With Their World Alcoholics cope with their disease by developing dysfunctional behaviors. Alcoholics use denial and rationalization to twist reality into a more palatable form. In order to support their distorted view of reality, alcoholics deny that they have a problem. Alcoholics tell unnecessary lies in efforts to cover up for their behavior.
Alcoholics often feel guilty and easily become defensive.
When these inconsistent and unpredictable behaviors gradually appear and implant themselves into the alcoholic s character, those around the alcoholic withdraw. Key to successful recovery is the reduction of maladaptive behaviors and the development of more functional coping skills. The recovering alcoholic can no longer hide behind denial and rationalization.