More people are unwilling than willing to admit themselves to a rehab facility, despite the fact that their addiction has spiralled out of control and they are in serious need of professional help. The good news is that addiction treatment resistance has little bearing on whether rehab is ultimately successful or not.
Addiction is a complex problem and seeking help can be a difficult decision. There are several reasons for addiction treatment resistance including denial, fear, stigma and a lack of support. We will explore these reasons in depth as well as tell you how you can overcome them to help get your loved one the professional help they need.
4 Reasons For Addiction Treatment Resistance
Denial
Denial is without a doubt the number one reason people are reluctant to go to addiction treatment.
Essentially, denial is an unconscious defence mechanism that protects us from a reality that is too painful to acknowledge. In this context, the reality that they are denying is their addiction, or the severity of their addiction, and its consequences.
Denial is a complex phenomenon and works in many different ways to keep a person from asking for help.
It is compounded by the power of addiction and the hold it has over the brain which can make it difficult for people to recognise the severity of their problem and convince themselves that they are in control and don’t need help.
As a result, they may minimise the impact of their substance use or blame their problems on external factors. This denial can prevent them from seeking help, even when faced with serious consequences such as health problems, financial difficulties, or relationship issues.
Denial can also prevent individuals from accepting the reality of their addiction and the changes that treatment would bring. They may fear the unknown, resist change, or believe that they can quit on their own, despite having failed numerous times.
A friend of mine was at his lowest point and after going through Changes, his life has turned around completely. Thank you, Changes, for all the help you provided him during his recovery.
On the 7th February 2007, I found a place that cared as much for me and my recovery as I possibly do today. I met with Sheryl and completely removed all the masks I had worn for years.
My son was on the brink of destruction, but Changes stepped in. Their comprehensive approach and dedicated staff transformed him into a person I never thought I'd see again. Thank you for giving me my son back.
In the dark days leading up to finding Changes, I never knew the journey I was about to embark on. I had no idea what rehabilitation really meant and always had a stigma about addiction.
I was fortunate to be a patient at Changes for 90 days. I did treatment at the primary and secondary facility and it really changed my life! I am forever grateful for the help I received.
Fear of change
Many people with addiction are comfortable with their current routine, even though it may be harmful and painful. They fear change, especially the unknown, and may feel overwhelmed by the idea of seeking help and going to rehab.
Fear of change is a common reason why people with addiction may avoid seeking treatment. Addiction can provide a sense of comfort and routine, despite the negative feelings and consequences attached to it. The idea of leaving behind familiar patterns and routines can be overwhelming and frightening. This fear can prevent individuals from seeking help, as they may not know what to expect from treatment or fear the changes it may bring to their lives.
Stigma and shame
Stigma and shame are also major reasons why people with addiction may avoid seeking treatment. Addiction is often associated with negative stereotypes and a sense of shame. People may feel embarrassed and fear being judged by others if they admit to having a problem and ask for help.
They may worry about the impact of admitting they are struggling with addiction may have on their reputation or relationships. This shame and stigma can become a barrier to going to rehab.
Lack of support
Lack of support can also be a significant barrier to seeking treatment. People with addiction may not have a strong support system, which can make it difficult to seek help.
People with addiction may feel isolated and alone, with no one to turn to for help. Without a supportive network, they may feel unmotivated or uncertain about seeking treatment. In some cases, loved ones may even enable the addiction or discourage seeking help, further complicating the situation.
How to Overcome These Barriers
To overcome denial, it is important to address it directly and provide individuals with accurate information about addiction and its impact on their lives. This can involve engaging in honest conversations, setting clear boundaries, and involving loved ones in the treatment process.
In addition, addiction treatment programmes can help individuals understand the root causes of their addiction and provide them with the tools they need to overcome denial and begin the path towards recovery.
Often people need to be coerced or leveraged into treatment for them to start dismantling their denial. Much of the time, no-matter what anyone else says they may be unable to see their denial while they are still actively using substances.
To overcome the barrier related to fear of change, it is important to address it head-on. People with addiction should be encouraged to look past their fears and focus on their future. A positive and supportive environment can help to reduce stigma and shame, and friends and family can provide support during the rehabilitation process. Education around addiction, especially the fact that it is a brain disease, can also go a long way to reducing the stigma around the illness.
Conclusion
By addressing denial, fear, stigma and shame, and providing support, people with addiction can overcome their resistance to rehab. However, many people need to be coerced or leveraged into treatment as they may be unable to see the reality of their problem while they are still actively using substances.
It is also important to remember that addiction is a treatable condition, and seeking help is a brave and necessary step towards recovery. A qualified and experienced treatment team can help individuals overcome their addiction and provide support throughout their journey towards a healthier and happier life.
Call us today on 081-444-7000 to find out more about treatment options at Changes.
This Article at a Glance
| Reasons Why People Don’t Want to Go to Rehab | How to Overcome These Barriers |
| Denial: Addiction denial is a powerful unconscious defence mechanism that makes individuals downplay the severity of their problem, convincing themselves they don’t need help. They may blame their issues on external factors and resist change. | To overcome denial, it’s crucial to engage in open conversations, provide accurate information about addiction, and involve loved ones in the treatment process. Addiction treatment programmes can also provide understanding and tools to break through denial. |
| Fear of Change: Many addicted individuals are comfortable with their current harmful routine. The idea of leaving familiar patterns and facing the unknown that comes with rehab can be overwhelming and frightening. | Overcoming this fear involves encouraging the individual to focus on their future and the benefits that change can bring. Supportive environments, including friends and family, can help alleviate this fear. |
| Stigma and Shame: Addiction is often associated with negative stereotypes and shame. Admitting to having a problem can be difficult due to fear of judgment, damaging reputations, or straining relationships. | Reducing stigma involves education about addiction as a disease, not a moral failing. Supportive friends and family can help individuals to push past shame and seek treatment. |
| Lack of Support: Without a strong support system, individuals may feel alone and uncertain about seeking treatment. In some cases, loved ones may even enable the addiction or discourage help-seeking. | Loved ones and support networks can play a critical role in encouraging and supporting individuals to seek treatment. This might involve professional interventions or support groups. |
Understand addiction treatment resistance and practical steps to help a loved one accept urgent professional care before their situation worsens today.. Changes team counsellors are here to help you.When Addiction Treatment Resistance Blocks Recovery
