Most people, when they have a problem, try to fix it. They take responsibility for their lives and work to improve how they respond to the problem.
However, some people don’t do this- binge-drinking alcoholics are notorious for this.
Instead of fixing their problems, they often blame others for them. This tendency to blame others is known as self-pity, and it’s incredibly harmful.
So why do alcoholics seem so prone to self-pity?
This post will explore the reasons behind this destructive behavior pattern.
Self-Pity Alcoholism Explained
Alcoholics often suffer from self-pity. They feel sorry for themselves because of their drinking problem and drug abuse.
They may also cry and feel sorry for themselves because they cannot stop drinking. Alcoholics usually have low self-esteem.
They compare themselves to others and think that they are not good enough or do not deserve happiness.
Alcoholics often think that their lives are not worth living. They may feel that their drinking problem is the only thing that is wrong with their lives.
They may also feel that they will never be able to change and that they will always be an alcoholic.
Self-pity is often a symptom of alcoholism.
The Power & Control That Addicts Crave
One of the main reasons that alcoholics wallow in self-pity is because it gives them a sense of control.
When everything else in their lives is spiraling out of control, they can at least control how much they feel sorry for themselves.
This may not seem anything much, but for an alcoholic, it can be very empowering.
It can also be addictive. The more an alcoholic wallows in self-pity, the more they crave it. It becomes a vicious cycle that is very difficult to break out of.
Another reason that alcoholics may enjoy self-pity is that it makes them feel powerful.
When they feel sorry for themselves, they are the center of attention. People may feel sorry for them or get angry with them. Either way, the alcoholic is getting attention.
And for an addict, any kind of attention is better than no attention.
Why do Alcoholics Tend To Play Victims?
There are several reasons why alcoholics have a victim mentality and may blame others for their problems:
Low Self-Esteem
Many alcoholics have low self-esteem. They may feel they are not good enough or do not deserve to be happy. This can lead them to blame others for their problems.
Depression
Depression is common among alcoholics. Depression can contribute to causing to let people believe that their lives are not worth living. This can lead to self-pity.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can cause anxiety and depression. This can make it complicated for alcoholics to think clearly. As a result, they may blame others for their problems.
Lack of Motivation
Alcoholics may not be motivated to change their drinking habits. They may feel they cannot change or will always be an alcoholic. This can lead to self-pity.
Fear
Fear is another common emotion among alcoholics. They may be afraid of changing their drinking habits. They may also fear what other people will think of them if they stop drinking. This fear can lead to self-pity.
How Can Self Pity Be Harmful?
Alcoholics often struggle with feelings of self-pity.
After all, they may have lost their jobs, family members, and health due to alcohol addiction. It’s only natural to feel sorry for oneself in such a situation.
However, self-pity can be harmful to alcoholics.
First, it prevents them from taking responsibility for their addiction recovery. If they believe they are powerless to change their situation, they are much less likely to seek treatment.
Additionally, self-pity can lead to resentment and bitterness. These negative, painful emotions make it difficult to maintain sobriety in the long run.
Finally, self-pity can be contagious.
If an alcoholic surrounds themselves with others who feel sorry for them, it will only reinforce their negative feelings.
For these reasons, alcoholics must avoid self-pity and focus on taking positive steps towards recovery.
How To Help An Alcoholic Who Is Blaming Others?
It’s critical to be encouraging if you know someone dealing with substance abuse.
However, it’d be great if you also encouraged them to take responsibility for their recovery.
Here are a few vital things you can do to help:
Encourage Them To Seek Treatment
If a loved one in your circle is ready to seek treatment for alcohol abuse, help them find a reputable treatment center with licensed medical professionals for professional medical advice.
And for that, you can refer to different types of treatment, such as inpatient or outpatient programs.
Offer Emotional Support
It’s important to offer emotional support to your loved one during this challenging time for their better emotional well-being.
Let them know that you are there always available for them and want to help them in any way you can.
Avoid Enabling Them
It’s also essential to avoid enabling their alcoholism.
For example, don’t make excuses for their drinking or cover up for them when they miss work or obligations.
Encourage Them To Take Responsibility For Their Recovery
Encourage your loved one to take responsibility for their recovery.
Remind them that they need to be the ones to decide to change their drinking habits.
Help Them Set Goals
You can also help them set goals for their recovery. For example, you could help them develop a plan to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings or to stay sober for 30 days. This can help them better their behavioral health conditions as well.
Break The Blaming Cycle & Help Them Recover
If you know someone battling alcoholism, breaking the blaming cycle is critical.
Please encourage them to seek treatment and offer emotional support. Help them set goals for their recovery.
Most importantly, please encourage them to take responsibility for their sobriety.
Doing this can help them on the road to recovery without facing any harmful life circumstances.
It’s essential to break the blaming cycle if you struggle with alcoholism.
