Over 50,000 years of potential life are lost each year to excessive alcohol use. As one of the oldest non-profit organizations in Oregon, Serenity Lane has seen the lasting impact alcohol use has on their community. With a goal of helping those in their state and beyond, the rehab center recently put out a blog post educating on alcoholism denial to help provide a better understanding of the condition as a whole.
They jump right into the piece by first explaining what exactly alcoholism denial is. “To put it simply, alcoholism denial is when someone won’t outwardly and/or inwardly accept that they or their loved one has an alcohol use disorder. In most cases, it is primarily about someone in denial of their own relationship with alcohol use. Alcoholism denial isn’t someone who denies jokes if their friends make light of their alcohol consumption. The difference lies in how someone denies it in combination with their actual relationship with alcohol use.”
Readers may have many questions about how alcoholism denial comes about, or even how someone could not recognize what their own level of consumption is, but it’s more common than many realize. Serenity Lane takes the time to highlight this point, next. “Alcoholism denial isn’t straightforward. It’s not just someone thinking they drink less than they actually do. It’s primarily rooted in shame and fear. By acknowledging their own alcohol use and how it’s impacting them, they’re admitting to a flaw. They’re admitting to themselves that they can’t actually stop the way they want to, and that it’s impacting their lives and the lives of those around them.”
“Despite its legality across the United States, there’s still much stigma associated with drinking and alcohol use disorders. There are many outdated beliefs surrounding alcohol use disorders, seeing it as a moral or personal failing, as opposed to a complex condition that doesn’t develop from a singular source.” The rehab center continues, giving prime examples of how these beliefs might present themselves in people’s lives.
“Outside sources can also influence alcoholism denial,” Serenity Lane warns readers, “primarily those closest to the person with the alcohol use disorder. Loved ones can be just as in denial as the person themselves, further affirming to the person with the alcohol use disorder that their denial is valid.”
They further their blog by giving clear-cut examples of how alcoholism denial can present itself, both physically and behaviorally. The blog also takes the time to showcase Serenity Lane’s further knowledge on the topic by laying out ways that readers can approach this topic with a loved one. For more answers on this topic, check out their blog linked above.
Serenity Lane has been helping people overcome substance and alcohol use disorders since 1973. All of the programs they offer have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). They have introduced many new programs in Oregon, such as residential step-down and outpatient programs that integrate residential and outpatient services. They have also been the provider of the only Addiction Counselor Training Program in Oregon. Some of their graduates are now offering their services through several treatment programs throughout the country.
People who would like to know more about the addiction treatment services available through Serenity Lane of Portland, Oregon can visit their website or contact them by telephone or email. Serenity Lane has live people ready to help place patients from 8:00 am - 7:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.
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For more information about Serenity Lane Portland East, contact the company here:
Serenity Lane Portland East
Stephanie Edwards
(503) 546-7677
info@serenitylane.org
12662 SE Stark, Plaza 125 Bldg. A.
Portland, OR, 97233
