Amber's Top 10 Strategies For Getting An Alcoholic Out Of Denial

addiction denial Jan 16, 2024

Strategies to Help a Loved One Overcome Alcohol Denial
Dealing with a loved one's alcoholism can be challenging, especially when they are in denial. In this blog post, we'll explore ten effective strategies to help someone confront their alcohol issues. These tips, compiled from the Put The Shovel Down YouTube channel, emphasize the importance of empathy, understanding, and subtlety in approaching a sensitive situation.

1. Turn in Your Detective Badge:
If you suspect a loved one has an alcohol problem, avoid becoming overly preoccupied with proving it. Constantly questioning and spying can lead to trust issues and a cat-and-mouse game. Instead, focus on building open communication and trust.

2. You Don't Need a Full Confession:
Understand that individuals with alcohol use disorders will manifest their struggles through unmanageability. Avoid trying to force confessions, as it may backfire. Allow them to recognize the need for change on their own terms.

3. Model Humility:
Admitting...

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Personalities of Addicted Loved Ones

Navigating the Maze of Addiction: Tailoring Your Approach Based on Personality

Dealing with a loved one battling addiction is an intricate journey, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. In this video transcript, we delve into the importance of understanding your addicted loved one's personality to tailor your approach effectively. As we emphasize on staying five steps ahead of addiction, individual differences become crucial considerations in your support strategy.

Identifying Personality Traits:

Every person is unique, and addiction doesn't manifest the same way for everyone. Recognizing your loved one's personality traits, such as avoidance, confrontational tendencies, or trust issues, becomes pivotal in devising a strategic plan for support.

Case in Point:

The transcript recounts a scenario where a person, initially following general advice, discovered a shift in their loved one's behavior. Upon learning that the loved one was a direct communicator, the approach was...

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The Psychology Behind Aggressive Drunk Behavior

The Science Behind Aggressive Drunk Behavior

 If you or someone you care about has ever exhibited aggressive or hostile behavior. At the same time, under the influence of alcohol, it's crucial to take a moment and reflect on the science behind these actions. In this blog post, we'll delve into the patterns and scientific reasons that make aggressive drunk behavior a serious issue that requires careful consideration.

The Patterns of Drunken Behavior:

We've all encountered various types of drunk personas – the "I love you man" drunk, the tearful drunk, the angry drunk, the obnoxious life of the party drunk, and the make-bad-decisions drunk. While these may seem like stereotypes, they often represent patterns that individuals fall into when they consume alcohol regularly.

The Impact of Alcohol on the Brain:

Alcohol has a profound effect on the brain, particularly on the frontal lobe, which is responsible for filtering information, using judgment, and weighing...

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Is Your Spouse In Denial About Their Alcohol Addiction?

Cracking the Code: A Real Talk Guide to Helping Your Loved One Overcome Addiction

Today's post is a deep dive into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: helping someone we care about overcome addiction. I recently discussed this on my YouTube channel, emphasizing the importance of not just knowing the steps to get sober but understanding how to get someone to want to take those steps. It's not about being a counselor; it's about being a genuine support system. Let's break down the key insights.

Step 1: Ditch the Bad Guy Role
The first challenge is stepping out of the "bad guy" role. When dealing with someone struggling with addiction, it's common to feel the urge to come down hard on them. But the magic happens when you align with them unexpectedly. Don't play into the expected anger; instead, be on their side. Acknowledge the unfairness of their situation because, well, it's true.

Step 2: Become the Trusted Advisor
Next up is earning the role of the trusted advisor. It's...

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Addiction Relapse Prevention | Stay Sober This Holiday Season

Navigating Sobriety During the Holidays
If you're here, you or someone you care about is likely navigating the challenging terrain of sobriety, especially during the holiday season. I'm here to provide some insights and strategies to help you stay on track during this potentially tricky time.

The Holiday Challenge: Staying Sober Amidst the Festivities

Holidays, though joyous, can pose a significant challenge for those on the path to recovery. The festivities often involve disruptions to our regular schedules, increased social gatherings, and a general shift towards a 'vacation mode.' In a recent video on relapse prevention, I discussed the importance of keeping the gate closed to vulnerability, a crucial aspect of maintaining sobriety.

Identifying Triggers: Three Categories

1. **Vacation Mode and Substance Use Escalation:**
The most obvious trigger during the holidays is the widespread shift to vacation mode. People tend to indulge more in substances, making it a potential stumbling...

