Addicts & Their Lies

When someone becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, their loved one may detect unusual changes in their appearance or behavior.

Along with noticeable changes in personal hygiene or the sudden withdrawal from activities that once made them happy, many addicts will also begin to lie frequently to their loved ones.

Why Do Addicts Lie?

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for addicts to lie to even their closest loved ones on a regular basis. There can be several reasons for lying, but the most common reason is usually to hide or justify their addiction. Especially if you have already confronted them about their drinking or drug habits, a lie is an easy way to cover up or hide the severity of their addiction. Addicts can also lie to avoid embarrassment or shame. In the quest to get high or while they are under the influence, many addicts may act in ways that they are ashamed of. Instead of having to share this information with you, a lie will avoid the topic altogether.

Along with lying to protect how you view them, often, the lies addicts tell you are also the same ones they are telling themselves. Many addicts can be in denial about their substance abuse problems, so these lies are a way to justify their drug use and convince themselves that their problems are not that bad.

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5 Common Lies Addicts Tell You

If you suspect that your loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol, you may start to find some holes in their stories and realize that they are not always honest with you. As a drug rehab in Pompano, we have heard every excuse in the book so we are sharing some red flags to look out for and common lies addicts tell.

“I only had two beers.” Or “I only got high over the weekend.”

In order to keep you from worrying or sometimes to prevent an argument, many addicts will lie about the amount of a substance they have consumed as well as to what degree. If you are finding an empty handle in the trash instead of a few beer cans or they appear to be high right now, there is a problem. When their drug or drinking habits aren’t adding up, it is time to face reality.

“I can stop whenever I want.”

Many people with a substance abuse problem like to believe that they are still in control. Unfortunately, by the time they try to justify their drug or alcohol habits with this phrase, their body is probably already dependent on the drug and they have already lost control.

“I am only drinking/getting high because I had a bad day.”

It is not uncommon for people who abuse drugs and alcohol to use these substances to try and cope with other issues in their life, but this type of behavior is a dangerous pattern that can quickly lead to addiction. When this occurs, a program like our dual diagnosis treatment in Pompano can be helpful so they can work on both issues.

“I am not an addict because I am not *insert addiction stereotype*.”

Many addicts like to compare themselves to examples of severe addiction as if to prove to you and themselves that their problems are not that bad. Unfortunately, addiction is addiction, and although they may not have hit rock bottom, without a PHP or other treatment program, they could continue in this direction.

“I just like to have fun.”

Many people who abuse drugs and alcohol associate them with having a good time. Using the excuse that these substances are just for recreational purposes also gives the illusion that the person is in control and doesn’t really need them.

If these phrases sound too familiar, it may be time to get your loved one professional help. Because it is not uncommon for an addict to be in denial, a drug intervention specialist may be a good option, but it is important not to wait to take action.