If you’ve been watching a loved one spiral out of control, you may have already heard a few of these excuses for them not wanting to go to treatment for their addiction. If it is you giving excuses, they are only keeping you sick.
It is a disease of massive proportions, and it will do anything to protect itself from getting well. It sounds counterintuitive, but the purpose of this brain disease is to kill its host. Excuses to avoid treatment is one of many methods it uses to achieve its purpose.
Common Excuses
- ‘I can stop when I want to.’ – No matter how much a person may believe this, or how put-together their life may seem, chances are, they can’t stop. This is a prime example of denial. Also common in this situation, family members may be in denial by believing what the addict or alcoholic is saying. If a normal person’s life was negatively impacted by drugs or alcohol, they would stop drinking or using. For an addict or alcoholic, no matter what the consequences are, they can’t stop.
- ‘I’ll go tomorrow.’ – There will never be a better day to get sober than today. Addicts and alcoholics cannot fathom the thought of right now being the last drink or drug. No matter when their last use is, it won’t be good, it never is, and the last use could kill them. If they don’t go today, they’ll likely say, “tomorrow,” when it comes.
- ‘I have to take care of some things before I go.’ – Those “things” are code for wanting more time to drink or use.
- ‘I can’t leave my job/family/school.’ – If they even still have a job, they may not soon. Families want sober family members, and school should be put on hold until recovery. Treatment is only a blip of time, and all of these things will improve with sobriety.
- ‘I’ll go, but only if…’ – This is a classic addict/alcoholic phrase of manipulation. The best manipulators on the planet, this is just one more way they will attempt to get their way. Treatment isn’t a negotiation situation like a business deal. If one of their “only if’s” happens to be a pet, you’re in luck! The Lakehouse Recovery Center welcomes our client’s pets on their journey.
There will never be a better day to get sober, than the present. We understand your fear of treatment and recovery, and we can assure you that getting sober is a decision you will not regret. In fact you will wish you had done it sooner. Give us a call, we are available 24/7, toll-free at (877) 762-3707. Bring your pet and bring yourself…your life is about to improve in a big, big way.