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The Brain Chemistry of Addiction

The Three Components of Addiction: A Deep Dive into the Brain's Role

Understanding addiction involves more than just knowing about the role of dopamine in the brain. In this blog post, we'll explore how three crucial components come together to create a comprehensive understanding of addictive thinking and behavior. From the desire-inducing power of dopamine to the rebound effect and the compromise of judgment, each component plays a pivotal role in the intricate web of addiction.

  1. Dopamine: The Desire Chemical Dopamine is often misunderstood as the "feel good" chemical, but its true role is the ignition of desire. When released in the brain, dopamine motivates and fuels the craving for something. The catch? Dopamine tricks you into thinking that achieving your goal will bring the anticipated satisfaction. However, this feeling is often short-lived, leading to a perpetual cycle of wanting and pursuing.

Example: The excitement of acquiring a new possession fades quickly, leaving...

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Confronting the Battle Within: Living with an Alcoholic Spouse

Navigating an Alcoholic Marriage: Strategies for Survival and Recovery

Discovering your spouse's alcoholism can be overwhelming. In this blog, we explore practical tips to navigate this challenging situation, focusing on emotional well-being, financial preparedness, and maintaining a sense of normalcy.

  1. Regaining Control of Your Emotions:

    • Emphasize the importance of taking charge of your emotions.
    • Break free from the cycle of fear and obsession by making calm, collected decisions.
    • Stop the constant checking, snooping, and questioning to regain emotional stability.
  2. Financial Protections:

    • Acknowledge the possibility of an uncertain outcome and prepare accordingly.
    • Establish financial independence to ensure you can support yourself if needed.
    • Create a safety net by having a plan, whether a side hustle or support from friends.
  3. Maintaining a Life Outside the Problem:

    • Reconnect with hobbies, interests, and social circles that don't revolve around the issue.
    • Prioritize self-care...
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Does Your Addicted Loved One Hate You

Unmasking Addiction: Why Your Loved One May See You as the Enemy

Does your addicted loved one hate you? It might sometimes feel that way, and the answer is a complex blend of yes and no. In this post, let's unravel the layers, dive into the dynamics, and uncover the truth behind these tumultuous emotions.

Understanding the Addiction Persona

Picture your loved one's addiction as a little devil perched on their shoulder—a metaphorical monster mouth whispering persuasive narratives. This addiction monster does perceive you as the enemy because it recognizes that you hold the key to the truth. Its mission is to keep your loved one oblivious to reality, maintaining control over the narrative.

The Role of Guilt in the Battle Against Addiction

The adversary of addiction is guilt, an uncomfortable emotion signaling wrongdoing. When your addicted loved one interacts with you, there's an awareness or fear that you see through the facade. Guilt creeps in, and here's where...

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Strategies in Helping Addicted Loved Ones

addiction denial Nov 21, 2023

Navigating Addiction: A Guide to Triage and Intervention

If you're dealing with a loved one struggling with addiction, you know it can be an overwhelming and sometimes heartbreaking experience. In today's video, we're going to tackle a crucial aspect of dealing with addiction – triaging the situation. I'll walk you through three major categories to help you identify where your loved one might fit and guide you on the appropriate strategy to pursue.

Category 1: Functional but Still in Denial The first category we'll explore is what I like to call "functional but still in denial." It's a challenging situation where your loved one is managing to fulfill about 50% of their responsibilities despite their addiction. The catch is, that because they're still functional, they're often in denial about the severity of their problem.

Strategy: Natural Consequences and Empathy In this scenario, we need to let natural consequences unfold. It's not about imposing punishments but...

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Amber Reacts to Dr. Delony's Life-Changing Advice

addiction denial Nov 14, 2023

Navigating the Complexities of Addiction: A Deep Dive into Dr. Deloney's Advice

In a recent episode of the Dr. Deloney Show, the host tackled a deeply personal and challenging situation: a man struggling with alcohol addiction, which had led to the breakdown of his marriage. As we delve into the conversation, we witness Dr. Deloney's skillful navigation through the layers of addiction, offering insights, empathy, and practical advice.

The Beginning: A Story of Struggle

The caller begins by sharing his journey, highlighting key events such as an alcohol withdrawal seizure and the passing of his grandfather. Dr. Deloney keenly observes the conflicting messages – the acknowledgment of a severe drinking problem contrasted with the belief that legal troubles don't validate the severity of the issue.

Identifying Patterns: Unraveling the Cycle

As the caller recounts his attempts at recovery – from treatment in California to involvement in recovery programs with his wife...

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