Tom Conrad: Addiction Recovery Podcaster
Tom Conrad: Addiction Recovery Podcaster
595: The Real Reason Your Loved One Keeps Making Excuses (And What To Do)
595: The Real Reason Your Loved One Keeps Making Excuses (And What To Do)
595: The Real Reason Your Loved One Keeps Making Excuses (And What To Do)
Thursday 26th February 2026
Tom Conrad explores why loved ones make excuses about addiction and offers practical advice for family members in this engaging episode.
49 minutes
Informative
Honest
Compassionate
Engaging
Inspiring
About this podcast
Author:
Tom Conrad: Addiction Recovery Podcaster
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Creative Recovery Journeys
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Recovery from Trauma
Links:
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Episodes:
511 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Why Excuses Persist: Understanding Addiction's Hold
Episode Overview
- Recognise common objections as part of the denial system.
- Understand the neurobiological basis of addiction.
- Set firm boundaries without enabling destructive behaviour.
- Seek external support to manage guilt and fear.
- Acknowledge the power of self-deception in addiction.
"If somebody gave me a no consequence card today... I'm in. Like a normie."
What drives someone to make excuses for not seeking help with addiction? In this engaging episode, Tom Conrad and Maya, a licensed clinician, dissect the common objections family members hear from their loved ones struggling with addiction. They explore the neurobiology of addiction and why those in the throes of it genuinely believe their excuses.
Maya offers a unique perspective as both a clinician and someone in recovery, highlighting the brain's need for control and how this manifests in denial and justification. Tom and Maya discuss the importance of recognising these excuses for what they are and provide practical advice for family members on how to handle them. They emphasise the significance of setting boundaries and not enabling destructive behaviours, even when it's emotionally challenging.
The episode also touches on the importance of seeking external support, such as therapy or support groups, to process the guilt and fear that can come with making tough decisions. With humour and honesty, Tom shares personal anecdotes about his own journey and the realisations that came with it. He candidly talks about the power of denial and self-deception, making it clear that understanding these dynamics is crucial for both the person struggling with addiction and their loved ones.
By the end of the episode, listeners are left with a deeper understanding of addiction's complexities and some actionable steps to support their loved ones effectively. Is it time to reconsider how you approach conversations about addiction with your loved ones?