The Most Common Reasons People Don’t Go to Treatment

People often assume that an addicted individual who doesn’t go to treatment is just in denial about their problem. While this is sometimes true, it isn’t the only reason. Family, friends, and society can play a role in a person’s apprehension. Below, we’ve gathered other reasons – or excuses – people use to resist getting treatment for their addiction.

Fear

Many individuals who are addicted to drugs or who are battling alcoholism are afraid to seek treatment. Not knowing what treatment will entail and having fearful thoughts about experiencing symptoms of withdrawal can cause a person to avoid the entire healing process.

Hopelessness

Sadly, many addicted individuals feel deep down inside that, “Nobody will care if I live or die.” Many times, this feeling of hopelessness stems from having damaged relationships with family and friends. Since they lack a support network and are estranged from loved ones, addicted individuals begin to believe there is no need to seek help to better their lives.

Doubt

Some people who have been through several rounds of addiction treatment will say, “Treatment won’t work anyway.” Because they’ve never been “successful” at rehab, they now don’t believe professional treatment works. Many others battling addiction have heard those stories of “unsuccessful” bouts with treatment and also come to the conclusion that any attempts to enter a program will ultimately prove to be ineffective.

Stigma

Due to countless years of people categorizing addiction as a form of “moral failing,” many individuals find that just admitting that they have a substance use disorder to friends and family can be enough to trigger fear of negative judgement.

Addiction is a very complex disease that greatly affects a person’s brain as well as their physical and emotional state. For loved ones and friends of addicted individuals, the best thing to do is to keep educating themselves on the disease of addiction, the thought process of an addicted individual, and some treatment options. This will help loved ones to provide the best support for the addicted individual, whether they plan to arrange for an intervention to help them overcome their addiction or simply encourage them to get help. Although it is entirely up to the addicted individual to seek help when they finally reach a point where they feel they are ready, family and friends can always be ready for when that moment finally arises.