In: Psychology
Self-justification is finding excuses for oneself for the act that is justifying the act by giving reasons of committing it to self.
Rationalization is the next step involved in self-justification , that is providing reasons for the act committed and rationalizing what was done had reasons for it.
Self-justification and rationalization leads to self-betrayal that is deceiving oneself to accept the reality as it is. It allows the individuals to deny to take up the responsibility for one's action and they provide many excuses for their actions.
The individuals with addictive think use these to protect themselves from taking responsibility of their addictive behavior. It makes them to blame situations and stresses of life for their addictive behavior or have the claim that they're fine and they know what's best for them. It also help them to claim that they know their limit. It hinders the individuals from accepting the truth about themselves and get help for their addictive behavior.