Somewhere inside, they realize that their drinking means more to them than they’re willing to admit.
Alcohol use disorder damages the brain, resulting in worsening denial and compromising insight regarding the illness.
They can display secondary denial, making similar excuses for the drinking and its consequences.
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For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
By doing these things, family and friends are protecting the person from the consequences of their actions.
The person never experiences the pain because of their drinking.
Then, most people with the disorder finally admit to a problem.
Online self-assessments can help you determine if you have been enabling a person with alcohol use disorder.
2016;12:1609-1615. doi:10.2147/NDT.S104442.
