Why Do Addicts Lie?
Addiction can change the person you love and once trusted into someone you don’t recognize. Defined as a “compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance,” addiction affects the brain and changes behavior. Addictive behavior continues even in the face of negative consequences. Synonyms like dependency, obsession, and enslavement help paint the picture of addiction.
It’s hard for friends and family to understand how their loved one, who may have been honest and forthright before their addiction, has now become an accomplished liar. They often feel shocked and betrayed as their loved one is caught in lie after lie. They don’t understand that addicts are sick and suffering, with an overwhelming craving for the one thing that makes them feel better.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says addiction is a brain disorder, causing such an intense need for the addictive substance that it becomes all the addict can think about. That need eventually replaces everything he or she once enjoyed. NIDA explains, “…addiction can take over your life. You might do almost anything to keep taking the drug, like steal or lie.”
How Addictive Substances Rewire the Brain
When we enjoy something especially pleasurable, dopamine levels in our brains are increased, triggering bliss, a sense of well-being, and motivation. Because addictive substances like drugs or alcohol trigger such unnaturally high levels of dopamine, the response is intensified, reinforcing a strong desire to repeat the experience. After time, the brain adapts to the presence of the addictive substance until it becomes unable to activate the reward system naturally, so it must rely on the drug or alcohol to achieve the desired effect.
Eventually, the addict will do whatever it takes to feel good, or to just feel “normal.” The part of the brain that controls morality and judgment may have become damaged, affecting the ability to make rational choices. The capacity for objective thought has become diminished. Addicts become masters of deception, saying or doing whatever is necessary to avoid the consequences of their actions, to obtain more of the addictive substance, and to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
The Lies of Addiction
- In a way, lying about their addiction becomes an act of self-preservation. Addicts often feel such an overwhelming need for the addictive substance, they may believe they can’t survive without it. They may feel that they are forced to deal with more stress or other problems than most people, and that alcohol or drugs is necessary for them to function.
- The reality of their situation may be too much to bear. In times of lucidity, they may feel shame and hopelessness. To avoid seeing the anger and disappointment expressed by their loved ones, addicts may even construct their own reality. They may tell others they’re no longer drinking or using drugs, and talk about positive things happening in their lives. The addict may come to believe his or her own lies.
- They may become in such denial of their own behavior they come to believe loved ones are actually at fault, and causing problems in the relationship. The addict may think he or she can handle the drugs or alcohol, it’s the family who’s trying to control their right to behave and live their life as they wish.
Importance of Family Support
Loving an addict often means living in a state of stress, fear, and chaos. Family members can help by creating a supportive environment where lies are faced and calmly discussed. Consider meeting with an addiction specialist for guidance on treatment options, to learn how to stage an intervention, and to obtain educational resources. Encourage the addict to attend AA or NA, and begin attending family support groups like Al-Anon and Alateen. Family support can make all the difference for recovery.
In our holistic approach to substance abuse recovery, Midwest Recovery Centers focuses on strengthening and supporting the entire person – mind, body, and spirit. Our underlying philosophy for treating prescription or illegal drug abuse is based on the principles of 12-step programs, emphasizing accountability, respect, and recovery.
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Reviewed and Assessed by
Taylor Brown, B.A.Com., MAADC II
Tim Coleman, M. of Ed.
Start Your Recovery Now!
Have A Midwest Recovery Centers' Team Member Call You Today.
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Medical
Midwest Recovery Centers believes strongly in a client-centered approach. Substance Use Disorder is not what it was 5 or even 2 years ago. The substances on the street are constantly changing and so are the number of contraindications and fatal threats that substance use imposes on the person suffering. Our Medical team continues to stay up to speed with new advances of evidence-based approaches in treating those with both substance use disorder as well as their co-occurring mental health diagnosis. There are many varying pieces to each client’s situation when it comes to tackling the puzzle of a medical detox, and each step in the treatment planning is carefully selected, reviewed, and communicated for the best possible outcome of each client. We understand that consideration of the medical history, family history, past trauma, past and current substance use are all key indicators to most effectively give each client the best chance at developing a recovery process. Each client may present with a different scope of medical needs whether it’s their blood work or the most effective medications for them. Midwest Recovery Centers is proud to have the finest medical team to meet these individual and specific needs of each client that walks through our doors.
