Most people struggling with substance abuse disorder and addiction, deep down, desire to get better. There can be several perceived obstacles between an individual and recovery, but how many of them are actually myths born of fear and stigma? There is no need to remain trapped by addiction and afraid of treatment. Contact Gulf Breeze Recovery today at 833.551.2304 for information about our substance abuse treatment programs. We can help.
With So Many Non-12-Step Options, Why Avoid Addiction Treatment?
With the availability of good treatment options, including non-12-step programs and holistic drug treatment programs, why do so many people with alcohol and drug addiction refuse treatment? There are many reasons why, but most reasons are based on fear.
Most people with drug and alcohol addiction have tried to stop using more than once. When they stop using, they begin to have both physical and emotional withdrawal. The physical symptoms vary according to the substance being used. Physical withdrawal can include things like severe muscle aches, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, and the list goes on and on.
It is our human tendency to avoid discomfort. Someone with alcohol and drug addiction has learned that the quickest way to avoid the discomfort of withdrawal is by using their substance again. Temporarily the discomfort goes away until the next time withdrawal kicks in. They fear that when they begin treatment and don’t have access to their substance that they won’t be able to deal with it. Many also mistakenly believe that the drug treatment center has never dealt with anyone whose addictions are as severe as their own. It is actually very easy to remain stuck in the trap of addiction.
Busting Harmful Addiction Treatment Myths
The very unfortunate truth is that a lot of the fear and stigma around addiction treatment and seeking help is rooted in pure myth. Some of the biggest reasons people struggling with addiction stay afraid of treatment and in their cycles instead of getting help and achieving recovery–and some of the biggest and most harmful myths about addiction and treatment–are:
- Detox and withdrawal will be unpleasant and potentially dangerous
- It is valid to let shame about addiction keep you from asking for help
- Going into treatment means giving up your freedom
- Addiction treatment is too expensive to afford in your circumstances
- Treatment will take you away from your family, job, and other responsibilities
These are all good enough reasons to avoid addiction treatment, but the reality is that treatment has come a long way in modern times, and meeting your needs while you’re recovering is a top priority.
Let’s bust these harmful addiction treatment myths and get to the truth.
Medical Detoxification Can be Comfortable
Medical detoxification is the very first step of the treatment process, and with a qualified, caring, and compassionate medical team supervising the correct protocol for the substance or substances of choice, the physical discomfort of withdrawal can be much less severe than imagined. Symptoms are treated to keep the person as comfortable as possible during the detoxification process. Many people who have completed medical detox say that it was much easier than they expected.
Addiction Is Nothing to be Ashamed Of
A second fear surrounding inpatient treatment is the fear of being treated disrespectfully or shamed for their addiction. Some people have gone into drug treatment programs where they were treated badly, and so they are afraid to try again. THRIVE® is a holistic, non-12-step program based on the understanding that people have health inside, are not broken, and that they deserve to be treated with respect. Our entire staff is trained to treat guests with dignity and respect.
The Ultimate Goal Is Freedom – From Addiction
Another fear that many people have is that they will be giving up their freedom for several weeks as they go through the drug or alcohol treatment program. What freedom? Addiction takes away personal freedom and causes people to become secondary to their substance of choice. All decisions in life must be made around where and how to get the next fix or the next drink. Time spent in treatment is such a small part of a person’s overall lifespan and can give them back their freedom and release them from the slavery of addiction.
The Results Are Priceless
A fourth major concern is expense. A common argument is “I can’t afford it.” How do you put value on your life? Is the cost of treatment worth saving your life? An investment in treatment is an investment that can appreciate with every healthy, substance-free year you live and share with those you love.
There Is Time for Everyone to Heal
A fifth concern is the reluctance to be away from children, family, or significant others. Some people are fearful that their relationships will deteriorate if they are away from those they love. The truth is that most times, the addiction is already destroying the relationship. Sobriety can be a great foundation on which to rebuild relationships. It is hard for parents to be away from children, but what better gift can a person offer their children than the return home of a healthy non-addicted parent?
Break Free From Addiction at Gulf Breeze Recovery
Overcoming the fears of treatment and committing to taking that step can be the best decision you make. If you or a loved one are battling addiction or chronic relapse and looking for a facility that can help make a difference? Contact Gulf Breeze Recovery by calling 833.551.2304 or filling out our online form to speak to an addiction expert. Learn more about our program that has helped so many people overcome their addiction and embrace life; we help people not just to survive but to THRIVE®.
