Addiction and Lies

The behavior of an addicted person is often deceptive, frustrating and sad. Usually, their words and actions are controlled by the addictive substance. The power of addiction is so strong that the individuals are overwhelmed by the hold it has on them. It is hard for the family to understand that the odd, abusive, or erratic behavior of their loved ones is the result of the addiction. Mostly it is difficult for people to function normally as a part of the society once they get addicted to drugs or alcohol. Eventually, stress shows up, leading to unfavorable behaviors.

An addicted individual lies more often than they tell the truth. They try to justify themselves by thinking, “I’m not hurting anyone” or “I can stop any time” Lying becomes like second nature, and they lie even when telling the truth is easier.

The Reason behind the lies

Lying becomes a natural response for an addicted individual. Many don’t even realize that they are lying or that others are able to see through their lies. The only way to help a person undergoing this problem is to understand the reason. Here are a few plausible reasons behind the lies:

1. To preserve their addiction: For an addicted individual, it is easier to lie than to face the damage caused by their addiction. Most of the time, they are unable to think beyond their cravings and tend to lie their way out of tricky situations to manipulating continue using drugs or alcohol.

2. To avoid facing reality: Addiction often leads to drastic changes in the personality and lifestyle of an individual. Their life is sucked into a downward spiral of problems and misery. To avoid facing the truth about the state of their lives, addicted individuals take to lying to themselves and their loved ones. They say that they have been clean for weeks, while in reality, they might have been high just a few hours ago. They say that they have landed a really good job, while in reality; they might be completely out of money.

3. They are in denial: Denial is one of the main reasons behind an addicted individual continuing with the substance abuse. It often encourages an individual to turn a blind eye to their problems and makes it easier for them to continue the addiction. A person in clutches of addiction is likely to think that it is not only an acceptable but a necessary part of their life, and those trying to stop it are his/her enemies.

4. They believe they are different: Mostly every addicted individual knows about the negative aspects of addiction but they believe themselves to be the exception. Usually, they believe that the addiction doesn’t control them and they can quit anytime they want. This delusion allows them to live outside normal standards of behavior.

5. They feel ashamed:In sober moments, an addicted individual may feel extreme
shame, embarrassment, and regret. Usually, they are unable to cope with these negative emotions and turn to the one thing they find comfort in, their addiction. To maintain their image, they lie and paint a picture of themselves to others that is far more flattering than the reality.

6. Because they can: Sometimes the friends and family of the addicted individual turn a blind eye or enable their worrisome behavior simply because the truth is too painful to bear. This emboldensthem and they start lying through every rough patch or sometimes even when they don’t need to.

What can be done?

When a loved one is addicted, the truth is heart-breaking, but knowing the truth will help one get to the root of the addiction. The lies and other behavioral oddities only serve as distractions from the main problem. That is why it is essential to stop these lies in their tracks and put an end to this vicious cycle. It is essential to make the individual understand that lies will only result in isolation, anger, and frustration. While it is not possible to stop a person from lying, certain steps can be taken to illuminate the realities. A few of them are as follows:

• Accept that lies are a part of the disease and that they fulfill a purpose for the addicted individual.

• It is important to understand the reason behind the lies, but it is equally important to realize that the lies will keep the cycle going. Getting the addicted individual clinical help and pointing out negative consequences of their addiction in real-time might prove to be helpful.

• A supportive environment that facilitates honesty would encourage the individual to start telling the truth. Once they stop feeling isolated, their chances of being honest will increase.

Breaking through the denial might be difficult, but it is an essential step in the path of recovery. Sobriety cannot be attained if the addicted individual is not ready to see the errors of his/her ways. With a proper support system and clinical care, absolute recovery is possible.

Read also - 5 Steps to Recover from Drug Addiction

REFERENCE: NARCONON | PSYCHCENTRAL

When to Choose an Outpatient Facility

Outpatient Program

An outpatient program is ideal for those patients who have less severe addictions and also for those individuals, who are in the process of making a transition out of inpatient or residential program. Outpatient programs can be a good alternative for people, who can’t go for a residential program for any reason whatsoever, but are serious about reclaiming lasting sobriety. With an outpatient program, you don’t need to walk away from your everyday responsibilities. 

Choosing between a residential program and an outpatient program depends entirely on the stage of your addiction and your personal situation. As far as residential programs are concerned, they are meant for those individuals with severe addiction. These programs require a full-time stay at the treatment center. But, this is not the case with intensive outpatient programs (IOP). While the IOPs offered by some of the California drug treatment centers are comparable to the level of treatment offered at residential treatment programs, most of the IOPs don’t require you to stay at the facility full-time.

IOPs are meant for the individuals, who are in the early stages of an addiction or if their addiction isn't severe. The outpatient programs offer the necessary support to completely recover from addiction and prevent relapse. The program doesn’t require you to stay full time but offers all the sessions crucial to your safe recovery. These sessions include individual and group session in psychotherapy and counseling. Some of the more holistic programs also include meditation sessions, yoga, and music therapy that make the approach more holistic. 

IOPs address both drug and alcohol addiction issues and consists of treatment sessions spread over the week at different times. The schedule is designed to allow patients continue with their regular responsibilities. Specific slots are allotted for medication and other sessions meant for counseling and therapies. The patient is free to leave, once these sessions are completed.

All outpatients programs don’t have the same format or level of intensity. They can be tailored to match your needs and even replace the need for a residential program. It all depends on the assessment done by your physician. 

Most of the outpatient programs have intensive sessions of therapy, education, and counseling. They also offer you a network of support. The focus is also on creating awareness about the underlying reasons that might be responsible for substance abuse. Once these underlying issues are addressed, a strong foundation is laid for lasting recovery.  The counseling sessions help you to understand who you are and where you’re heading towards.

However, in order to benefit from a less structured program like these, you need to have a strong will and commitment.

When the addiction isn't as severe

An outpatient program can be very effective if you are in the early stages of an addiction or when you are not in the grip of a more “severe” addiction. However, it offers you the necessary support to fight your addiction forcefully.  

If you're using it as continuing care

Once, you have already completed treatment at a residential program and are ready to go back to work or to take charge of other responsibilities, a brief outpatient treatment is recommended to make sure relapse doesn’t take place. 

If you need support of family and friends

An outpatient program offers you a support network including your family and friends, which are a part of a larger interdisciplinary team. It’s a must to achieve a lasting recovery.

When you can't commit to a residential program

Sometimes, we are restricted by our professional or personal commitments and responsibilities that prevent us from joining a residential program for drug addiction. We can however go for an intensive outpatient program that fits our lifestyle. 

You can't afford an inpatient or residential program  

Financial reasons may also prevent you from getting treatment at a residential program. In this case, intensive outpatient programs can be a good option for you. In a California alcohol rehab outpatient program, progress is indicated through measurable milestones. As you keep on meeting these milestones, you require less time commitment per week.

So, outpatient programs can be a good alternative for people, who can’t go for a residential program for some or the other reason but are serious about reclaiming lasting sobriety. With a California drug treatment outpatient program, you don’t need to walk away from your everyday responsibilities. All it requires is to attend a few sessions every week that include individual and group counseling, education about relapse prevention, meditation, music therapy and yoga etc.