Clinical
When it comes to the therapeutic treatment of patients with substance use disorder, Midwest Recovery Centers believes in a client-centered approach guided by evidence-based practices. Substance use disorder has been identified by the American Medical Association as a disease, but because addiction is a disease that impacts behavior, treatment of this disease is often heavily focused on modifying behaviors and thoughts as well as establishing a new way of life. We place a strong emphasis on educating patients about this chronic illness and empowering them to practice treating it as such. Our clinical team is composed of leading experts in the field. We believe in having a staff as diverse as the clients we serve; from Licensed Professional Counselors to Licensed Clinical Social Workers, our staff is highly trained and educated in not only addiction but the mental health issues and life circumstances that often accompany it. Many of our clinicians have their own personal experience in long term recovery which lends them to an even better understanding of what our patients are experiencing. Our staff is highly skilled in choosing the most effective therapeutic modality for each client’s needs, to give them the best chance of securing the recovery process that will change their lives. Our clinical team understands that this is a family disease. This is why clinicians will offer weekly updates to families as well as concrete tools for families to utilize as they journey through this illness with their loved one. Those tools will be offered by the patient’s individual clinician as well as at our free Family Night on the first Wednesday of each month, offered to anyone in the community.
Our Origin Story
I began Midwest Recovery in honor of my mother, Betty Lou Wallace, who taught me responsibility in life and sobriety.
Mom was born, raised, and lived most of her life in Missouri, a state I'm still proud to call home. She had five children. The youngest were my older brother Don and me.
We knew that the disease of addiction ran in the family, but it wasn't until Don and I grew older that we realized we were falling into addictive patterns. Through it all, Mom was supportive of her children but firm about one principle: whether the disease was inherited or developed through your environment, you were responsible for your recovery from addiction.
"I will be supportive of your recovery but I will not enable your addiction," she was fond of saying.
Ultimately, I stayed sober from 1990 to 1997, when I relapsed. With Mom's support, I was able to get sober again in 2002. Tragically, Don was not so lucky. He passed away in 2005 from complications of an injury and continued addiction.
Mom wanted no parent to suffer from the sorrow and anguish of losing a child, so in 2002, she helped me establish my first treatment center business.
As Mom grew older, she shared with me some lessons she had learned through her affiliation with Al-Anon, a support group for family members of loved ones struggling with addiction. She asked me to stay clean and sober one day at a time and to use the lessons I learned in my own recovery to help others who were suffering.
In 2008, Mom passed away from throat cancer, one day after my six year sober anniversary. I still remember that one of the last times we spoke, she told me she was proud of my recovery.
Mom would be so happy to know that myself, our partners, and our team are carrying on her legacy in her home state. I don't know if my own recovery process would be intact without her and the lessons she shared. So much of what we share with our clients at Midwest began with Betty Lou.
Above all, Mom imparted several teachings that I carry with me every day: that people are inherently good, and if they fall into addiction, this makes them sick, not bad. She taught me to be patient, tolerant, loving, and kind to myself and to others.
Most of all, she taught me that recovery works if we are able to be honest with ourselves about our own behavior. That’s what she helped me accomplish and that’s what we strive to accomplish with every Midwest client.
On behalf of Betty Lou, I thank you for your interest in Midwest Recovery.
Jeff Howard
Start Your Recovery Now!
Have A Midwest Recovery Centers' Team Member Call You Today.
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The Role of Self-Care in Sustaining Recovery
Self-care is a cornerstone of successful long-term recovery from substance abuse. It involves adopting practices that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being, helping individuals manage stress and maintain sobriety.
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The stigma surrounding substance abuse is a significant barrier to seeking treatment. Many individuals delay getting help because of fear, shame, or judgment.
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