It's tough for most people to believe they have a serious substance abuse problem. It's even harder for them to admit it. After all, nobody likes to admit a weakness. People who have a serious problem with drinking or other drugs might believe they're not using that much and they won't get addicted. They deny the problem to themselves — and to everybody they know, and that becomes almost as big a problem as the drinking or drug use itself. Becoming dependent on alcohol or other drugs makes you want to cut off the people who care about you, and you can end up feeling lonely and afraid — and turning to more alcohol or drugs to make yourself feel better. But, the reality is this: Getting better doesn't work that way. People have to admit that alcohol and/or drugs are messing up their lives.