Barriers to Rehab: Why Overcoming Obstacles to Treatment is Worth It

Published On: August 20, 2021|Categories: Addiction Treatment|
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Whether you think of rehab with anxiety or indifference, there are plenty of reasons we tell ourselves it’s not worth it. Even if you agree that you could benefit from treatment, it’s easy to justify why it isn’t the right time.

While there are dozens of valid reasons that treatment isn’t necessarily comfortable or convenient at the moment, it can still be worthwhile. In this article we won’t dismiss your concerns or hesitations – after all, you are the most knowledgeable on the obstacles in your life – but we will offer a new perspective to the barriers you may be facing.

Here are the most common obstacles that prevent people from seeking treatment for a drug problem and how rehab can address each issue (and offer surprising benefits).

1. I can’t miss out on time with family

One of the major reasons that individuals don’t partake in drug rehab is the lost time with family. Treatment is definitely a time commitment, and sometimes people wonder if that time away from their spouse or their children could damage relationships.

Even though rehab takes time out of your schedule that you could be spending with your family, it will give you more quality time at home in the long run. When you participate in drug rehab and maintain your sobriety, your lifestyle will change to reflect that.

When you’re recovering from substance use, the time you used to spend obtaining drugs you can now concentrate on playing with your kids. That energy you focused on funding an addiction, you can devote to showing affection for your partner. Lastly, the money you devoted to your drug habit you can put towards an early retirement.

Moreover, when you’re not in the throes of an addiction, you won’t have to worry about the health effects of drug abuse that could shorten your life. Jail time won’t be a looming cloud over your head when you’re not using illegal substances. An investment in drug treatment will pay off big time for you and your family.

2. I have too many responsibilities

Starting an inpatient rehab program means putting some important things on hold. You may wonder when you’re gone – who will grocery shop, do unanticipated home repairs, pick up the kids from school, mow the lawn, check in on your grandparents, pay the bills – the list could go on and on and on. Rehab programs can also be a struggle when you have kids at home and the option of leaving your spouse to fend for him or herself is never an easy decision.

It’s impossible to be in two places at once, and committing to rehab means you’ll have to surrender control over some other areas of your life. While your responsibilities are majorly important and friends and family may suffer trying to fill in the gaps, they’ll suffer less when you complete rehab and are living drug free.

It’s never easy to ask for help. But when you start a drug rehab program, the loved ones you ask for assistance will hopefully do so graciously. Generally, your family and friends will be relieved that you’re getting the treatment you need and want to show their support. While there might be some catching up to do when you get home, you’ll be able to do it with a clear head and a bright future.

3. I can’t afford rehab

Drug rehab programs can put stress on your finances. The cost of inpatient care is always higher than outpatient services because of the need to provide sleeping accommodations, meals, overnight staff and more. Long-term treatment is often more successful for recovery than a short-term stay, meaning the price can be significant.

Rehab programs can be costly, especially if you don’t have insurance to cover the services. However, addiction specialists will help you get set up with rehab at a price you can afford. Many rehab centers also accept Medicaid, and staff can point you in the right direction to get set up with insurance if necessary.

Even if the payments seem staggering, consider how much money is being drained by your addiction right now. As time passes that daily amount will only increase, and paying a sum for treatment now is definitely cheaper than funding an addiction for the rest of your life.

4. I don’t think I can swing it with work

Attending an inpatient program for rehab means you’ll need to take some time away from work. Even if you have the option to take time off, there are other factors that make rehab seem out of reach. Your time off may be unpaid, you may fear that an extended period away from work could result in termination or you may worry about coworkers judging your decision to pursue rehab.

Deciding to participate in rehab can put a major strain on your career, there’s no question about it. While attending rehab may make your work life difficult, addiction can make your work-life impossible. You might feel that your addiction is manageable now, but over time as your body builds up more and more of a tolerance to a drug, continuing to function at work will become unfeasible.

5. I’m too nervous

Rehab, especially if it’s totally new to you, can be a scary thing: a new place with new people, and everyone there knows you struggle with addiction. Judging stares, the potential of relapse, the thought of sharing about your past in front of a group and your family’s response when you get home are reasonable causes for anxiety.

Going to drug rehab is a major step, and it does take some guts to bite the bullet. While starting rehab may be daunting, it’s a fear you can overcome to get the treatment you need. Once you settle into the program, it’s never as terrible as it seems when you’re trying to convince yourself not to go.

Rehab can’t wait

Usually, the thing that gets in our way most often is the thought “I’ll just do it later.” Waiting to start rehab is one of the costliest decisions you can make. By delaying treatment you’re losing out on important time with family, career opportunities and a life you can be proud of.

Don’t wait another day. Pyramid Healthcare provides services to help those struggling with drug addiction through rehab programs, medical detox centers, outpatient services and more. Call 888-694-9996 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

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