Why People With Addiction Lie — It’s Not What You Think | Doctor Explains

Описание: “Why do people with addiction lie so much?” It’s a blunt question — but one that’s searched constantly by partners, families, and loved ones who feel confused and hurt. In this conversation, we unpack the real psychological and neurological reasons why dishonesty often shows up in addiction — and why it’s rarely about manipulation.

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While it can look like intentional deception, lying in addiction often begins much earlier — with not feeling safe, not feeling understood, and not even being able to see the truth clearly for oneself. As substance use progresses, the brain fills in gaps through a process called confabulation, where stories are unconsciously created to make sense of missing memory, denial, or emotional pain. Over time, people may genuinely believe these explanations, even when they conflict with reality.

This video explains how addiction widens the gap between a person’s values and their behavior, leading to shame, fear, and further disconnection. As that gap grows, a “facade” can form — not just for others, but internally. The result is behavior that looks like lying, but is often rooted in confusion, self-protection, and brain changes caused by addiction.

We also explore why loved ones intuitively sense when something isn’t right, why authenticity collapses under addiction, and how compassion — not confrontation — creates the conditions for honesty and recovery.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the lying will stop, whether it’s personal, or whether the “real person” is still there — this episode offers clarity and hope. Subscribe for more expert-led addiction and mental health conversations, share this with someone seeking understanding, and join the movement to replace judgment with insight.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – “Why do people with addiction lie?”
00:15 – Feeling unsafe and misunderstood
00:35 – Is it about getting away with using?
00:55 – When people can’t see the truth themselves
01:15 – What confabulation means in addiction
01:45 – How the brain fills in the blanks
02:05 – Losing connection to values and identity
02:30 – The facade vs authenticity
02:55 – Why lies eventually collapse

❓ Questions the Video Answers:
Why do people with addiction lie so much?
Is lying in addiction intentional or unconscious?
Do people with addiction lie to keep using?
What is confabulation in addiction?
Can someone believe their own lies?
How does addiction affect self-awareness?
Why don’t people with addiction tell the truth even when confronted?
Is lying a symptom of addiction?
How does shame contribute to dishonesty?
Why do loved ones sense something isn’t right?
What happens to identity during addiction?
Does honesty return in recovery?
How should families respond to lying in addiction?

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