Addiction is defined as a persistent, psychological, or compulsive desire for a substance. It can cause someone to lie or fabricate stories to cover up their drug abuse.
Drugs and alcohol can affect an addict’s brain and behavior, and they don’t realize the effects of substance abuse until it’s too late.
Do drug addicts lie? Yes, it is true, and they will do it repeatedly. Friends and family may be frustrated by the sudden changes in someone they love. We can help you understand why addicts lie.
How Substance Abuse Rewires an Addict’s Brain
People feel happier when they do things that give them joy and pleasure, helping them feel better about themselves.You’ll feel inspired and euphoric.
Drugs and alcohol target the brain area responsible for controlling behavior, emotions, and mood.
The brain adapts over time to alcohol or drugs until it is unable to activate its reward system. This is when a person becomes dependent on drugs or alcohol. People who are seeking such effects will continue to use the drug until it becomes a problem.
The addiction will worsen, and the addict will continue to seek out more substances to feel better or like themselves. It damages the brain’s ability to judge and make moral judgments. Addicts are unable to make rational decisions and can become shameless liars. They will say and do anything to avoid the consequences of their actions.
Why Do Addicts Lie?
“Addiction may take over your life,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Addiction can replace all of the things you used to appreciate. “You’d do practically anything to keep taking the drug, including steal or lie,” they further explained. Although an addict’s nearest and dearest are sometimes distraught because they don’t recognize the person an addict has become, they may not realize that the addict often doesn’t recognize themselves.
Addiction is a complicated condition with physical, emotional, and psychological components that can all influence why an addict lies. According to havenhouserecovery.com, the following are some of the underlying feelings and concerns that may induce an addict to lie:
Addicts lie to avoid conflict.
People have used drugs or alcohol to cope with their issues, whether they be financial, professional, or emotional. It may appear innocuous at first, but it quickly becomes addictive. Addicts lie to avoid disagreement with their loved ones. They may believe they are unable to rationalize their addiction.
Try not to bring up your emotions when addressing a complex subject. As a loved one, you may find it difficult not to address them. However, you must avoid blaming the person with the substance abuse issue. Use facts and explain things from your perspective.
Addicts lie to escape negativity.
Addicts don’t realize that inaction towards overcoming their addiction will do them no good. Many believe the problem will resolve itself. When loved ones remind them of the problem and make them feel bad about it, they fall for deceit.
They don’t want their friends and family to blame them. They will feel forced to lie. While finger-pointing is not an option, it can be prevented. However, focusing on the positive aspects of things will be more effective than the worst-case scenario.
Addicts lie to o avoid pressure .
Addicts hate it when their family and friends pressure them into changing. They are often stubborn and hardened by their substance abuse problems. They know that addiction is harmful to everyone, but they still believe it works. Some people will realize it’s time for change and to leave addiction behind.
Soon, they’ll be able to resist the urge to use drugs. They will lie about their addiction and say it isn’t a significant problem. You can help them get the information they need to change their minds about seeking treatment.
Addicts lie to avoid feeling empty.
Addicts believe that their addiction is their only constant. Although they might claim they are making plans to stop, the addict believes addiction is the only thing they can hold on to.
If you don’t understand the reason they are addicted, refrain from nagging them. You will only make them lie and stop you from persuading them to quit using drugs. Talking to an addict calmly can help you tell them what positive things are possible once they get treatment.
Denial
A person suffering from an addiction may simply be unaware that their conduct is problematic. However, they may be aware that others may not feel the same way, which leads to lying.
People might remain in denial about the situation if they are not forthright.
Key Takeaway
It is critical that your loved one understands that you will no longer put up with anymore falsehoods, and that you are there to assist them in locating a rehabilitation program that suits them. It may be easy to sweep their falsehoods underneath the rug and do nothing if you’re someone who avoids conflict. However, this strategy might only harm you both.
If the addict realizes they can get away with their lies, they will proceed to do so and control you. Consequently, their addiction will almost certainly worsen. Recurring falsehoods might seriously harm family connections, particularly if a recovered addict lies about relapsing; it might be beneficial to seek treatment as a family from professionals.
Good rehabilitation programs from a virtual alcohol rehab assist individuals and their families in healing from the harm created by addiction and regaining trust in recovery.
