4 Reasons Addicts Avoid Rehab

Recovery from substance abuse and addiction is within reach if only the people who need help will accept it. Quitting is only the first step. Recovery is the healing and improving part of the journey. Unfortunately, many people suffering from an addiction either are not sure where to turn or do not realize how much hope there is in a caring, professional drug and alcohol rehab environment.

Here are 4 reasons why many addicts do not reach out and some compelling reasons to change the way you think about rehab and recovery.

#1: Drug and Alcohol Rehabs is Too Expensive

Reality: It is probably more affordable than you think.

While it is true that rehab can be expensive, the same is true of any medical care. At one time, many insurance providers either did not cover treatment or only offered minimal coverage. That changed with the Affordable Care Act.

DrugRehab.com says the system “isn’t perfect,” and that some insurance companies only pay for 30 days when 90 days is more beneficial. However, treatment centers offer a variety of ways to manage the cost, including working with insurance companies, organizing care to fit within insurance parameters, and in some cases, payment plans or other assistance.

#2: “I Do Not Have a Drug or Alcohol Problem”

Reality: Denial is a common coping mechanism for people with a substance abuse problem. 

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, chances are it is a duck. The same is true for an addict. When friends, co-workers, or family members think there is a problem and the response is “I don’t have one,” denial is probably a factor. In teenagers, communication might shut down altogether.

Denial is a normal and sometimes beneficial way to cope with certain stressors. However, it is not healthy if it causes an addict to refuse care and treatment. Denial gives addicts a sense of control while living in an out-of-control situation. Recovery, however, is more empowering than denial. It is healthier, too.

#3: Rehab Sounds Like a Scary Place

Reality: Many drug and alcohol rehab centers provide a caring, compassionate environment that supports recovery.

Rehab does not have to be scary, even though so many addicts say they are afraid. It is logical to fear the unknown, especially when hype so often surpasses what is real. Substance abuse might feel like the comfort zone or a safe place to retreat, but it is a hazy and poor substitute for clear and optimistic recovery.

Recovery clears away the haze and lets in fresh air. It teaches skills and helps addicts become stronger every day. Most importantly, rehab offers the hope for a positive future that simply does not exist in addiction.

#4: There are Too Many Time Conflicts

Reality: Rehab offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient treatments. 

DrugRehab.com says time conflicts are certainly real, but there are ways to work around them. More importantly, recovery is an investment in the future. Avoidance might keep life exactly how is it right now, but that is part of the problem; life with an addiction does not hold much promise.

There are numerous inpatient and outpatient treatment programs and each one is customizable to your individual needs. Time is precious. Learning how to live without drugs or alcohol is one of the best investments of time that you can make.

There may be 101 reasons to avoid rehab, but the reasons to go matter more than anything else. Avoidance offers nothing to look forward to in the future. Treatment is an investment in life.

If you or someone you care about are suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction, there is caring, professional help standing by. Contact us today to learn more about admissions and take your first step toward the freedom addiction recovery offers.