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8 Common Reasons Preventing People From Enrolling
in Drug Rehab

Man thinking on a wall
Man Depressed

Did you know that 70-80 percent of people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes receive treatment while only 1 in 10 people suffering from addiction receive treatment?1

Despite the prevalence of addiction in the United States, very few Americans get the treatment they need. Although you may feel like there are a million things keeping you from achieving a life of sobriety, you do have the ability to overcome these barriers and reclaim your life.

According to the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, here are some of the most common barriers to treatment and what you can do to overcome them.2

  • Fear of drug and alcohol rehab

It is not uncommon for people to be fearful about enrolling in drug and alcohol rehab, especially if they have never experienced it before. Individuals enrolling for the first time may be unsure of what it will be like, how they will respond, and if it will even work.

What you can do to overcome the fear of treatment: If you are enrolling in drug rehab for the first time, take the time to do very thorough research so you can understand the primary goals of addiction treatment, what you can expect to experience, and how it will help you overcome your addiction. You may also want to get online and read reviews from alumni to learn about others’ experiences. At Nova, our admissions specialists are always available to answer any questions you have about our drug and alcohol rehab programs and you can read reviews from our satisfied alumni here. You can also browse our FAQ to find answers to common questions about drug and alcohol rehab.

  • Bad experiences with drug rehab in the past

Perhaps this isn’t your first rodeo and you’ve had some pretty bad treatment experiences in the past. We’re so sorry that you’ve had these poor experiences, but we want you to know that not all addiction treatment programs are the same. At Nova, we strive to provide the most positive addiction treatment experience possible, with caring, compassionate staff and individualized treatment programs designed specifically to fit you.

What you can do to get over past experiences: Be brave and try again. Not all addiction treatment centers are created equal. We understand that you may have reservations at first, but all we ask is that you give us a chance to show you how Nova is different and how we can help you overcome addiction for good.

  • Fear of what others will think

Addiction affects people from all walks of life. Business professionals, mothers, fathers, college students … it’s not just one type of person who struggles with substance abuse. Unfortunately, the stigma of addiction and mental illness keeps many people from getting the help they need because they feel like the people in their life may view them differently, look down on them, or believe they are poor, uneducated, or immoral.

What you can do to overcome stigma: Although you can’t change someone else’s beliefs, you do have the power to change your own. Instead of letting the fear and shame of being an addict lead you to isolation and exclusion, take the time to educate yourself about the disease of addiction, learn to accept that you have a problem, and fully embrace your recovery journey. Although this is definitely easier said than done, participating in self-help groups (like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous) and actively engaging in your drug and alcohol rehab program will truly help you achieve this goal and learn to love yourself—imperfections and all.

  • Inability/unwillingness to share with others

It’s not always easy to share the personal details of your life with others. Often times this stems from a lack of confidence, the fear of rejection, or traumatic experiences that have impacted the way we view ourselves and others. While drug and alcohol rehab programs at Nova do require a willingness to be open and honest with your peers and counselor, we understand that this takes time.

How to overcome the unwillingness to share: As you dive deeper into your drug rehab program, you’ll learn to accept your addiction and you’ll see that there are many others who are struggling with the same things. Although it does require bravery to begin this healing process, being in a gender-specific drug rehab program with like-minded individuals may help you feel more comfortable sharing.

  • Cost of drug and alcohol rehab

Depending on the addiction treatment center that you choose, an inpatient or outpatient drug and alcohol rehab may be costly. At Nova Recovery Center, we strive to provide our clients with affordable, high-quality addiction treatment. We do this by offering a variety of payment options, including medical insurance benefits, privately financed loans, and EAP options.

What you can do to overcome financial barriers: Although paying for drug rehab may seem overwhelming, it’s very important to exhaust all of your payment options because you may have more than you think. If your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), speak to a member of your HR team to find out how it works and if you can use it to cover the cost of drug and alcohol rehab. If you have medical insurance, contact Nova today to find out if your benefits will lower your out-of-pocket costs. If you would like to take out a loan and finance payments for drug rehab, speak to a Nova admissions representative to learn more. There are many different ways to pay for addiction treatment, but it may require some research and a little effort on your part.

  • Time conflicts

You may feel like you just don’t have the time to commit to a drug and alcohol rehab program, especially one that requires 90 days of inpatient programming. At Nova, we understand that you have obligations to work, school, and family, which all require a great deal of time, and many of us have been where you are.

How to overcome time conflicts: The only way you’re ever going to overcome your addiction is by prioritizing your treatment. Although this may require you to step away from other responsibilities temporarily, the decision to do does not equate to selfishness or irresponsibility. By committing to caring for yourself, you are also making a commitment to your family and your loved ones that will also benefit them in the long run. At Nova, we highly recommend enrolling in our long-term 90-day drug rehab program, but we also offer an Intensive Outpatient Program for those who need more flexible scheduling.

  • Denial

“I don’t need drug rehab.” “I’m not addicted. I just need to cut back a little.” “Treatment won’t help. I can quit on my own.” Have you found yourself making any of these statements? Denial is one of the many reasons why people don’t get the help they need. It’s never easy to admit you have a problem, but once you do, you give yourself permission to start living a better life.

How to overcome denial: In many cases, a loved one (or several loved ones) may have to come together to help you see how your addiction has damaged your own life and the lives of those around you. It’s important to realize that their intention is not to judge you or condemn you for your behavior—it’s to help you see that you need help and that if you don’t get it, the consequences could be very severe. If you can accept the fact that this is true, you are on your way to discovering the joys of a fulfilling life of sobriety.

  • Not knowing where to get help

Finding a rehab center with addiction treatment programming that fits your needs can be very overwhelming. With so many different options and countless sources of information to sort through, some people will just give up and continue living a life of substance abuse.

How to overcome a lack of knowledge: Just take a deep breath and remember that you’re not alone in your recovery journey. You may want to reach out to a family member or close friend and ask for help researching your options. It’s a lot easier to gather information, compare your options, and make all those phone calls when you have another person helping you. It’s also important to remember that every individual is different, so each person will need different resources and assistance to find a drug and alcohol rehab program that is best suited to their needs.3

If you’re interested in learning more about Nova Recovery Center and our drug rehab programs, please contact us today. Our admissions team is always available to take your call and answer any questions. We want you to have the best addiction treatment experience possible, and if we find that our programs cannot fit your needs, we will provide professional recommendations for treatment elsewhere so you can get the help you need.

The Nova admissions team is waiting and ready to help you begin your recovery journey, so call today!

References:

  1. https://www.centeronaddiction.org/addiction-research/reports/addiction-medicine-closing-gap-between-science-and-practice
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1986793/
  3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/all-about-addiction/201203/cant-get-in-barriers-addiction-treatment-entry

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