What Is the Most Common Defense Mechanism Used by Alcoholics?

Defense mechanisms are ways to instinctively detach yourself from actions, thoughts, or events that can be uncomfortable or distressing. Sublimation, for example, is a positive defense mechanism in which you redirect your emotions into something constructive. Instead of lashing out at friends, colleagues, or family, you channel that energy into doing productive activities, like sports or arts and crafts.

Every one of us uses defense mechanisms. However, when it comes to alcohol addiction, alcoholics might use unhealthy defense mechanisms at the expense of their loved ones. Learn the most common defense mechanisms associated with addiction and how to work through them.

Primitive Defense Mechanisms

Alcoholics commonly use primitive defense mechanisms because these behaviors develop early in life and are unconsciously available to them most of the time. Children and teenagers typically use this defense mechanism, but for adults, it can become maladaptive. The most common primitive defenses show up in various ways.

• Denial means a person refuses to accept reality or facts. More often than not, they do not understand that they are “in denial” or being dishonest because they refuse to acknowledge reality. An example of denial could be an alcoholic telling their friends that they do not have a drinking problem.
• Regression is reverting to an earlier childhood behavior when faced with stress. For an alcoholic, it can manifest in refusing to get out of bed or neglecting responsibilities.
• Deflection is redirecting a conversation or accusation to evade direct confrontation. This type of defense mechanism is used to shift focus away from yourself and toward another person, topic, or issue to avoid accountability.
• Repression involves a person subconsciously “blocking” or “forgetting” distressing memories or facts. According to research, addiction itself is a form of repression because an alcoholic’s failure to deal with the reality of alcoholism eventually leads to more substance abuse. 
• Rationalization means a person makes excuses and justifies their actions to avoid shame and guilt. An alcoholic will try to offer an explanation for their behavior. For example, if a friend asks about their excessive drinking habits, an alcoholic might rationalize that drinking is okay because they had a stressful day at work.

What Defense Mechanism Could Likely Lead to Alcohol Abuse?

Among the five primitive defense mechanisms listed above, denial and repression are the behaviors that could lead to alcoholism. An alcoholic may genuinely believe that they don’t have a problem or that their drinking is under control despite the evidence to the contrary. The habit of denying continued substance abuse, refusing to acknowledge the problem, and delaying treatment or support can easily spiral into addiction.

Mature Defense Mechanisms

Mature defense mechanisms include more evolved and adaptive behaviors than primitive defense mechanisms. These mechanisms develop later in life and are usually more effective in managing stress, trauma, and conflicts. They are often referred to as positive coping mechanisms in psychological theories.

• Altruism is a transformative type of defense mechanism because it allows you to derive fulfillment from helping others. Unlike primitive defense mechanisms, which focus on yourself and often lead to negative outcomes, altruism can be constructive and beneficial to others. When you focus on the needs and well-being of others, you may find your own problems less overwhelming. You can also use altruism as a bridge to build strong social connections that can provide you with emotional support, which can greatly benefit your mental health.
• Humor is when a person deflects tension by telling jokes. You might use this defense mechanism as a way to connect with others by breaking down barriers, and it can also be a way to lighten your emotional load.
• Anticipation deals with managing anxiety by anticipating future issues and preparing for them. This type of adaptive defense mechanism lets you mentally prepare for potential situations, helps you actively think through obstacles, and encourages you to create contingency plans. If you are struggling to stay sober, you can create prevention plans to stay alcohol-free.

How Defense Mechanisms Impact Your Relationships

Defense mechanisms have a ripple effect on relationships, so it’s important to understand how these behaviors can impact your interactions with your loved ones, friends, and even colleagues.

• Strained relationships. The use of primitive defense mechanisms can strain personal and professional relationships if it turns into maladaptive behavior. For example, if you constantly deny issues or project your faults onto others, your loved ones or colleagues might feel misunderstood or turned away.
• Barriers to accessing mental health support. Using defense mechanisms can prevent your family or friends from offering support or assistance, especially when they do not understand your situation. 
• Modeling and influence on others. In a family setting, alcohol misuse by parents can deeply affect their children. Using defense mechanisms to rationalize alcoholism or other destructive behaviors can influence how children cope with their own emotions and deal with stress since maladaptive defense mechanisms can become normalized within the family and create or perpetuate a cycle.

To preserve your relationships, you can find ways to overcome your defense mechanisms.

Approaches To Overcoming Defense Mechanisms

The first step to overcoming destructive defense mechanisms is recognizing and addressing them as a problem. Heavily relying on primitive defense mechanisms can hold you back from emotional healing, self-awareness, and developing healthier coping strategies.

• Psychoanalysis, mindfulness-based, and interpersonal therapies can be used to increase your insight and awareness, encourage acceptance to reduce defensive reactions, and explore your past experiences to identify the origin of your defense mechanisms.
• You can also use self-reflection and gratitude journaling to inspire you to regularly reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and reactions, helping you identify how and why you use defense mechanisms. Starting a gratitude journal can help improve your emotional well-being, especially when dealing with negative thought patterns that come from self-reflection. Gratitude journaling can also help build your resilience over time, making it easier to work through defense mechanisms.
• Mindfulness activities and meditation can help you reduce defensive mechanisms and become more aware of the present moment. Activities like walking, single-tasking, and DIY crafts are excellent ways to be fully present in the moment and reduce stress. Practicing mindfulness in your daily life can help you recognize defense mechanism patterns and choose a more constructive response.

Beyond Defense Mechanisms

Understanding and changing your defense mechanisms is tough, but it can be incredibly rewarding because it’s about taking control of your emotional journey. Remember, you are not doing this alone. Family, friends, support groups, and even therapists are there to back you up, offer support, and provide insight, especially when progress feels slow.

If you want to cut back on your alcohol consumption but don’t know where to start, consider trying Reframe. We’re a neuroscience-backed app that has helped millions of people reduce their alcohol consumption and develop healthier lifestyle habits.