Lies: What an Alcoholic Will Say to Keep Drinking

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Often, individuals who suffer from alcohol use disorder will lie or stretch the truth to continue drinking. They may even engage in deceitful behavior to keep up their substance use. Here are a few of the most common lies that they may tell themselves or others. Knowing how to identify these statements and the duplicity behind them can help you identify when someone you know needs help.

I Can Quit Anytime I Want

This is a classic belief that many people with alcoholism cling to. Many people try to quit on their own and find that they cannot. They might deny that they cannot quit, or they might have tried to quit, failed, and lied to keep drinking. There is a point in alcoholism where the individual cannot quit without endangering their life.

I Need It to Get Through the Day

Most people who drink do, in fact, need it to get through the day. They need it because they are addicted and their body has become physically dependent on the substance. They do not actually have to have it once they’ve quit.

I Am Too Stressed to Quit Drinking

Stress is a common excuse for not quitting alcohol. Most people who are under stress turn to some sort of release. The truth is that there are many healthier ways to handle stress than taking a drink.

It’s My Business, and I’m Not Hurting Anyone

Individuals with alcoholism think they are not hurting anyone. They do not realize that they hurt their friends, family, and themselves. They do not see what the alcohol is doing to those around them.

I Only Drink Once in a While

Drinking heavily, even once in a while, is enough to qualify as substance use. Periods of this behavior are called binge drinking and are just as dangerous as any other form of drinking. Nearly 58 million people in the U.S. aged 12 and above report binge drinking in the past month.

I Don’t Drink Every Day, So I’m Not an Alcoholic

Alcoholism is not characterized by when you drink or how much you consume, but by how alcohol affects your life.

A Lot of People Drink More Than I Do

Again, it is not how much you drink or how often. Some people can handle more alcohol, while others cannot. If alcohol is damaging your life, then you may be suffering from alcoholism. Many people understand this, but will say it anyway as an excuse.

I Only Drink Beer and Wine

Saying this is like saying I only drink small amounts of gasoline. There is no difference between getting drunk on beer and wine and drinking hard alcohol. They both eventually have the same effect.

I Can Handle It on My Own

Not many people can quit drinking on their own. Most of the people who do are very strong-willed or have a powerful motivation. It is a difficult process, but you do not have to go through it alone.

I Don’t Need Help

Most people who state they do not need help are the ones most in need. If you or someone you love needs help with alcoholism, call us at 800-948-8417 Sponsored .

10 Reasons Why Alcoholics Start Lying About Drinking

People living with addiction often lie to themselves, their families, or their medical team. It’s not uncommon for those struggling with alcohol addiction to start lying about their drinking. They may bend the truth for many reasons, such as to downplay the disorder or evade the consequences of their behavior. Let’s dive into the relationship between lying and addiction and find out 10 reasons why people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may lie. Why Do Alcoholics Lie About Drinking? 1. To Avoid Arguments Chronic alcohol misuse can affect your interpersonal relationships due to how it affects your mood, your ability…