Common Barriers to Getting Addiction Help
Why is getting help for alcohol and
You are not alone. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shares that, in 2023, 48.5 million people in the U.S. over the age of 12 suffered from a substance use disorder. Only 1 in 4 people who were classified within that group of needing substance use disorder treatment received it in the previous year, or just 12.8 million people.
Reasons Why People Do Not Get Into Addiction Treatment
A variety of factors contribute as barriers to substance use disorder, or reasons why people do not get into the treatment and care that could save their lives.
#1: Stigma
One of the most common reasons people do not get the care they need is because of the stigma surrounding
To overcome this barrier, consider a focus on the reality of what you are facing. For example, this stigma and others’ opinions may matter to you, but it is a disease no different than diabetes or cancer – it is treatable with professional care if you step into that care.
#2: Denial of a Problem
Another quite common barrier is the belief that you can get out of this on your own or that you don’t really have a problem. Many people feel that they can handle what is happening to them or that if they wanted to stop, they would. This is a very real barrier to getting care because most of the time, there’s no real way to force someone into treatment.
To overcome denial, think about what actual evidence is available that’s more than opinion. Are there multiple people talking to you about what’s happening? Are you facing changes in numerous areas of your life that could be due to your drug or alcohol use?
#3: Accessibility to Care
At Victory Addiction Recovery Center, this is one of our clients’ most important concerns. They believe they cannot afford to get care. Financial constraints and access to treatment are authentic concerns, especially if you are already facing financial strains due to your inability to work.
Start with your health insurance. Many health insurance policies provide this coverage even if you may not know that it is needed. You can verify your insurance coverage with Victory in just a few steps. You may also qualify for local support programs within your community. Ask us about bill pay services that can help you afford the care you need.
#4: Fear of Not Using Substances
The withdrawal process is another factor that limits a person’s ability to get into treatment. Some situations may seem impossible, where the need for that substance on a daily basis makes the thought of being without it terrifying. Other times, there is a fear associated with the withdrawal process. Our detox process can help you.
While withdrawal and living without a substance you have relied on for so long is scary, there is help available to you. With a wide range of strategies to help people overcome those difficult early days and a wide range of new areas to focus on for your health, well-being, and future, getting into treatment tends to be ideal.
#5: Co-Occurring Disorders
Another obstacle that could be holding you back is the presence of
Treatment for co-occurring disorders, also called dual diagnosis, can be life-changing. Realize that it can help you find the best parts of your life and help you make decisions about your future that you’re more comfortable with. Again, SUDs are a type of real disease, and so are mental health disorders.
Set Up Some Time to Discuss Your Case with Our Team
At Victory Recovery Medical Center, we work closely with victims to find the best type of treatment for their ongoing struggle. You may be facing limitations in your ability to move forward now, but we can help you one step at a time. Contact us to learn more.
