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How Rationalization Works During Denial #addictionrecovery #gettingsober #sobercurious

29 Oct 2025 · 1 min

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In this segment, Amber Hollingsworth explains that rationalization is a key sign of denial in people struggling with substance use. She describes how, even after a serious consequence such as a DUI, individuals can downplay or justify the event, making it appear less significant to themselves. The commentary is directed toward family members or observers, highlighting how external parties might expect the person to ‘wake up’ after a negative incident, yet the person often finds ways to rationalize the behavior, thereby maintaining denial.

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Another sign that someone is in denial is that they may rationalize their behavior. So one of the things that I see people do a lot is they may hit some sort of bottom or a consequence happens, something bad happens related to their substance use. And you think, especially when I say you, I mean like as in the family member or an outsider looking in, might think that They're going to wake up, they're going to see it like, oh my gosh, you got a DUI. Oh my gosh, this really bad thing happened. And it might seem obvious on the outside, but it's really easy to rationalize any one incident, even a really bad one.