Breaking Down the Barriers to Addiction Treatment

Every year, millions of Americans find themselves unable to get the help they need to beat addiction due to various barriers blocking them from receiving specialized drug and alcohol treatment. It is a sad truth that it is often the people who need help the most who are unable to easily access treatment which can be distressing to both the individual and those close to them.

Although the barriers to drug and alcohol rehab can be complex, an addict may also have a reluctance to take the first steps to sobriety because they may not be aware of what kind of support is available to them. It is estimated that a staggering 90% of Americans with addiction issues do not pursue any drug and alcohol treatment program, despite having plenty of options available to them.

Watching a loved one spiraling into addiction and feeling helpless is a major concern for many families but there is light at the end of the tunnel. In an attempt to break down perceived barriers to receiving addiction treatment, we take a closer look at what these obstacles are and how they can be overcome.

Admitting There Is a Problem

Many people with substance or alcohol addiction are the last to see they have a problem, let alone that they need professional drug and alcohol rehab. Opening up and talking to another person about addiction can be a terrifying prospect because it reveals vulnerability and fears of being judged negatively. By encouraging someone to face their problems, the largest hurdle in the way of seeking treatment can be removed. It is only when a person fully recognizes their addiction issues can they be receptive to a structured rehabilitation program.

A Fear of Negative Perception

Unfortunately, it is a fact of life that there is a degree of stigma attached to addiction. This is largely due to a misunderstanding that addiction is a lifestyle choice rather than the chronic disease it is. According to research, fear of stigma is behind 10% of addicts not pursuing treatment and yet it needn’t be a problem at all. Both public and private drug and alcohol treatment centers have a responsibility to protect the confidentiality of patients and their loved ones and place it as a top priority, allowing for discrete recovery in a completely non-judgmental environment.

Possible Negative Effects on Work or School

Although many addicts may want to seek drug and alcohol treatment, they can sometimes be unwilling to interfere with academic or professional responsibilities. Rehabilitation programs take on average a minimum of 30 days and can often extend beyond and this can concern some people who feel they might fall behind with their studies or impact their job security while in rehab.

In fact, most employers are willing to support anyone prepared to deal with their addiction issues and accept that it is a mental health issue. Similarly, academic studies don’t have to be abandoned completely during recovery as there is more understanding among professionals in education that addiction requires treatment sooner rather than later. Whether an addict is working or at school, the bottom line is that it is in everyone’s best interests to have healthy and productive students and employees and support will be offered.

Insurance and Personal Finances

A common obstacle people feel lies between them and addiction therapy is that it’s not covered on their insurance and they lack the funds to pay for private treatment. In many cases, families come together for the benefit of someone they love who is facing addiction issues on the basis that paying for treatment is a long term investment in their family’s future.

Not Knowing Where to Turn

Addiction is a desperately lonely illness and those caught in the cycle of dependency are often unable to understand what is happening to them. Feelings of depression, anxiety, and apathy are common with addiction and can lead to an addict finding reasons or excuses for not seeking treatment. There is a myriad of addiction treatment options available which doesn’t help in a situation where someone is uncertain of the best path for them to take. It is usually when someone is in this mindset that they can find valuable support from family and friends in helping them take the first step to finding the right treatment for their particular circumstances.

His House Rehab offers industry leading Addiction Treatment Programs. We were founded in 1994 and we base our Drug and Alcohol Treatment programs on five key principles: commitment, honesty, integrity, respect, and service. These five principles guide us in all that we do and all the care we provide. Contact us today to see how we can help you or your loved one.