Psychological defense mechanisms are no different. They do not go into action at our direction. We are unaware of their operation, and, until gaining an awareness of them through recovery, an addict can do nothing to stop them. It is therefore futile as well as nonsensical to tell alcoholics or other people with addictions to “stop denying,” “stop rationalizing,” or “stop projecting,” when they are not aware that they are doing so. They must first be helped to become aware of what they are doing.
