Phoenix Friday: Hide and Go Seek?

Defense mechanisms are a form of self-deception and we ALL got 'em! They're behaviors we use to separate ourselves from events, actions or thoughts we'd rather not experience. It allows us to distance ourselves from threats or unwanted feelings, such as guilt or shame. These defenses are often at the forefront in addiction as they allow for further substance use without addressing the foundational issues that are driving addictive behaviors.

The motive is actually founded in psychoanalytic theory, a psychological perspective that views our personality as an interaction between three components: id, ego, and super ego. The theory has evolved ongoing and suggests that defense mechanisms are not under a our conscious control. However, defense mechanisms are a normal part of psychological development and knowledge of their influence can be beneficial when communicating with others.

10 Most Common Defense Mechanisms

MANY different defense mechanisms have been identified with some being more commonly used than others. Below are a few common defense mechanisms:

1. Denial

Denial is one of the most common defense mechanisms. It is based in a refusal to accept reality or fact. We block external events or circumstances from our mind so that we avoid absorbing any emotional impact that would lead to undesired painful feelings. It has often been said “they’re in denial” with substance use, which is reflective of how obvious it is to others that another is blatantly avoiding reality related to the increased dysfunction caused by addictive behaviors.

2. Repression

Unwanted thoughts, painful memories, or irrational beliefs can be upsetting and, instead of processing them in real-time, we choose to "stuff" them deep inside in an attempt to forget the experiences entirely. However, , memories don't just disappear and often influence our behavior, relationships, etc. complicating the already existing conflict. It is during these times that substance use may increase in an effort to numb.

3. Projection

Some thoughts or feelings we have about ourselves can naturally be uncomfortable. When we attribute those thoughts and feelings to another person, we are projecting. For example, the anxiety and tension we feel around others is often a reflection of how we feel about ourselves. Our insecurity or low self-esteem is often linked to others we are with at the moment rather than rooted in ourselves. This is common with individuals that experience social anxiety. Again, substance use often increases during these episodes as addiction leads many to believe that the substance is effectively alleviating the anxiety.

4. Displacement

This is an effort to direct intense emotions toward another person or object that isn't a threat. It allows us to satisfy our impulse to react without risking consequence. For example, yelling at your partner for trivial reasons after a stressful day at work would be a displacement of emotion. Your partner in no way created your stressful day but served as a target, rather than your boss, for emotional release.

5. Regression

When we feel threatened or anxious we may unconsciously “escape” to an earlier stage of development and is most obvious with younger children that have experienced trauma or loss. This may be evident in bed wetting or thumb sucking behaviors. As adults, we may return to sleeping with a favorite stuffed animal, overeating comfort foods, biting finger nails, or substance use. In extreme, we may also avoid daily activities entirely due to be so overwhelmed.

6. Rationalization

We are rationalizing when we attempt to explain unacceptable behaviors with our own set of "facts". This allows us to become comfortable with decisions we've made, even if we know we were wrong. For example, a substance user will justify addictive behaviors by pointing out the benefits of their use, such as managing their anxiety.

7. Sublimation

Sublimation is actually considered a positive strategy because intense emotions are redirected at an object or activity that is productive and safe, such as physical exercise. Although initially supportive in recovery, it can create an alternate addiction that distracts from responsibilities and becomes similarly unhealthy.

8. Reaction Formation

This defense mechanism is evident when we recognize how we feel, but choose to behave in an opposite manner that is instinctual. For example, we may believe it is inappropriate to express negative emotion, such as anger or frustration, and choose to react in an overly positive manner. The "life of the party" often displays reaction formation with extreme sarcasm.

9. Compartmentalization

Separating life into individual segments is considered to be effective at protecting aspects from being exposed. For example, when we choose not to discuss personal issues at work, we "block off" that aspect of our life. This allows us to disconnect and interact without experiencing related anxiety while at work. Many substance users compartmentalize addictive behaviors to avoid confrontation from others and are often described as chameleon-like.

10. Intellectualization

When we are faced with a challenging situation, we may opt to remove all emotion from our response and focus strictly on the facts as we have translated them. For example, substance users will reference a recent report of a healthy physical from their doctor to discount concerns about addictive behavior.

Treatment for unhealthy defense mechanisms

Although often unconscious, defense mechanisms can be modified to change behaviors into sustainable alternatives. Below are suggestions to better manage these influences:

• Accountability: We NEED reliable friends and family to help us better recognize our default defenses. Magnifying our self-deception will help us recognize moments we are making unhealthy decisions. This will inevitably allow us to consciously determine in real-time what is truly healthiest for us.
• Coping Skills: Counseling support from a qualified mental health professional will also assist with identifying unhealthy patterns of behavior. Discussion can then take place to consider effective responses that are more mindful and productive. Ultimately, addiction can birth many defense mechanisms which contribute to new patterns of behavior that must be addressed to successfully sustain in recovery..."Just causes you got the monkey off your back doesn't mean the circus has left town" - George Carlin

Credit: Information derived from article posted at https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/defense-mechanisms#prognosis