The vast majority of addicts don’t receive help for their illness, but not all of this can be blamed on availability of care. Many addicts who need help choose not to seek it out, and continue to try and manage the unmanageable disease on their own. Fear is usually at the root of hesitance over addiction treatment. Many of the hang-ups about rehab are based on common myths and misconceptions.
Fear of Failure
Even for those who are desperate to make a change, the fear of failure can keep them from seeking help in rehab. You might be worried that even if you get through the initial program, you won’t be able to stay clean on your own, and failing will only make things worse and disappoint your loved ones. The truth is that we all experience setbacks in rehab and even a full-blown relapse can be overcome with continued effort and support. Rehab will give you the tools to overcome your addiction, including all of the setbacks along the way.
Giving Up Your Coping Mechanism
Often times, addiction develops because substance abuse is used as a way to deal with stress, emotions, and even co-occurring disorders. You might be worried that you won’t be able to handle your life without the relief that drugs or alcohol can bring you. The truth is that while substance abuse can sometimes provide temporary relief, it exacerbates every problem, every time, considering the long-term effect. The only way to really feel better is to confront your problems, free from the haze of addiction.
Losing Yourself
Early in recovery, many of the ways that you self-identify are often related to your addiction. You may feel that you’re funnier, more relaxed, or happier when you’re using. Your friends and family members may have a similar lifestyle to yours, and you might be worried that you’ll no longer fit in with them, or that they’ll disapprove of you if you get clean. The truth is that your friends and family members probably already know that you have a problem, and if they care about you, they’re going to be very supportive of you getting some help. The things that your loved ones like about you, and the things that you like about yourself will still be a part of you without your addiction, and you’ll be able to enjoy your life more when you’re clean. It’s true that you will change throughout addiction recovery, but these changes will be for the better, and you’ll be a happier, healthier person on the other side.
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