Denial and Substance Abuse Research Paper

5064 Words21 Pages
Running head: DENIAL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE Denial and Substance Abuse: Theories, Causes, and Interventions Sherry L. Rock Grand Canyon University Denial and Substance Abuse: Theories, Causes, and Interventions Abstract Despite various conceptualized views that denial is a major deterrent from entering or continuing with substance abuse treatment, there is little agreed upon comprehensive theories, or treatments for denial. “Despite efforts for over 40 years to redefine, normalize, work with, and develop intervention strategies, denial is the most frustrating aspect of treating the alcoholic. This is due in large measure, to failure to take into account the complexity of the construct” (Weinstein et al., 1999). Choosing the correct intervention for the denial of chemical dependency can lead to treatment acceptance and successful recovery from the addiction. Each individual that is referred for chemical addiction needs to have comprehensive and in-depth assessment: drug abuse background, family and medical history (e.g., genograms), family dynamics, personality, co-occurring disorders, mental capacity, etc. Intervention to dissuade denial of substance abuse are at a peak of effectiveness during crisis events which can aide in removing denial of consequences of use. This paper will cover theories of denial, causes of denial, as well as possible interventions to use with those specific causes of denial in order to aide with the substance abuse user in accepting treatment or continuing treatment. Further research needs to be done in this area in order to promote and develop better outcomes and lead to specialized interventions depending on the etiology/perception, background and experiential factors of the addict. This paper will cover six theories of denial in trying to give a more comprehensive view about theories of denial. Following the

More about Denial and Substance Abuse Research Paper

Open Document