According to defense mechanisms, which term describes a client’s statement that their substance use rarely interferes with work?

Denial is a defense mechanism where an individual refuses to accept reality or facts, thereby protecting themselves from feelings of anxiety or guilt. In the context of substance use, when a client claims that their substance use rarely interferes with work, they are minimizing the impact of their behavior. This can indicate an inability or unwillingness to acknowledge the consequences of their addiction.

Denial serves as a psychological buffer that can prevent individuals from confronting the seriousness of their situation, making it easier to continue engaging in unhealthy behaviors without facing the underlying issues. In addiction contexts, recognizing denial is critical for facilitating awareness and prompting change.

Other terms in the provided options have different implications; for instance, projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else, while displacement refers to redirecting emotions from the original source to a safer target. Reaction formation involves behaving in a way that is opposite to what one truly feels. These concepts do not align with the act of minimizing the effects of substance use as denial does.