Topic: defense mechanisms

They believe that by demonstrating you can’t make them do anything against their will, they’ll convince you that confrontation is useless.

It’s an unconscious process. Not an exercise of will; more like a reflex.

We’ll see the progress that was occurring even when the addict appeared, at the time, to be floundering badly.

The same people whose “enabling” actions allow the disease to flourish— and who may feel helpless to confront it— are the ones who can be most effective as interveners.

It’s often difficult for family members to see the real extent and nature of the damage addiction has caused to themselves and the family.

What underlies these defenses is anxiety. We’re afraid of what we might find out.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to make an appointment right away, talk to your group leader before/after a group session, or bring them up in your support or step group.

Intervention can be quite dramatic (that’s why it makes for good TV), but it’s really the intelligent application of leverage that produces the desired result.

Scott McMillin, Recovery Systems Institute Principal, discusses the barriers that keep an addict or alcoholic from seeking help. Learning new ways to communicate can allow a caring family member, friend, or professional to motivate them to get the help they need.

Repeated problems related to drinking or drug use force even the person in denial to acknowledge something is wrong–eventually.