Even when a person knows that they need addiction treatment, there are many obstacles that can stand in their way and prevent them from getting the help they need for months or even years. This article will address those obstacles as well as explore how to overcome them.
Common Obstacles That Stand in the Way of Getting Treatment for Addiction
Denial: A person who recognizes that they need treatment might not feel this way every day. Denial might creep in from time to time make a person feel like their drinking isn’t all that bad or avoid the truth about their damaging illness when they are faced with it.
Disbelief in Oneself: A person might realize that they need treatment but not believe in their ability to stop using even with the help of treatment.
Low Self-Esteem: Someone might realize that they need help with their addiction but they may not believe that they deserve a life of sobriety and happiness.
Fear: This can be a significant obstacle. Many people fear change, failure, success, and the unknown.
Stigma: Each day there are thousands of men and women who won’t get drug treatment because of the stigma it bears. They are afraid of the judgments of their friends, family, and even strangers about their drinking and alcoholism.
Previous Failures at Treatment: A person might have already tried treatment and failed. Because of this, they might feel that trying again is doomed to fail. However, it’s important for a person to know that relapse is incredibly common in the first 3 years of recovery. Failure at treatment once doesn’t mean failure at addiction treatment for a lifetime.
Dependence: You might realize that you are emotionally, physically, and psychologically dependent on alcohol or drugs. For instance, perhaps you recognize that you drink because it brings a sense of emotional ease, despite the hangovers and the effects on your marriage. The idea of letting go of your addiction might bring feelings of anxiety or stress.
Family Role: The role a person plays in their family can also impact whether they get addiction treatment or not. For instance, if you are seen by your family as being a provider, protector, or loving parent, then admitting your addiction might jeopardize your relationships with them.
Regardless of the obstacles, anyone who is struggling with an addiction can begin by talking to someone they trust. This doesn’t have to be a professional right away. Just by talking to a friend or loved one about your concern can immediately dispel the worries you have. No matter what situation you’re in, talking to someone you trust can be the first step in overcoming the obstacle you face.
Once you’re ready, you can move on to talking to a mental health professional. But at first, begin with someone you know so that you can tame your fears or anxieties. Take it one step at a time. Sooner or later you will realize that you’re on the other side of those obstacles and you’re getting the addiction treatment you need.
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