It is not just for chemical dependents either. We have denial to keep us from pain. F or persons who are chemically dependent, to keep their denial is to die. In the process, they create pain for those around them, and they have denial about that, too. To recover, they need to see their denial and see how it works so that they can loosen the grip of their addictions.
Denial is replaced by the truth and acceptance.
To be in denial feels like anger, fear, shame, and isolation. Instead of being cold and cut off from themselves and others, they can be warm and begin to grow again. D efenses are the specific way we ward off attacks on our denial. Some defenses are conscious and we are aware of them. Others are subconscious.