Cognitive Dissonance and Addiction

Connection Between Cognitive Dissonance and Addiction

Addiction often causes cognitive dissonance. The mind works to resolve the discomfort caused by opposition between desire and need, and the individual may change their perception as a defense mechanism. Simply put, a person experiencing cognitive dissonance will make any excuse to justify their thinking and minimize the anxiety and discomfort they may experience. When they’re asked difficult questions about their addiction, they may minimize the dangers of their actions. An alcoholic may know the dangers of drinking but likely tell themselves, “It’s just one drink.” Someone spiraling into addiction knows that what they’re doing is harmful. However, they may still choose to abuse these substances because they block unwanted thoughts and feelings.

A person who abuses drugs and alcohol may convince themselves that their behavior is justified because of cognitive dissonance. Any truth behind the dangers of their addiction will be hidden behind the lies, denial, justification, and minimization they may practice. It’s common for addictive behaviors to include lies, distortions, and denial because they’re all the person’s attempts to “correct” the repercussions of their behavior in their head. They want to feel better about what they’re doing, even though they know it’s wrong, so they lie about it, deny it, and minimize its severity.

At Banyan Treatment Centers Massachusetts, we understand how common cognitive dissonance is in people with addictions. This is a difficult way of life to break out of, but we help our patients do it. If you or someone you know is struggling with a drug or alcohol problem, we offer intervention planning services that can help the individual realize their problem and their need for care.

Common Cognitive Dissonance Symptoms

Some typical signs of cognitive dissonance include:

• Feeling uncomfortable when you’re about to make a decision or doing something new
  • “Do I really need a new phone?”
• Avoiding conflict or changing your mindset to make yourself feel better or less upset
  • “I didn’t get any pie, but it probably wasn’t that good anyway”
• Ignoring facts to avoid changes or conflict
  • Sticking with the same hairdresser even though they’ve never given you a good haircut
• Rationalizing or convincing yourself you’ve made the right decision
  • Telling yourself you’ll only spend $30 at the store and later trying to rationalize your $45 purchase
• Following trends for fear of missing out
  • Your friends start buying expensive cars and you also buy an expensive car because you don’t want to be left out
• Doing things you said you wouldn’t
  • Told your spouse you’d stop smoking but you continue to do it behind their back
• Guilt, related to the shame of doing something you said you wouldn’t
  • “I said I wouldn’t smoke anymore; I shouldn’t have done that”

If you’re struggling with drug or alcohol abuse and try to justify your actions, then you’re experiencing cognitive dissonance. We know that deciding to go to rehab is tough, but we’re here to help you through every step of the way. The partial hospitalization program at Banyan Massachusetts allows patients to receive treatment while taking care of their responsibilities at home. This program could be the right one for you or a loved one.