Common Coping Styles of Alcoholics
| Coping Style | Definition | Behaviors |
|---|
| Denial | Person minimizes or does not acknowledge the problem or the results of the problem even when strong evidence is presented. | - “I only have two drinks a day, I could stop any time.”
- Refuses to admit drinking problems that are obvious to others.
- Family may participate in denial by covering up the problems created by the drinker.
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| Projection | Blames others for their drinking and behavior. | - Avoids taking responsibility for own unacceptable behavior.
- “My brother is the one with the problem. He drinks more than I do.”
- “I’d stop if everyone would leave me alone.”
|
| Rationalization | Justifies intolerable behavior by giving plausible excuses. | - Excuses reinforce denial.
- “My kids are always in trouble. They make me drink.”
- “I only drink beer.”
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| Minimizing | Avoids conflict by reducing the impact of the behavior. | - Places less value on the behavior and the impact of the problem.
- “You worry too much.”
- “I’m not hurting anyone.”
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| Manipulation | Plays one person against another in order to get one’s way or cover up or avoid a problem. | - Convinces one or two people that he or she will improve if they will help.
- If he or she fails it is the fault of the helper.
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| Grandiosity | Maintains a sense of superiority and irresponsibility particularly evident when intoxicated. | - Lacks concern for others feelings.
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