What is a common characteristic of individuals dealing with addiction?

Individuals dealing with addiction often exhibit denial of their problems as a common characteristic. This denial can manifest in various ways, such as minimizing the impact of their substance use, justifying their behavior, or outright refusing to acknowledge that their use has become problematic. Denial serves as a psychological defense mechanism, allowing individuals to avoid confronting the negative consequences and realities associated with their addiction.

This characteristic can lead to difficulty in recognizing the need for help, which can prolong the struggle with addiction and complicate the recovery process. Recognizing denial as a barrier is crucial in family life education, as it can help educators and counselors facilitate more effective interventions and support for those impacted by addiction. While seeking help, strong support systems, and awareness of their behavior are important aspects of recovery, they are typically less prevalent when someone is initially grappling with addiction.