According to the National Survey on Drug use, approximately, 21.5 million adults are battling a drug addiction ranging from the age 12 years old and older. Recent statistics have revealed that nearly ten percent of individuals battling a substance abuse will seek professional help. What does this mean? Unfortunately, millions of people fail to get the help they need resulting in death and irreversible damage to one’s life.
We know that drug use doesn’t just tear apart the lives of individuals who do it but it also causes much pain to close family members and loved ones. Due to the financial, emotional and health hardships that substance abuse can have, it leaves many to wonder why addicts don’t seek the help they so desperately need?
Why Don’t Drug Addicts Seek Professional Help?
There are several reasons why people addicted to substances don’t seek rehabilitation services. These reasons vary for each individual. Often, there are addicts who feel they may need treatment but they still fail to make the effort to do so. On the other hand, there are some who don’t feel they need any help at all. Either way, check out the most common reasons why people battling substance abuse don’t make an effort to get professional help:
Shame
For addicts, shame is a real yet complex emotional state that’s difficult to explain. Some drug abusers are flooded with this intense emotion that’s born out of inadequacy and incompetence. Yes, shame makes a person feel less than it causes one to feel a separation from others. When left unchecked it can further fuel drug use and eventually lead to destruction. A shame-based addict may constantly battle with thoughts such as:
I don’t deserve to be loved
I’m unworthy
I am a failure
Shame will make you lose touch with your true inner being and feel disconnected from the people around you. There’s also a stigma attached to addiction and addiction treatment. Addicts are viewed as a low life by a society which makes it difficult for them to come forward about their addiction in the first place. Some drug abusers avoid going to rehab because then people will really know about the “dirty secret” they’ve been trying to hide.
Denial
Denial is one of the biggest roadblocks to addiction recovery. An addict in denial will hide from reality and instead rationalizes their behavior. Many feel that they don’t have a problem and that if they really wanted they could stop destructive behavior on they’re own. In some cases, a substance abuser is aware of the fact that they are facing hardships due to they’re drug use but they don’t see the substance as the cause of the problem. Granted, there are deep-rooted issues that spur the use of illicit substances, an addiction further ad to the issue.
Typically, when an addict is in denial they don’t feel like they’re drug use is affecting anyone else and they want to be left alone. Addicts in denial who secretly know they have a problem simply hope that the problem will go away or resolve itself on its own. Yet, this is never the case.
Deep-Seated Fear
Addicts who have been abusing a substance for several years often develop a deep-seated fear of recovery. A life without drugs is unimaginable and the thought of embarking upon such a lifelong journey is difficult to come to terms with. Motivation and determination are imperative to true recovery. Without this mindset, recovery can be impossible because detox will be physically and emotionally uncomfortable.
Also, the fear of letting they’re loved ones down can also hold an addict back from seeking help. They know that the chances of a relapse are possible and further disappointing their family is something they don’t want to live in. That’s why constant support is necessary.
Lack of Health Coverage
Many drug addicts don’t have any health coverage and they fear that they won’t be able to afford the cost of a rehabilitation center. However, help is available even without medical insurance. Some individuals don’t know that both public and private heather insurer’s will pay for rehabilitation services.
Drug Treatment Center Los Angeles Based
Are you or someone you know battling a substance abuse issue? It’s important to know that change is possible. Our drug treatment center in Los Angeles is filled with expert clinicians who have helped hundreds of people beat they’re an addiction and regain their lives. We developed customized recovery plans for each individual. Let us help you.