In the United States, roughly 19.4 million American adults who are addicted to drugs or alcohol don’t believe they need help for it, despite information that proves alcohol and drugs can carry lethal or other negative consequences. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), around 96% of people who are actively addicted to alcohol or drugs are not seeking help, because they don’t believe they need treatment. The other 4% either felt they required treatment but were unable to find or receive proper treatment. There is an imminent fear of recovery for many, and professional addiction specialists are working to address this concern for individuals and families battling substance use disorders (SUD).
Unfortunately, it’s near impossible to overcome addiction without taking the necessary steps to address and heal from the effects of alcohol and drug dependency. AspenRidge Recovery is here to help support you from day one of your addiction recovery journey. If you need help with eliminating alcohol and drug use from your daily life, consider giving us a call 24/7 at (855) 281-5588.
Main Issues That Keep People From Seeking Drug Treatment
There are many reasons that a person may use to justify not finding or attending a treatment program. Addiction is a chronic disorder that impacts the body, as well as the mind. As drug dependency becomes more severe, a person may feel unable or unwilling to recover. It’s a sad reality for most families across the nation. Reasons for avoiding rehabilitation may include:
- Anxiety
- Apprehension
- Denial
- Distress
- Shame
- Fear of Recovery
Unfortunately, many Americans that are battling a SUD do require support and care to overcome their addictions. Taking the first step in seeking help is crucial. Keep reading to learn more about the reasons that may be keeping you or a loved one from finding proper addiction care.
Denial
Denial is a major reason many individuals feel that going to rehab isn’t necessary. It is the point at which we keep denying things we know to be true. Addiction creates a form of smoke and mirrors that can make a person oblivious to the extent of damage addiction has caused. In many cases, the use of drugs or alcohol becomes a coping mechanism.
Shame
Going to rehab may seem embarrassing in the eyes of struggling individuals. The feeling of shame for an existing addiction can be overwhelming. Shame can lead someone to think that they are not worthy of receiving treatment. If you need help with addiction, seeking help is a courageous first step. It takes a strong character to admit that you need help with addiction. Your past doesn’t need to define your future.
The Fear of Failure in Recovery
The fear of recovery is a real mental roadblock for some. When individuals think about the long-term effort and the setbacks that may occur, they may reject the idea of attending treatment whether inpatient or outpatient. It takes motivation and determination to get treatment for addiction. However, the long-term benefits of sobriety are well worth the fear that many may experience in the beginning. As you conquer your fears, you gain confidence in yourself. But why are there fears of going to rehab or, more specifically, fear of failure in recovery? A few are listed below:
Fear of Withdrawal
Withdrawal from drugs and alcohol is a painful process, with symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and more. It’s no wonder that quitting seems scary and even impossible. But in a detox center, you will receive constant support and medical care throughout the process.
You may also benefit from a SMART Recovery program, which stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. This 4-point program is designed to help people from all walks of life—not just those who identify as spiritual or religious—recover from abusive and addictive behaviors. The SMART programs encourage one-on-one informal conversations as a method of healing vs. 12-step-type group programs that may not work for everyone.
Whatever your individual treatment plan, you can rest assured that you won’t have to endure withdrawal alone.
Fear of Leaving Your Loved Ones
Going away to rehab means leaving your family and friends behind for a while. You may worry about how they will fare while you’re away, and how you’ll handle being without them. But going to rehab and getting clean will ultimately help you be a better spouse, parent, and friend. It’s an investment in yourself that will affect all your relationships. And in the meantime, you will discover that rehab is not a lonely place. You will be surrounded by a caring staff as well as other addicts who know exactly what you’re going through.
Fear of Financial Hardship
Even if you know you need to go to rehab, you may fear that you simply can’t afford it. But in reality, you can’t afford to seek treatment. The good news is that many rehab centers accept insurance from major providers such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, so your treatment may be covered. If you don’t have insurance, look for a rehab center that offers an affordable pricing structure and payment plans that fit your budget.
Fear of Failure
Sometimes we don’t want to try because we don’t want to fail. You may feel that you don’t have what it takes to make it through rehab. You may feel that you don’t have the strength or the willpower to stop using. But in rehab, you will quickly learn that you’re not alone in the struggle. The support of therapists as well as others in recovery will give you strength and courage as you walk the path toward healing together and help to overcome the fear of failure in recovery.
Don’t let fear hold you back from seeking treatment. A substance abuse treatment center can provide the support you need on your journey to recovery.
AspenRidge Recovery Treatments Programs
Take control of your fear of recovery. AspenRidge Recovery offers various treatment options tailored to individual clients. Our licensed therapists and certified staff members are knowledgeable and supportive. The methodologies deployed through our programs often involve various approaches that can alleviate strong, negative emotions. A list of our programs includes:
- Day Partial Hospitalization (Day Program)
- Day Intensive Outpatient Program (5-Day IOP)
- 5-Day IOP for Professionals and Working Adults
- Outpatient Program
- Alumni & Aftercare Program
Of course, we also treat a wide range of specific substances. AspenRidge Recovery offers online treatment programs that make it possible to receive recovery care while still maintaining a flexible schedule. AspenRidge Recovery methodologies prove to support clients through recovery and long-term care. We can address fear and healthy coping mechanisms to combat any doubt and uncertainty that either an individual or family may feel during these difficult times. It’s important to understand that achieving sobriety is possible.
We strive to remain transparent in our process and, during client intake, we provide a full assessment to address some of the concerns listed above. Contact us today at (855) 281-5588.
