Why Addicts Refuse Rehab
Substance use disorder (addiction) is considered a mental health disorder because it alters behavior and thinking. It can fundamentally change the way a person’s brain functions until it’s no longer the person in control but rather their addiction.
The cycle of substance abuse is a gripping one that can, at times, seem impossible to break. There are certain things people with addiction commonly fear and either through a bad experience or through uncontrollable thoughts and situations, they refuse the one thing that can truly help them: substance use disorder treatment.
As a bystander or loved one, it can be hard to fathom why a person would willingly create more problems for themselves. So, what are some of the main reasons why addicts refuse rehab and what are the real truths behind these fears?
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.
Denial
One of the main reasons why people don’t seek help for their drug or alcohol addiction is because they don’t think they have a problem. Whether through their own mental gymnastics or through enablers in their life that help to hide their substance abuse, drug abusers can convince themselves that they don’t have a problem, ignoring the obvious mental and physical health signs and other programs in their life.
It can seem easier to ignore the problem than to face the problem head-on and admit that there is an addiction. Sometimes it comes from a fear of the underlying causes such as trauma that they are in denial about.
Fear of Drug Detox
Every person who has formed a physical drug reliance will have experienced some level of drug withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and the intensity of their cravings and withdrawal symptoms can feel like their body and mind are screaming out to use more drugs to find relief. The fear of having to face these withdrawal symptoms can be enough to not want to quit drugs or alcohol abuse.
The truth is that in drug rehab, they can be helped through their withdrawal symptoms with medications that effectively manage their symptoms, making the experience much easier.
Fear of Recovery
The fear of recovery is twofold: on the one hand, they fear the change that substance use disorder treatment might bring, and on the other hand, they may fear that treatment will fail. The fear of treatment failing can make a person think that their last hope is hopeless and instead of trying, they would rather resign themselves to continue on the path they are on without change.
The truth of the situation is that rehab treatment is the key to their release from the shackles of addiction. And just because they might relapse along the way, it doesn’t mean that treatment has failed as long as they stick with it.
Untreated Mental Health Condition
One of the most common addiction causes is untreated mental health disorders such as PTSD. Their symptoms can be so intense that they use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate but eventually, not only do they still have symptoms from their untreated mental health condition but they also have an addiction, amplifying their problems.
Rehabs provide dual diagnosis treatment that not only treats addiction but also mental health disorders that may be co-occurring, opening the door to a better way of life and freedom from addiction.
How Union First Can Help
Union First is an employee assistance program that has several key services for its members. Our rehab placement services can help you to find a rehab program for a loved one at the best-suited addiction treatment center. We also provide job protection so they won’t have to worry that they might lose their job while getting the help they deserve.
Union First also has individual case management services. The fear of treatment and any other fear that may be present can be debunked with useful information and we will be there through every step of the recovery process helping not only the addict but their family, too. Call Union First today to learn more about addiction and becoming a union member.
Click here for job protection & behavioral health, call Union First today at (855) 215-2023.