After multiple car accidents, arrests, embarrassing situations, and hard times, my sister still refused to go into rehab for years. If you are reading this, you probably know someone who is stuck in the same place. The question all of us ask is why do they refuse the help they need? In this article, we are going to discuss some of the reasons it is so hard to break through to the addict in your life and what you can do about it.
Why It Is So Hard
It’s highly likely that your loved one has tried rehab before and it didn’t work out. This makes them feel that if it didn’t work once, why would it work a second time? Here are some other common reasons why they refuse treatment:
1. They Are Ashamed – They see their addiction as a weakness and don’t want to call attention to it by asking for help. Their pride gets in the way, and they would rather deal with it on their own. They find it is easier to suffer alone rather than reach out to someone. Coming to terms with their shame and pride is extremely difficult. It takes a strength and courage for them to realize it is not a weakness to ask for that help that you desperately want them to seek.
2. They Are Afraid To Lose Their Job – This is a big one. When a person’s livelihood is in jeopardy, this will always choose their means of financial support over rehab. If they cannot take off the time they need and still have a job when they return, they are going to choose the job. This would be a good time to offer them a place to stay after they finish rehab.
3. They Have No Insurance And No Money – While a handful of different types of insurance companies do pay for drug and alcohol treatment, many of them don’t. Many more addicts do not have any insurance at all, and they have depleted all of their resources.
4. They Are Not Ready – Unfortunately, it can take years for some addicts to want to quit using. Most of the time, they have to hit rock bottom before they will even consider it. That is because they have gotten very used to dumbing down any pain they are suffering with their drug of choice.
5. They Believe They Can Control It – Because they think they are in control, they are brushing off any consequences that you or I would deem as serious. Many of them say they can quit whenever they want.
What You Can Do
The most important thing you can do is to have patience. You’re going to need it.
- Follow Through On Consequences – Effective consequences will vary, but they should all matter enough to help motivate them to want to quit. Most important, though, is that you must always follow through. They need to understand that their decision to use has repercussions.
- Stop Enabling Them – As long as they know you will come get them when they are drunk or high or you will give them money, it is easier for them to continue using.
- Prepare – They will try to manipulate you with many tactics. This is when it is time for tough love.
- Take Care Of You – You can’t help anyone if you don’t care for your own needs. There are 12-step programs designed for loved ones. Check them out.
Remember, your loved one has to ha to have some willingness to go into treatment. By exercising the suggestions above, you can slowly nudge them in that direction. The Oceanfront Recovery Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program can help you or your loved one through the process of recovery from addiction. Our experienced clinicians focus on bringing the underlying causes of addiction to the surface with a modern and effective recovery program in a closed setting. Contact Oceanfront Recovery today for a confidential assessment of your situation, and begin the journey of recovery today.
