Many people who need treatment for drug addiction don’t get it. While it may seem that someone who’s struggling with a serious disease should do everything possible to get help, substance abuse disorders often go untreated. Several factors can discourage or prevent an individual from getting the help they need. Our Asheville rehabilitation experts will look at some of them in this article.
Denial
Addiction often goes untreated because the addict is in denial about their condition. Even though it may be clear to everyone around them that drugs are at the core of their problems, the addict may be oblivious. They may know that they’re turning to drugs to cope with challenges, but they may not see how drugs are also causing further problems. Therefore, they may blame their partner or their boss for their drinking instead of admitting that their drinking is causing problems at home and work. A person who thinks this way is unlikely to seek help for addiction.
Fear
Recovering from addiction is a great thing but the process can be physically, emotionally, and psychologically challenging. It’s not simply a matter of going to rehab and then going back to “normal”. Staying drug-free requires a daily commitment and it means making major life changes. It also involves undergoing counseling and people often don’t want to bring up painful memories and feelings. If an individual has entered treatment before and then relapsed, they may be even more afraid of going through the process again. It’s not difficult to see how fear could prevent an addict from seeking treatment even when they know they need professional help.
Shame and Stigma
Many people who are addicted to drugs find it difficult to seek help because they feel a deep sense of shame. They may be so ashamed that they feel they’re not worthy of help or that they have no reason to improve their lives. In addition, addicts often worry about what their loved ones will say, given the stigma surrounding addiction and addiction treatment. Not only would getting help require them to admit that they have a problem, but they may worry about being shunned or criticized.
Cost
Some individuals are willing to admit they have a problem and seek help, but they are unable to afford it. In some cases, it’s because their addiction has resulted in huge financial challenges. In times past, many insurance companies didn’t cover addiction treatment and this put professional help out of the reach of many people. However, in some situations, Medicaid and Medicare can help addicts to get the detox, medications, or treatment they need. Individuals may also get coverage for ongoing treatment and mental healthcare. People without insurance may also be able to benefit from grants, sliding fee scales, or other types of support. If you or someone you know needs treatment for substance abuse, you should look into all the options before assuming it’s too expensive.
Time
Sometimes, it’s not shame, fear, or a lack of money that prevents a person from seeking treatment. Time can also be a barrier. Some addicts are high-functioning and they continue to live up to their responsibilities at home, at work, and in the community. Stopping to get treatment would mean taking time off from some of these activities. Some addicts also worry that they will lose their jobs if they have to take lots of time off.
Lack of Education
Some people have misconceptions about what addiction treatment entails. They may avoid it because they believe the only option is to enter an inpatient facility. While that type of treatment is necessary for some people, it’s not the only solution. According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, lack of awareness about drug-related complications is one of the main reasons people do not pursue treatment. Some addicts benefit from partial hospitalization or an outpatient program. It’s best to do your research and ask lots of questions about the available options.
Let Asheville Recovery Center Help You!
If you’re struggling with drug addiction, you need to know that there’s help available. And, it may not be as expensive, inconvenient, or time-consuming as you believe. While there are legitimate barriers to getting substance abuse treatment, personalized help is available at Asheville Recovery Center in North Carolina. Talk to us about your situation and we’ll help you come up with the appropriate treatment program. We’ll explain the services we offer and ensure that you have all the information you need to make the right choice for you. There’s no need to try to handle your addiction alone. Call us today.
