Behavior changes are common in people affected by all forms of addiction. That includes people affected by alcohol use disorder and dysfunctional alcohol abuse. One common change is an increase in the tendency to lie, deceive and blame others. Why do people with alcohol problems do these things? There is no single answer to this question. Instead, lying and other related behaviors may serve a variety of purposes. To break out of the cycle of these behaviors, you or your loved one may need formal alcohol addiction treatment.
Why Do Alcoholics Lie: Avoiding Confrontations
People affected by alcohol addiction feel a compelling urge to keep drinking. They also put a high priority on avoiding things that could stop them from fulfilling this urge. In many cases, one big potential obstacle is a drinking-related confrontation with a friend or family member. These kinds of confrontations are typically the result of concern, frustration, or anger over the affected person’s alcohol use. Depending on the situation, they can take the form of:
- Accusations
- Verbal arguments
- Ultimatums from loved ones
Rather than take part in such heated situations, a person with alcohol use disorder may simply lie in order to avoid them.
Lying to Hide the Extent of Their Alcohol Use
Another common concern for people affected by alcohol use is hiding the extent of their drinking. One of the easiest ways to do this is to lie about the amount of alcohol they actually consume. There are multiple possible reasons for someone with drinking problems to misrepresent their actual level of use.
For example, your affected loved one may want to ensure that they can still gain ready access to alcohol. They may also want to avoid running into difficulties at work. In addition, they may want to avoid being labeled or stigmatized.
Why Do Alcoholics Lie and Blame Others: Deflecting Criticism
Alcohol use disorder is a compulsive brain disease. Your loved one may have done things to increase their risks for this disease. But once it’s present, its effects are involuntary and chronic. However, many people are not aware of these facts. As a result, they blame the existence of alcohol addiction on misguided ideas of willpower and personal fortitude.
Why do alcoholics lie and blame others? In many cases, they do so in response to the blame and misunderstandings directed toward them by:
- Friends
- Family
- Society in general
In addition, many people affected by alcohol addiction don’t understand the nature of their own condition. For this reason, they may seek to cast blame on specific circumstances rather than realizing what’s actually happening to them.
Lying to Avoid Treatment
Some people with alcohol use disorder are aware that they’re in need of some form of treatment. However, the prospect of getting help can easily seem overwhelming. That’s true for people from all walks of life. It’s also true for a multitude of potential reasons. In response to fear or other strong emotions, your loved one may lie to avoid entering treatment. Realization of this fact may help you ease their concerns or otherwise encourage them to enroll in rehab.
Learn More About Alcohol Addiction at Promises Right Step
Why do alcoholics lie? Any given person may be motivated by a combination of reasons. Want to know more about what’s motivating your loved one? Get the answers you need at Promises Right Step.
Is your loved one ready to enter an alcohol treatment program? Promises is your source for modern, customized alcohol use disorder recovery. We’re committed to creating realistic plans for enduring sobriety. You can get the process started by calling us today at 17135283709. We’re also available online through our convenient message form.
