The Psychology Behind Addiction Denial

Hello,I hope this email finds you well.
As always, I am excited to share the latest episode of our podcast, Cracking Addiction. Dr. Laura Petracek and I delve into the psychological aspects of addiction denial and the reasons why some patients feel they can control their substance use or drinking.

Why Listen: Denial is a common hurdle in the journey towards recovery, and understanding its roots can help both individuals struggling with addiction and healthcare professionals who treat them. In this episode, we explore the cognitive distortion behind denial and the role of past experiences. We also discuss the impact of denial, the desire to hold onto the positive effects of substance use, and the treatment approaches that can be effective in engaging patients who are not ready to commit to abstinence.Key Points Covered in This Episode:

1. The cognitive distortion of denial and the reliance on past experiences to justify continued substance use.
2. The reinforcing effects of substances and the underlying fear of giving up the "good feeling" they provide.
3. The role of denial in shielding individuals from the negative consequences of their drinking or drug use.
4. The importance of meeting patients where they are and utilizing harm reduction approaches or motivational interviewing to foster engagement.
5. The significance of reframing negative goals into positive ones and breaking down the recovery journey into manageable steps.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that negatively framed goals, such as "I don't want to drink," are not as effective as positively framed goals, such as "I want to be sober"? Shifting the focus from what individuals want to avoid to what they want to achieve can have a significant impact on their motivation and success in recovery.

Best Quote or Insight:"Understanding why individuals rely on substances and breaking down the recovery journey into manageable steps are key to helping patients initiate change and move towards abstinence." - Dr. Laura Petracek

Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you find this episode informative and valuable.

Dr. Ferghal Armstrong