Addiction is often a tough battle to face, which is why it’s so important for people to have access to support and systems that can assist them on the road to recovery. In a system where many people are unfairly punished for their addictions, it’s important to look at addition struggles as a health and wellness condition, not a criminal offense, which is where rehab comes in.
Even among those who have the opportunity to address their additions in a health-centered setting, there are still people who resent the idea of rehab or don’t go even though they could benefit from it greatly. Whether they want to go themselves, or they’re surrounded by encouraging loved ones pushing them towards it, there are a few common barriers that prevent people from going to rehab.
1. They Don’t Think They Have a Problem
Many people who struggle with addiction don’t think they have a problem at all, which can prevent them from seeking treatment. Many people who rely on drugs and alcohol think that their use is normal or common, even if their substance of choice is harming them. This is especially common for people who rely on alcohol or other substances that can sometimes be okay in moderation. Addicts sometimes don’t see that their addiction is different from regular recreational use.
Addicts also often deny that they have a problem by saying that they can quit whenever they want. However, this usually proves to be harder than meets the eye. When they try to quit on their own, they often go back to their addiction, thus the need for rehab. Recognizing problems is the first step in finding a solution. Then, healing can truly start.
2. They’re Ashamed of Their Addiction
Among the people who are aware of their issues, there are people who feel ashamed of their addiction. Going to rehab involves admitting the problems and struggles that are often personal to someone, which can be difficult to do. Sometimes, people would prefer to deal with their issues alone, not because they think it’s easy, but because they don’t want anyone to know that they’re struggling.
While it isn’t fair or justified, there’s a stigma around struggling with addiction that many people are afraid of. People are afraid of backlash or seeming like a bad person because of their addiction, even though addiction doesn’t make someone bad and there is nothing to be ashamed of.
3. They Can’t Afford It
Unfortunately, rehab can be an investment. Depending upon the insurance that each person has, rehab may not be as accessible. It’s also an investment of time, as some people can’t afford to take time away from their job to prioritize their health, even for something like recovery. While rehab can be difficult to finance, it’s often well worth it in terms of quality of life.
There are insurance systems, loans, and other methods of paying for rehab, and it can be beneficial to explore any and all options available before deciding that rehab truly isn’t on the table.
4. They’d Rather Continue Their Behavior
Different from not recognizing that they have a problem, some addicts aren’t interested in changing their behavior and would rather continue in their addiction than seek help. This can be a result of hopelessness or being so lost in their addiction that they deem drugs or alcohol as the most important thing in their life. Maybe they’re making money through drugs or their social life is centered around their addiction. Those can be difficult patterns to break.
It can be difficult to realize, but leading a horse to water won’t make it drink — someone needs to want to change before any healing can begin. Some people enjoy their life the way it is or they think they’re too far gone. While this mentality is often tied into the addiction itself, it’s often one of the first things in need of addressing when looking to make real changes.
5. They’re Afraid of Change
This barrier can come in a conscious way or an unconscious way, as so many of the lies people tell themselves surrounding their addiction are often rooted in fears and insecurities. Going to rehab can seem like an overwhelming process that uproots your life as you know it, and this can be a scary thing. Many people who could benefit from rehab have lived with their addiction for so long that they’re unable to picture what change might look like.
It can be difficult to picture life after rehab, and some people think they’re not capable of making positive changes. But everyone can make the positive shifts they need to live a healthier life, especially with the support of professionals and loved ones who want to see them succeed.
Embrace Positive Changes
Saying yes to rehab can sometimes feel scary and foreign, like all big life changes and improvements, but it can bring so much good. While it’ll no doubt be hard work, it’ll surely be worth it.
