I think all addicts lie. I think lying is as much a part of the addiction as the actual substance is. You can't have an addict who does not lie to some degree. I saw it in my partner, and my best girlfriend. And she was one of the most loyal, morally sound, compassionate people I have ever met and she just turned into a "fibber." a little liar I guess.
Still hurtful, and disrespectful.
I really like Mai's quote of what other A's have said. I believe that too. They really don't get what their lying is doing, all of it. B/c when you get how harmful it truly is, it is hard to keep doing it to those you love. Something in their brain tells them it is justified. Some of the justifications I heard were crazy, and he believed them and stood up for it which was crazier.