affecting judgment and problem-solving abilities and leading to behavioral changes such as increased aggression and impulsivity.
Impact on Thoughts and Behaviors
The alteration of brain chemistry due to alcohol use results in compromised judgment and can foster denial and minimization of the addiction’s severity. Individuals often rationalize their drinking behavior, using skewed reasoning to justify continued use despite its negative impacts.
Why Do Alcoholics Lie?
Alcoholics often resort to lying for several reasons:
- Denial of the problem: To conceal the severity of their addiction from themselves and others.
- Avoidance of consequences: To escape potential repercussions from loved ones, employers, or law enforcement.
- Preservation of addiction: To maintain access to alcohol without interference.
By lying, they aim to maintain control over their lives and protect their self-image, attempting to preserve a facade of normalcy and competence. Unfortunately, this deceit creates significant damage, eroding trust and causing emotional strain among family and friends.
Loved ones may feel betrayed or helpless, leading to social withdrawal and isolation both for the individual and those around them.
The Role of Professional Addiction Treatment
Understanding why alcoholics lie is just part of getting a handle on the addiction and its toll on relationships. To truly heal and restore trust, professional addiction treatment is needed. There are a number of proven treatment approaches that can help an individual break the cycle of addiction, but they have to want to get help. This can be the most challenging part of seeking treatment—if an alcoholic is lying to themselves or others, they may not accept they need help or even have a problem.
Evidence-Based Therapies and Holistic Approaches
Effective treatment for alcohol use disorder includes a combination of evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns.
- Motivational interviewing (MI) encourages self-motivation and readiness for change.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is also used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
Holistic approaches, such as mindfulness and meditation, promote emotional balance and stress reduction, while nutritional counseling and exercise programs support physical recovery and enhance mental health.
Importance of Professional Treatment
Professional treatment is crucial as it offers structured support and addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. A comprehensive approach in a secure and supportive environment allows individuals to heal and develop healthier coping mechanisms, paving the way for sustainable recovery.
Contact Santé Center for Healing Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use disorder, seeking help is essential. The path to recovery doesn’t have to be taken alone.
Santé Center for Healing in Argyle, Texas, offers a holistic, evidence-based approach to addiction treatment. Contact us online or call 866.238.3154 to start your journey to healing and regain control of your life.