Using "cheating" and "substance abuse" as a deflection from core problems and issues can be a coping mechanism and a way to avoid facing uncomfortable or painful emotions or situations. Here are some reasons why individuals might resort to these deflections:
Avoidance of Responsibility: By blaming cheating or substance abuse, individuals can shift the focus away from their own actions or decisions and avoid taking responsibility for their behavior or the consequences of their actions.
Denial: Facing core problems and issues can be difficult and emotionally challenging. Using deflections allows individuals to deny or minimize the significance of the underlying issues, which can temporarily reduce feelings of guilt or shame.
Evasion of Accountability: Rather than acknowledging their own flaws or mistakes, individuals might attribute problems to external factors like cheating partners or substance abuse, thereby avoiding accountability for their actions.
Externalizing Problems: Deflecting attention towards cheating or substance abuse can externalize the source of their problems, making it easier for individuals to believe that external factors are the primary cause of their distress.
Self-Protection: People may use deflections to protect their self-image and self-esteem. By attributing problems to cheating or substance abuse, they can maintain a more positive self-concept, even if it involves blaming others or external factors.
Fear of Confrontation: Addressing core problems and issues often involves difficult conversations and potential conflict with others. Using deflections allows individuals to avoid these confrontations and the discomfort associated with them.
Lack of Awareness or Insight: Some individuals may not be fully aware of the underlying issues contributing to their problems, so they latch onto more apparent problems like cheating or substance abuse instead.
Learned Behavior: If individuals have seen others successfully use deflection as a strategy to avoid accountability, they may adopt the same behavior as a coping mechanism.
It's important to recognize that using deflections to avoid core problems and issues is not a healthy or productive long-term strategy. It can hinder personal growth and prevent individuals from addressing the root causes of their challenges. Encouraging open communication, self-reflection, and seeking professional help can be more effective ways to address and overcome underlying problems and develop healthier coping mechanisms.