70% to 80% of people suffering from chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes will receive medical care. In sharp contrast, only one in 10 people battling addiction will actually get the treatment they need.
For a person struggling with addiction, the decision to seek treatment is a brave one, full of both hope and fear. But even getting to that point of decision is a huge achievement, because there are so many things stopping this population from getting the help they need.
Why do people shy away from getting professional help for addiction – even when they really, really need it?
Together, let’s explore the biggest reasons why people balk at the idea of going to drug and alcohol rehab.
1. I’m Scared of Being Sick.
Without a question, the #1 scare-off for those considering treatment is the thought of detox and withdrawal. The paralyzing fear of being sick, the dread of the nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety that comes with withdrawal– all form a huge barrier to treatment. Small wonder; as human beings, our most deeply ingrained instinct is to flee from pain and seek pleasure.
But it’s so important to understand that detox is a vital first step towards healing, and a new life of health and wellness. Once you get past that first week, you’ll be feeling better than you have in months. Also, if you attend a licensed rehab center, your detox will be supervised by a team of medical professionals who will make sure you’re as comfortable as possible the entire time.
2. I’m Too Young to Give It Up.
In the minds of so many people, the thought of never drinking or using again is overwhelming enough to send them skittering miles away. A sense of youthful abandon and “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you die” can often lead people struggling with addiction to feel that they’re too young to commit to a substance-free life. The thought of an entire life of Christmases, New Year’s, weddings, birthdays, holidays, and special events without a single martini or toke – can be quite overwhelming.
Instead, let’s try to reframe our perspective. Going to drug and alcohol rehab is not about forsaking all fun and good times forever – far from it. It’s about starting a new life of fulfillment, growth, and real and lasting joy. It’s not an end; it’s an exciting new beginning!
3. I’m Not Worthy Of Being Happy.
A third point that snags people on the road to recovery may be old and deep-seated feelings of unworthiness. People struggling with addiction so often walk around carrying heavy loads of shame and guilt, feeling that they don’t deserve the joy and freedom of a life in recovery.
But nothing is further from the truth – every human being is worthy of a second chance in life, and deserves to experience the beauty of life free from addiction. Reminding ourselves that we are worthy is the first step to getting help and turning over a new leaf.
4. What’s Life Worth, Anyway?
In some cases, addiction becomes a slow and horrible method of self-destruction. This attempt to commit slow suicide might stem from either a warped self-perception or heavy underlying pain. The feeling that life is not worth all that much, anyways, might lead people to think that getting healthy is simply not worth the effort. But all of these mindsets are toxic and scary ones, because a person who no longer feels value for their life will make no effort to preserve it.
For people battling addiction and the mental illnesses that so often come with it, compassion and respect are critical. We need to instill within them a sense of motivation and optimism, because every single person has real value, and deserves to live a healthy, happy life.
5. I don’t Know of Life Without Using…
People deep in the maze of addiction often simply can’t imagine what a life in recovery is like. Their substances of choice become dear friends and important crutches, offering a familiar, comforting hideaway from life. For them, the thought of navigating life without drugs and alcohol – facing the howling unknown, all alone - is a frightening one. Being able to reimagine life as a sober person requires real support, and an ability to see past the haze of addiction to the beauty and benefits of recovery.
6. I’m Embarrassed.
Sadly enough, the stigma around addiction has stopped many people from getting the help they so need. Even though so much has been done to educate the public and raise awareness, many people still see substance abuse disorder as a moral failing rather than the clinical disease it is. Nobody wants to be labeled as a flawed, weak-willed, or immoral person! It’s easy to understand how the shame and judgment associated with rehab has stopped plenty of people from taking the plunge. Often, it just leads them to deny that they have a problem in order to avoid having to deal with it.
7. It’s So Expensive!
It’s true – depending on the type and length of the treatment program you choose, drug and alcohol rehab can cost an arm and a leg. Especially for people who simply don’t have the money, the price of rehab can be the deciding factor as to whether or not they’ll get help. When there’s barely enough money to cover basic living expenses, rehab comes at the bottom of the list of priorities.
But it’s important to know that there are many rehab programs, such as Avenues Recovery Center, that work with both government and commercial insurances to fully cover the cost of treatment. If you are struggling with addiction and are holding off on getting help because of the cost, reach out to Avenues Recovery Center to learn more about our insurance and private pay options. We work with each client to make rehab affordable, because we believe that every single person deserves a second chance at life.
8. I Have a Family/ Job/ School.
Personal considerations are another major factor that stop people from going to rehab. Things like work, school, and family are all very valid reasons that might hold someone back from getting treatment. But each of these issues can be dealt with effectively if you reach out for help.
The Americans with Disabilities Act provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for an employee who is attending a drug and alcohol rehab program. Students are protected under the Disability Act as well. As for family, many times the greatest gift you can give your loved ones is the gift of a healthy and happy you. Family members or friends who really care for you will likely be more than glad to help you out with any childcare arrangements you need in order to make your rehab stay possible.
Many rehab centers also employ full-time case managers who help clients with any individual issues that prevent them from participating in treatment. They will very often be able to help you resolve personal circumstances that are standing in your way.
These reasons are just a few of the hundreds out there - it’s obvious that there are so many justifications for why people don’t go to drug and alcohol rehab even when they need it most. But awareness is the first step – once we understand the reasons and fears that are holding them back, we can work on addressing and resolving them one by one. With compassion, understanding, and patience, we can help those who are suffering from addiction get the help they need to heal, change, and start living their very best lives.