Roadblocks to Recovery: Common Reasons Why Addicts Reject Rehabilitatio

Roadblocks to Recovery: Common Reasons Why Addicts Reject Rehabilitatio

When viewed from the outside, the prospect of living with addiction—a life punctuated by uncertainties, hardship and consequences—seems resoundingly unappealing. But addicts never intend to become addicts. Many substance users mistakenly believe that they are exceptions to the rule, able to maintain control of their alcohol and drug use. It often takes only a short period of time for them to be surrounded by evidence to the contrary; after falling into financial disrepair, damaging relationships with friends and family members, losing jobs and other opportunities, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms, they are faced with the realization that they are no exception.

A variety of addiction treatment and other recovery options are available today, and rehabilitation would seem to be an easy choice since an individual suffering from the pain of any illness would naturally seek the relief of treatment. However, statistics show that out of more than 40 million Americans—or 16 percent of the United States’ population ¹ over the age of 12—who currently suffer from addiction, only 10 percent receive the treatment they need to recover. Moreover, in many cases these individuals are choosing to remain in active addiction for one reason or another. As such, it’s important for the spouses, partners, family members, friends and other loved ones of addicts to be aware of the most common objections addicts have to the recovery process—and why addicts may refuse or feel unable to enter an addiction treatment program.

Out of more than 40 million Americans, only 10% receive the treatment they need to recover

The Terrible Power of Denial

An addict’s brain has an altered structure of functioning compared to the brains of non-addicts, which can cause addicts to think in very ineffective, even irrational ways. According to this disease model of addiction ², if left untreated, addiction results in a severe and potentially life-threatening compulsion to indulge in harmful substances or behaviors. One of the most prominent functional changes in an addict’s brain is the denial they tend to exhibit with regard to either the reality or severity of their addictions.

Although we all use denial to make our realities more palatable, an addict’s denial is often more extreme and persistent. Denial pushes addicts to continue their addictive behaviors even when doing so means acting against their best interests ³. It’s a way for an individual to convince himself or herself that reality is how he or she thinks it should be rather than how it actually is. This can involve repression, rationalization, or full-on self-deception as a means of overriding one’s better judgement.

Unfortunately, an addict’s denial can be difficult for their loved ones to break through because addicts tend to associate recognizing their addictions with acquiescence and failure. Additionally, overcoming denial requires an individual to face his or her own reality, which might not always be pleasant and can be especially difficult when an individual has caused harm to others in the past. Loved ones can help an addict with acceptance and accountability by offering their full support and understanding, even during times of hardship or difficulty.

The Overwhelming Fear of Withdrawal

Those who have developed addictions can quickly become intimately familiar with withdrawal. For those who have never personally experienced addiction, withdrawal has been compared to a moderate-to-severe case of the flu, but with the added unpleasantness of anxiety, agitation and depression. Keeping withdrawal symptoms at bay means an addict must somehow maintain their continuous intake of alcohol and drugs; this often accounts for the majority of the desperation that these individuals can feel.

The attachment that addicts have with alcohol and drugs quickly turns to fear and anxiety when they consider ending their substance abuse. In fact, fear of withdrawal ⁴ is one of the most frequently cited reasons why addicts refuse the recovery process—the first step of rehabilitation is typically detoxification. Even when addicts recognize the destructive influence that addiction has had over their lives, they remain unable to bring themselves to begin the recovery process, which inevitably requires individuals to face and conquer withdrawal. However, many addicts are unaware of the full extent of care that one receives as part of a comprehensive detox program. Oftentimes the fear of withdrawal can be alleviated with the knowledge that patients in professional detox programs receive around-the-clock care that can include medications used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and make the detoxification process more comfortable.

The Stigma of Addiction as a Barrier to Recovery

Addicts often hide as much evidence of their discrepancies as they possibly can to ensure others aren’t aware of the full extent of their substance abuse problems. While part of an addict’s secrecy can be attributed to the universal fear of admitting one’s flaws and mistakes, there’s also a stigma that’s imposed on individuals with alcohol and drug dependencies—one that is proven to be a major barrier to recovery.

Celebrities can have drug problems and go to rehab, but after discovering their dark and humanizing imperfections, the media seemingly finds them more interesting or endearing. However, the average person who suffers from addiction is usually not viewed as favorably. As such, many addicts are unreceptive to recovery because they don’t want to face the stigma associated with addiction and enrolling in a rehabilitation program. Even addicts who would otherwise jump at the chance to overcome chemical dependency often see the social stigma that comes with being an addict in recovery as a major barrier to the recovery process ⁵. There have been a number of addicts—even those who were no longer using—who have lost job opportunities, been refused medical treatment by unsympathetic doctors and nurses, or been evicted due to a prior history with addiction. This public intolerance encourages those struggling with substance abuse to continue trying to hide it rather than confront and treat it.

Overcoming the stigma of addiction can only occur by acknowledging it and confronting it. A number of recent changes, including the health insurance reforms making substance abuse treatment ⁶ an essential health benefit, show that perceptions are shifting, albeit somewhat slowly, toward a place of greater understanding toward those suffering from the disease of addiction. The support of loved ones as well as the recovery process itself can help make individuals more confident about their place in society as people who have received treatment in order to manage a disease. Individuals can move beyond the stigma of addiction when they establish sobriety rather than continuing a life of active addiction.

Perceptions are shifting, albeit somewhat slowly, toward a place of greater understanding toward those suffering from the disease of addiction

There are countless reasons why an addict might refuse treatment and recovery. Denial, fear of withdrawal and the effects of the stigma of addiction represent some of the most common and compelling reasons; others can include the perceived expense of recovery, being responsible for dependents such as one’s children or elderly parents, or even simply an aversion to appearing vulnerable or weak to others. Although a number of objections can be attenuated rationally, the support and encouragement of loved ones is invaluable to an addict’s recovery. If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction, Rehab International is here to help. Call us today to speak with one of our experienced admissions coordinators who can help you or your loved one find the right treatment option and return to a life of health and sobriety.