There’s often debate as to when to believe a recovering addict over an addiction who has not, in fact, passed a test of honesty therefore is lying. Unless you come across an inherently untruthful individual, it’s safe to assume that an addicted individual’s tendency to lie is limited to the time they spend indulging in active addiction. The only way to really know is to ask them straight out if they lied when they were sober. If they evade answering directly, or just say “I don’t remember” or “I can’t remember”, consider that they’re lying. You might have noticed a lot of people in your life, personally and professionally, who seem to possess this habit of not taking responsibility for their own actions. Someone addicted to alcohol might take full credit for never being late for work, but then get drunk later and still claim to be totally responsible for not falling asleep before heading off to class. An individual with an addictive personality will often brag to others that they’ve never had a DUI or traffic accident, but admit to drinking most days of the week and claim that they never get into any altercations or arguments because of it. This is something new and refreshing, but something new and refreshing are something that need to be re-examined carefully if it’s going to be helpful in your recovery.

Reasons Addiction And Lying Go Hand And Hand

One of the major reasons that people with an addiction are prone to lying about where they have been, what they’ve done, or how much they’ve drank is because they think that no one is going to question them. They feel like they can get away with it, because no one will really question their actions and their motives. If they do manage to convince someone that they were out in public drinking all day long while ignoring the fact that they lied, they will be happy with themselves and feel great about the fact that they lied. Unfortunately, everyone involved with the recovery process knows that the only person lying for these recovering alcoholics are themselves.

Another reason that substance users often lie about their substance use disorders is because they have to conceal their illness from loved ones, employers, and schools. Sometimes, this can be easier said than done, but if you are dealing with a substance abuser, it is crucial to learn to be very honest with self and others about your circumstances. You will find that when you are honest and upfront about your mental health issues, you will greatly increase your ability to get the treatment and assistance you need. In addition to this, staying completely honest about all of your substance use issues, including where you were exactly when you started, whether you had positive successes or setbacks, and whether you lied about where you were going while you were high, will greatly increase the odds of getting the treatment and help you need. If you are doing your best to be honest and upfront about your substance use disorders, you should have no trouble overcoming the lies and fabrications that addicts often try to hide.

One other reason that people may lie about their addiction and alcoholism is that many people are not comfortable with admitting that they have a problem. It is understandable that people in recovery would want to keep their addiction a secret to themselves, and some will simply lie about their addiction. However, others have a more addictive personality type and will be more open about their issues than others. While everyone lies about some things, most drug addicts and alcoholics have a tendency to lie about things that do not affect them directly such as where they were living before they became addicted, their employment history, their family life, and many other important personal matters. Regardless of what is lying about when you are trying to overcome your addiction and stop drinking, there is always a better choice when you face an issue that effects your health and well being. Lieing about your addiction and alcoholism does not make you a bad person, nor does it make you a hero. In fact, it just makes you a liar that nobody really wants to be. If you or a love one is struggling with an addiction contact an addiction specialist.