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The Subtle Danger of Alcoholic Denial: Why It’s Different and How to Recognize It

Denial is a common trait among those struggling with addiction, but alcoholic denial is a unique beast altogether. It's trickier to identify and even more challenging to confront. If you're wondering why someone with a drinking problem doesn't see it—or if you suspect you might be in denial yourself—understanding these nuances can be the first step toward change.

In this post, we’ll explore 6 reasons why alcoholic denial differs from denial in other types of addiction and how it often goes unnoticed.

1. High Functionality Masks the Problem
One of the biggest reasons alcoholics often don’t realize they have a significant problem is because they’re highly functional in many areas of life. Unlike other addictions where the effects are more immediate and visible, alcohol can allow a person to maintain a seemingly normal life for years. They might hold down a...

You CAN Overcome Addiction On Your Own: My Top 4 Tips for Success

In the world of addiction recovery, the prevailing belief is that you can't overcome addiction on your own—you need help, support, and intervention. But I'm here to tell you the opposite. Not only can you stop an addiction on your own, but it's often the most effective way to achieve lasting recovery.

I know you might be skeptical, but stick with me. By the end of this post, you'll see that self-reliance in addiction recovery is not just possible—it's powerful. Plus, I'll share my top four tips for boosting your self-control, which is crucial for overcoming any addiction.

Who Am I?

For those of you who are new here, I'm Amber Hollingsworth, a Master Addiction Counselor. I've dedicated my career to helping people overcome addiction, and on this blog, we challenge the idea that you're powerless against addiction. We believe in empowering you with the science and psychology of addiction so you can stay five...

Understanding Short-Term Sobriety: What It Means and How to Navigate It

Are you witnessing your loved one embark on short bursts of sobriety, only to falter when it comes to committing long-term? This is a perplexing situation, leaving you questioning the reasons behind these cycles and how best to support them. In today's discussion, we'll delve into the various dynamics at play, helping you decipher these behaviors and offering insights on how to approach them effectively.

1. Setbacks in Long-Term Sobriety: Sometimes, individuals genuinely aspire for lasting sobriety but encounter setbacks along the way. Identifying triggers or unresolved issues is crucial in breaking this cycle and fostering sustained recovery.

2. Testing Self-Control: Others may engage in short-term sobriety as a self-validation exercise, attempting to prove they aren't bound by addiction. However, true addiction lies in the inability to control usage, not intermittent breaks consistently.

3. Exploring Sobriety...

With Amber Hollingsworth, this is The Untoxicated Podcast, where we talk about the relationship between sex and intimacy with addiction. Hear how addiction negatively affects even the strongest of relationships and how beating it helps love and connection grow stronger here today with Sheri and Matt Salis, a couple whose marriage survived active alcoholism, ultimately proving that your relationship can overcome addiction with the right approach.

Alcoholism and Intimacy Survey: Partner’s Perceptions of Problematic Alcohol Use and Intimacy http://alcoholicintimacysurvey.org/

The Untoxicated Podcast of Sheri and Matt Salis: https://un-toxicated.com/

Watch this next: 

Is Your Spouse an Alcoholic or a Heavy Drinker?

Additional Resources:

Make An Appointment With One Of Our Specialists: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/consultations

Get 10% off Virtual Counseling with our sponsor BetterHelp https://betterhelp.com/PutTheShovelDown

Incredibly accurate personality...

Understanding the Spectrum: Heavy Drinker vs. Alcoholic

Today, we're diving deep into a topic that hits close to home for many: the fine line between being a heavy drinker and an alcoholic. It's a topic with misconceptions, stigma, and perhaps a touch of denial. So, let's clear the fog and shed some light on this crucial issue.

The Continuum of Alcohol Use

Alcoholism, or as it's clinically termed, alcohol use disorder, isn't a simple binary state. It's not a matter of being one or the other but rather where you fall on a spectrum. Picture it like a scale, ranging from non-problematic drinking to the depths of severe addiction.

• Heavy Drinker: This stage often involves difficulty stopping once you start. Maybe you set limits for yourself but find yourself exceeding them time and again. Promises to control your behavior while drinking are repeatedly broken, leading to negative consequences.

• Early Stage Alcoholism: Often mistaken for heavy drinking, this stage involves similar...

Facing Hard Truths: Understanding Functional Alcoholism

A lot of people use the term "functional alcoholic" to downplay the severity of a drinking problem. But let's be honest here: functional alcoholism is just a deceptive label masking the reality of someone battling alcohol use disorder. In this blog post, I'll delve into three hard truths about functional alcoholism and how to confront it head-on.

1. No Such Thing as "Functional Alcoholism": Despite the common usage of the term, there's no clinical diagnosis for "functional alcoholism." As an addiction counselor with over 20 years of experience, I can attest to this fact. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is diagnosed based on a set of 11 symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. It's crucial to understand that alcoholism isn't a fixed label but rather a spectrum reflecting the progression of the disorder.

2. The Illusion of Functionality: Many individuals mistakenly believe they're functional alcoholics because they maintain aspects of...

Embracing Sobriety: Shifting Perspectives for Lasting Change

If you're looking to break free from addiction without relying on the usual 12-step programs, here's a fresh perspective: Let go of the "alcoholic" label.

Let's be real: if you're questioning your relationship with alcohol, it's probably causing chaos in your life. Instead of getting hung up on labels, let's ask ourselves a more important question: How does alcohol affect where I'm headed?

Consider this: Does alcohol fit with the person you want to be? Does it support your roles as a parent, partner, professional, or friend? If you're having doubts, it's probably time for a change.

Think of yourself like a plant. Instead of watering yourself with alcohol, which stunts your growth, it's time for a mindset shift.

Now, I get it. The 12-step approach isn't for everyone, and that's okay. Drawing from my 22 years of helping people find sobriety, I've seen many paths to success, all centered on personal growth.

In your journey,...