Dr. Pohl discusses the common lies that drug addicts often tell themselves.
Dr. Pohl:
The most common lie that a drug addict tells him or herself is “I don’t have a problem.” You know, we call that denial. “I use the drugs,” especially with chronic pain, “I use the drugs because of my pain. I am not chewing my patches that are there for pain relief,” or, “My pills–I am not snorting drugs. I am not going to the street for drugs. I am just going to the doctor for drugs.” That may be the truth. If there’s two or three doctors involved, admitting that, you know, would probably be diffusing one of those lies.
The other issue is really not being aware of what problems the drugs themselves are causing. You know, “I fall asleep early at night. I am not as functional as I used to be. I don’t feel as good.” So, I mean it takes some self-analysis to really see this. The main reason people lie to themselves about drugs is they want to keep using them and that might underlie a drug problem.
About Dr. Mel Pohl, M.D.:
Dr. Mel Pohl, M.D., is a Board Certified Family Practitioner. He is the Vice President of Medical Affairs and the Medical Director at the Las Vegas Recovery Center (LVRC), the only private, freestanding, medically managed inpatient detoxification and addiction treatment facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Visit Dr. Pohl at the Las Vegas Recovery Center