Excuses Alcoholics and Addicts Make to Continue their Behavior

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug addiction is a disease. If you have lived with or been around an alcoholic or addict, chances are, you have heard one of these excuses. If you are a drug addict or alcoholic, you have likely used one of these excuses before. It is important to recognize these for what they are, excuses to stop a harmful behavior.

You Don’t Know What I am Going Through

The rebuttal to this excuse is obvious. No one knows what anyone else is going through. It is a matter of understanding and sympathizing. It is true that no one knows what you are going through but there are people that have similar experiences to you.

It’s Only Once in a While

Although it might seem like you are not doing drugs or drinking alcohol often, you gradually start using more and more. With certain drugs, once in a while is enough. They can cause a large amount of damage in a very short time.

I’ll Stop Next Time (Next Week, Next Month, etc.)

Someone with a substance abuse problem will make endless excuses for their behavior.

‘One more time’ is something that many addicts say. ‘This is the last time’ is another thing that you promise yourself or others promise when they are addicted. This is just a way to use again and rarely holds meaning to anyone. Even if you plan to quit, it is difficult without treatment.

You Knew About the Problem When You Met Me

Although you might have known about the problem, you probably did not know the extent of it. With this kind of excuse, it is difficult to do anything. You can encourage a person to seek treatment, but if they are happy with the way they are then there is little you can do.

You Do It

This is normally said by kids to their parents but may be said between partners or friends. Just because one person drinks, it does not mean another can. Everyone is different in their lives, their tolerances, and their addictions.

I wouldn’t do it if it Weren’t for You

This is a classic abusive tactic. Most people who hear this phrase are in an abusive relationship. Unfortunately, this is one of the excuses that means if the person does not seek treatment, the relationship will gradually deteriorate or lead to emotional or physical abuse.

Living with a Loved One Suffering from a Substance Abuse Disorder

I Do Not Have the Money to Get Help

Many programs help people who cannot afford addiction treatment. Also, in recent years more insurance companies recognize addiction as a treatable illness so they cover addiction treatment. There are a variety of programs and options for those that cannot afford treatment. If you do not have the money to get help, assistance is still available. There are also government programs to help you if you don’t have insurance.

For more information on these or any treatment options, call us at 1-800-895-1695. It’s time to stop making excuses and get help for your drug or alcohol addiction now.