Roadblocks in Receiving Addiction Treatment

Hocking Hills Ohio

According to The Partnership at Drug Free America, twenty-three million Americans are currently addicted to alcohol and/or other drugs.  Only one in 10 of them (about 2.6 million) receives the treatment they need [1].  This results in a treatment gap of more than 20 million Americans, who are not receiving appropriate help and care for their addiction.  What are some of the obstacles individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol may face while seeking help and treatment?  Many factors may prevent a man or woman from getting the help they need for a severe addiction, and as a loved one of an addict, it may be difficult to understand why the necessary steps for recovery may not be taken.  No matter the length of time someone may be suffering with an addiction, asking for help and seeking appropriate drug addiction treatment will always be challenging aspects of the recovery process.

Having awareness of some of the roadblocks an addict might face in their recovery process can help one better prepare for overcoming barriers on their journey to a life of freedom from addiction.  The following are some of the major obstacles individuals may face in getting the needed treatment for overcoming addiction:

  • Fear:  Many addicts become dependent on their addiction as a means of coping through overwhelming circumstances.  Letting go of the addiction lifestyle can be a scary notion for many who have become accustomed to it.  Other fears involved with seeking treatment include fear of judgment when asking for help, fear of change, or fear of hurting loved ones.  Understanding the fears you may be concerned about can be helpful in overcoming this challenge.
  • Affordability:  The cost of treatment and/or lack of health insurance coverage can prevent many individuals from seeking the help they need.  However, there are several affordable drug and alcohol addiction treatment choices available today, and taking the time to research different options is always worthwhile.  While the cost of treatment can be daunting, remember that your life and health are priorities.  Getting appropriate care is worthwhile, and there are many options to make that a possibility.
  • Denial:  In can be difficult to come to terms with the severity of addiction, and some users may not feel that their lifestyle is problematic.  Having the perspective of outsiders – friends and family – can be helpful in understanding the necessity for treatment.  The first step towards recovery and treatment is being able to admit to an addiction problem.
  • Interruptions:  Many people who struggle with addiction may avoid treatment due to the responsibilities in their lives, such as family obligations and jobs.  However, attempting to fulfill responsibilities while addicted to drugs or alcohol is futile.  Making treatment a priority will allow you to truly thrive in your life and commit wholeheartedly to your family, loved ones, career, and other responsibilities you may have.

While many factors may interfere with a person’s ability to receive help and treatment, recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction can still be a reality.  Understanding these potential obstacles can help identify ways to overcome setbacks in the recovery process.

References:

[1]:  The Partnership at Drug Free America: www.drugfree.org

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