Common Reasons Addicted Individuals Refuse To Go To A Rehab Center

There are many reasons that an individual may refuse to seek treatment for an alcohol or drug addiction. Whatever the reason is, it is important to understand the dangers of continuing to abuse drugs or alcohol and the treatment options that are available.

Anger. Fear. Confusion. Anxiety. Hopelessness. Embarrassment. Denial. Sadness. Shame. Guilt. If you have a drug or alcohol addiction, you might be feeling some or all of these emotions if someone has mentioned that you should attend a rehab facility. You may be feeling many mixed emotions, but you are not alone. Millions of Americans just like you have felt these same emotions and have struggled with a drug and/or alcohol addiction. But, why do some individuals choose rehab while others refuse it altogether? Let’s look at some common reasons addicted individuals refuse to enter an inpatient rehab facility.

Denial

A big reason why an addicted individual may not seek help is their denial to recognize there is a problem. Severely addicted individuals may not see their drug or alcohol abuse as destructive behavior. They may be refusing to take responsibility for their own actions, or may even blame others for their behaviors and choices. When friends, family, law enforcement, a therapist, a judge, or other authority figures are involved and recommending treatment, individuals that are severely addicted may refuse treatment and deny they need help. Refusal to admit there is a problem usually will lead to a defensive attitude when others suggest to that individual they need help.

Withdrawal Fears

Others recognize they have a problem but fear attending rehab and going through withdrawal. Individuals in withdrawal from drugs or alcohol might experience nausea, vomiting, cramping, hallucinations, insomnia, muscle aches, sweats, chills, and other less than desirable symptoms. They may be afraid to encounter these possible symptoms and realize that taking another drug or sip of alcohol will alleviate them from their withdrawal symptoms instead.

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Isolation And Lack Of Support

Some people struggling from a drug or alcohol addiction feel a lack of support from their family and friends. They may feel isolated since their family or friends ignore their addiction, but know their family and friends are aware of it. The fact they are ignored and there is a lack of support from those closest to them can cause an individual to reject offers of help from therapists or rehab facilities. Some families feel that ignoring the problem will make it go away, but they are actually fueling the fire for the addicted individual to not seek help. If friends and family don’t openly acknowledge the problem, why should the struggling individual seek help?

Refusal

When a person is severely addicted to drugs and/or alcohol they may like the feelings it gives them. They may not want to go to rehab because they refuse to. They simply just don’t want to go. If a person is severely addicted they may be so controlled by their substances that it has affected their brains from making rational and healthy choices. When under the influence of drugs and alcohol, it can completely change how a person responds to situations. What a non-addicted and rational person might find to be reasonable, such as suggesting to a loved one to seek help, this advice might not make sense to the individual that is in an altered state of mind.

Guilt And Shame

Feelings of guilt and shame may haunt a person battling addiction. It may be hard for a person to admit they have a problem. They may feel they are a failure or that they have lost control of their lives due to drugs or alcohol. Shame and guilt is a common feature of struggling individuals. Perhaps a friend or family member has harshly judged the struggling individual. The addicted individual is already probably feeling enough guilt and shame on their own. The best thing you can do to help is to talk to them in a non-confrontational way. Talk honestly and do not judge an addicted individual. Express to them your concerns and why they need help in a compassionate and constructive way. You can be firm but kind at the same time.

Not Knowing That Resources Exist

Sometimes an individual might desire help, but they are unaware of the resources and facilities out there to help them. They may not know of the many online, local, and national places that can help them get better. Or maybe they know of many resources and just can’t figure out which place would be the best fit. They may feel overwhelmed and give up hope.

What You Can Do

Watching a family member or friend suffer from an addiction can be extremely painful to experience. It can be very stressful for the entire family to see the individual refuse help. You may have even reached a point where you want to walk away because you feel you can’t convince them to get the help they need. One of the best things to do is to calmly keep trying.

We can help you with ways to approach your loved one and can help them find the rehab facility that will be their best fit. The addiction may seem very strong, but your love for your family member or friend is stronger. There is hope. We’re here for you. Contact us at RehabCenter.net today. Or give us a ring at 800-406-7633. Reach out today. You will be glad you did.

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