Denial is a natural and justifiable option in many situations, for example; when we are falsely accused or when we need time to consider an offer before agreeing to it. At times we also have to deny negative ideas about ourselves to maintain our self-worth. However, if denial is applied insensibly, it causes problems.
In day-to-day life we frequently encounter denial as a blunt retort to something is not true, does not exist, did not happen, or is not allowed. Though we sometimes ask why it is denied, and may even challenge or ridicule it, we often simply tag denial as valid or faulty and leave it at that. This casual approach means that we do not lend much thought to the intricate mental process of denial.
When we do ask people why they deny something that is blatantly obvious, they usually offer superficial excuses or they lie to conceal faults. The frequency and repetitive nature of this can lead us to ignore hazy denials without further thought. We are so irritated by the lack of common sense and reasoning that we shun meaningful discussion about the subject of denial.
In urban life, enquiries about incidents which are denied can reveal important facts, but we usually only look for tangible facts. Delving into deep mental issues is not a practical option when building a case against someone. We present denial as a plain and simple malicious effort to conceal the truth and we choose to ignore any deeper foundation for it.
We are so conditioned by frequent encounters with denial, that we become inured to it. On top of that, we do not have the professional knowledge, and often lack the time, to properly deal with the complexities of emotional disturbances that lead to instances of false denial.
In psychotherapy, denial is afforded the significance and deeper analysis that it deserves. It is a proven fact that denial is a common response among victims of substance abuse. It ranges from an outright refusal to admit the problem, to partial acceptance and delusional promises of self-control.
Examples of denial
There are different forms of denial. The most common examples are:
- Refusal to comply with or satisfy a request.
- Refusal to admit the truth or reality of unpleasant things.
- Refusal to admit the truth or reality of positive things.
- Assertion that a statement, allegation or proposal is false.
- Refusal of things needed, requested, demanded, desired.
- Rejection of things needed, demanded, requested, desired.
- Reducing what is needed, demanded, requested, desired.
- A believe created and existing in the imagination only.
- Reluctance to accept that something unpleasant is true.
- Unconsciously disallowing intolerable thoughts, realities.
Professional help with denial in treating substance use disorder patients
Denial is the most common defense used by substance use disorder patients. It may seem like a simple defense to overcome, but when you talk to trained mental professionals, you realise that it is far more complex than you think. If it were easy, it would not be such a big issue for ordinary people who want to help abusers. They battle it for years, and sometimes they never conquer it.
People who try to help, find that normal attempts to persuade abusers end in unresolved arguments. After a while, people get tired of the fighting. They give up and desert the abuser, but people close to the abuser retain the scars, because they did not obtain closure.
If an intervener calls on a professional, experienced substance use disorder therapist for help, they can avoid an unnecessarily long and anguished, hit-and-miss process. In South Africa we are blessed with highly competent therapists and rehabilitation centres where this issue is treated on a daily basis.
Trying to use common sense, logic, random advice and other self-help efforts rarely succeed. The best option is to contact a therapist in person. When you consider all the emotional and material consequences of a drawn out DIY process, there is no other option.
Please Note : Self-diagnosis and recuperation techniques based upon help and advice gathered from the world wide web and irregular resources can possibly be confusing. If you believe you might be struggling with a related issue, always get in touch with a certified therapist for individual insights specific to your circumstances.
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