Alcoholism has been called a 'disease of denial' for decade, which is why education about denial is essential in addiction treatment programs. It's the #1 roadblock to self-diagnosis for those whose drinking is contributing to life problems. A common description of denial is found in the statement, "I don't have a problem with alcohol, because I can take it or leave it. I can quit drinking at any time."Of course, any who drinks can do these things. It's "staying stopped" -- which is what's required to arrest the illness--that's the challenge. The following are also associated with denial. Do you recognize them in yourself or someone you know? 1) Knowing certain symptoms of alcoholism one does not have, and relying upon these to convince oneself and others that a drinking problem does not exist. 2) Creating rules to manage risk associated with a history of overdrinking (e.g., never drinking before 5 p.m.). 3) Relying upon or maintaining a definition of alcoholism that excludes oneself, but changing this defination over time so it continues to fit one's drinking pattern. (e.g., "I may drink in the morning, but it's never affected my job.") Discover more about the progression of alcoholism and discover a path to wellness that works for you or someone you know by visiting with a professional counselor, EAP, or other knowledgeable expert.