'Mental Health – Addiction Practice Test 2025: Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!'

Denial is considered the most commonly used defense mechanism among clients with substance use problems because it involves refusing to accept the reality of a situation or the existence of a problem. Individuals struggling with addiction often believe that their substance use is under control or that it does not significantly impact their lives or the lives of those around them. This mechanism serves as an emotional shield, allowing individuals to avoid confronting the issues related to their addiction, such as the negative consequences on their health, relationships, and responsibilities.

Denial can manifest in various ways, such as minimizing the effects of substance use, rationalizing behavior (e.g., claiming one can quit anytime), or projecting the blame onto external factors. This makes it a significant barrier not only to acknowledgment of the problem but also to seeking help, thus complicating recovery efforts.

While other defense mechanisms like repression (blocking out painful thoughts), regression (returning to earlier developmental behaviors), and suppression (consciously pushing thoughts away) may be used, denial is particularly pervasive and deeply embedded in the mindset of many individuals coping with addiction, making it a critical focus in therapeutic contexts.