Alcoholism is an insidious disease that affects not only the body but also the way of thinking and decision-making. Over time, a logic emerges designed to justify addictive behavior, and the alcoholic's lies become increasingly inconsistent and harder to verify. Frustration and distrust grow in loved ones: who should believe the famous "I won't drink from tomorrow" and why does an alcoholic lie even when promising to change?
"I won't drink from tomorrow," or the full range of an alcoholic's lies
An alcoholic's lies often serve the function of apparent control - they're meant to create the impression that the situation is under control, even when drinking has long since spiraled out of control. An addicted person can repeat the same versions of events to family, friends, and sometimes even strangers (such as a shopkeeper or bartender), but above all to themselves. This is often the crux of the problem: the mechanisms of addiction aren't always about cynical deception. Sometimes the alcoholic believes the stories they tell for a long time, because at that moment they sound like a recovery plan. In reality, however, alcoholism is a complex disease that is difficult to overcome alone. Even if the addicted person has a real plan to quit drinking, it may end in failure. Often this isn't the result of ill will or lies, but complex mechanisms of addiction that affect not only the body but also the alcoholic's mind. It also happens that the person genuinely uses lies to hide their addiction and be able to continue it.Why does an alcoholic lie?
At the root of many such behaviors lies the mechanism of illusion and denial. It's a process in which lies, fabrications, and delusions gradually replace a realistic assessment of the situation, and difficult facts are minimized or shifted in time. In practice, a coherent system of justifications is created: it's meant to help survive tension, shame, and fear, while simultaneously maintaining the ability to reach for alcohol without confronting the consequences. An alcoholic's lies are usually meant to maintain the conviction that the person is in control of the situation, hence the repeated promises. These declarations don't always aim to cause harm. Often they're an attempt to cope with pressure and avoid a difficult conversation here and now, as well as a way to believe themselves that they can still stop drinking at any moment.The psyche of people addicted to alcohol
The psychoactive substance that is alcohol regulates the functioning of an addicted person, and as the problem grows, it changes the way reality is interpreted. That's why an alcoholic's lies and distortions of facts appear so often - the mind works to maintain the ability to drink and reduce tension. The toxic effect of alcohol disrupts the connections between thinking, feeling emotions, and behavior. In practice, the person may react impulsively, have difficulty refraining from certain behaviors, and making realistic assessments of consequences. In this state, it's also easier to manipulate or automatically justify, which is meant to protect against confronting the problem. Psychological addiction often manifests as decreased emotional tolerance for discomfort, intrusive thoughts about drinking, as well as weakened willpower and ability to act consistently. The so-called reward system in the brain also plays an important role. Alcohol can enhance dopamine release and create strong associations with relief and pleasure, similar to other psychoactive substances (such as nicotine or drugs). The brain reacts to this stimulus excessively, and impulses related to mood improvement can override rational arguments. That's why memories of relief after alcohol are so convincing, and returning to drinking may seem like the only quick way to regulate tension.Why does an alcoholic lie and how to break this pattern
What looks like ordinary deception from the outside is often an element of the disease inside: defense mechanisms, shame, and alcohol craving sustain the habit of distorting facts. That's why how to stop lying rarely comes down to a resolution. A long life in illusion and denial often requires work with an addiction therapist or psychologist who understands why an alcoholic lies and how to gradually rebuild contact with reality. Therapeutic sessions teach recognition of automatic justifications, as well as how to respond to tension, shame, and fear without reaching for alcohol. Together with the patient, a plan based on concrete goals is created: what to do in risk situations, how to work with emotions, and how to rebuild responsibility without humiliating oneself.Does an alcoholic know they're causing harm?
"Does an alcoholic know they're causing harm" is a difficult question because the answer can be ambiguous. In moments of sobriety, the person often sees the consequences and feels guilt. During cravings and under the influence of disease mechanisms, the picture changes: relief and maintaining drinking become the priority, and consequences for others are minimized or repressed. This doesn't justify hurting loved ones, but it helps understand why promises and rationalizations can keep coming back. It's also worth remembering that every situation is individual, and any signs of violence, both physical and psychological from the alcoholic, should not be ignored.Professional help instead of promises "from tomorrow..."
The biggest difference is made by support based on clinical knowledge and constant work on thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors. Alcohol addiction has both psychological and physical dimensions, so an effective approach is usually multifaceted and tailored to the patient's condition and stage of the disease. We encourage you to take advantage of a consultation, during which a specialist doctor from Nasz Gabinet will help assess the situation, name the mechanisms (including the alcoholic's lies and elements that sustain them), and plan safe, realistic steps out of addiction. Thanks to our help, "I won't drink from tomorrow" stops being a slogan and becomes a plan based on concrete actions.:::cta Need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online visit. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule a visit :::
