Publication: SELF-DECEPTION IN SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER: A BARRIER TO RECOVERY
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Date
2026-04-16
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Type
Poster
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is characterized by the continued use of substances despite significant cognitive, behavioral, and physiological consequences. One factor that may interfere with recovery from SUD is self-deception, which involves unconscious biases in information processing that favor comforting or desirable beliefs over unpleasant or threatening information. In addiction research, self-deception is often closely related to the concept of denial, and both may prevent individuals from fully recognizing the negative consequences of their substance use. The purpose of this literature review was to examine whether self-deception negatively affects recovery outcomes, particularly abstinence duration, among individuals with SUD. I collected articles through the APA PsycINFO database using search terms related to SUD. Scholarly research articles published between 1986 and 2025 were analyzed. The studies included adult participants diagnosed with SUD who were involved in residential or outpatient treatment programs. Across the studies, researchers used qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches, with many relying on self-report measures to gather data. The findings suggest that higher levels of self-deception are associated with shorter durations of abstinence and lower engagement in treatment-related activities. Research also indicates that participation in recovery programs, particularly 12-step meetings, may be linked to lower levels of self-deception and greater honesty about substance use behaviors. However, reliance on self-report data may introduce response bias. Overall, the literature suggests that self-deception can act as a significant barrier to recovery by limiting self-awareness and accountability in individuals with SUD.
Keywords: substance use disorder, self-deception, denial, addiction recovery, abstinence, locus of control