Do Lies feed addiction:
Lies can contribute to and exacerbate various types of addictions, but the relationship between lying and addiction is complex and can vary depending on the context and the addiction in question. Here are a few ways in which lies can be connected to addiction:
- Denial and Concealment: People with addictions often lie to themselves and others about the extent of their problem. This denial can make it difficult for them to seek help or recognize the need for change. They might downplay the severity of their addiction or claim they have it under control when they do not.
- Enabling and Manipulation: Addicts may lie to manipulate others to support their addiction. This can include lying to family and friends to borrow money, to cover up illegal activities related to their addiction, or to maintain relationships that enable their behavior.
- Avoiding Consequences: Addicts might lie to avoid the negative consequences of their actions. For example, someone addicted to drugs may lie about their drug use to avoid legal trouble or to keep their job.
- Justification and Rationalization: Addicts sometimes lie to themselves to justify or rationalize their addictive behavior. They may convince themselves that they “deserve” the substance or activity they are addicted to, or that it’s the only way to cope with stress or emotional pain.
- Maintaining a Double Life: Some addicts lead double lives, where they maintain a facade of normalcy while secretly engaging in their addictive behavior. This often involves lying to friends, family, and coworkers about their actions and whereabouts.
- Lying to Obtain the Substance: In the case of substance addictions, individuals may lie to doctors or pharmacists to obtain prescription drugs, or they may engage in illegal activities to acquire the substance.
- Lying in Group Settings: In group therapy or support group settings, individuals with addiction may lie about their progress or adherence to treatment plans to save face or protect their self-image.
It’s important to note that not all addicts are chronic liars, and not all lies are related to addiction. However, deception is often a coping mechanism for individuals struggling with addiction, and it can perpetuate the cycle of addiction by hindering the individual’s ability to confront their problem honestly and seek the help they need. Effective addiction treatment often involves addressing the underlying causes of lying and denial as part of the recovery process.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 