The decision to enter a California drug rehab program can be a complex one. There are many factors to consider. Unfortunately there are millions of people in the United States affected by drug use and addiction and only a small fraction get the help they need. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 22.7 million Americans needed substance use treatment in 2013, but only about 2.5 million people got it. There are many people whose lives are being impacted by addiction and although there is treatment available, they are not taking part.

Barriers to Seeking Treatment

Reasons for not seeking treatment can be varied:

• Denial: Not admitting or recognizing that there is a problem can be one reason why people do not get help. Although it may be apparent to others, the person with the substance use disorder does not want to accept it. They often have a plethora of excuses to justify their actions and behaviors.
• Time: The thought of taking a few weeks or months off for treatment can seem unrealistic. How could they leave their job and family for that long? But in reality, not getting help could eventually lead to their death and leaving their family forever. And addiction does not develop overnight and neither does recovery. It takes time to overcome the effects of drug and alcohol misuse. Many employers offer programs that support employees in seeking treatment to get their lives back in order.
• Cost: Another common barrier people worry about is the cost of rehab. Many facilities accept a wide range of insurance and are willing to work with clients on financial matters. Substance use treatment is one of the essential health benefits that must be included by all insurance plans, so at least some expenses will be covered. Also, consider the mounting cost of continuing an addiction, from actually paying for drugs and alcohol to lost wages, legal fees, healthcare costs, and other expenses. Recovery is worth the investment.
• Stigma: Unfortunately even today there are stigmas that surround addiction. Some people don’t want others to know that they struggle with drug or alcohol use. They are worried about what people will think or how it will make them look. But addiction does not discriminate and could affect anybody. Seeking treatment is a sign of strength.

These are just a few of the reasons that people may put off attending drug and alcohol rehab. But in addition to making the move to enter rehab, there can be barriers that impact recovery once clients have completed a treatment program as well.

Barriers to Ongoing Recovery

Once a client completes a treatment program, their journey is not over. Recovery is an ongoing process. There is always a risk, no matter how small, of relapse. While rehab equips clients with strategies and resources for relapse prevention, it is up to the client to implement and follow through with them. Here are some barriers that can keep clients from making the most of their recovery:

• Overconfidence: It is important to be confident and believe in yourself and your ability to achieve long-term recovery, but becoming too confident can have a negative impact. It can cause you to become more lax about putting yourself in healthy situations and avoiding temptation and triggers. You may think that you can handle any challenges that come your way, or have just one drink and be fine. Ambivalence and overconfidence can increase your risk of relapse.
• Fear of Success: Though it may sound odd, some clients fear what would happen if they are successful in their recovery. What do they do then? They are so used to struggling and living a certain lifestyle that turning things around – even when it’s for the better – can be frightening. They may not believe that good things can happen to them and they are deserving and capable of recovery, which can derail their efforts.
• Narrow-mindedness: Change and trying new things are big parts of recovery. Having a narrow view of the world and not being open to new ideas and approaches can be a hindrance. You are limiting your options and may fail to see the bigger picture. Be willing to look at things from a different perspective and give various strategies and activities a try. You never know what will click for you.
• Mental Health Problems: Mental health issues can stand in the way of a more effective recovery. It is essential that these problems are treated simultaneously with addiction through a dual diagnosis Mental health can play a major role in addiction, so understanding how these two conditions are related and affect one another is important. Ignoring conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, or PTSD can increase your risk of relapsing and lead to additional challenges.

Stop letting barriers stand in your way of starting a new chapter in your life free from the influence of drugs and alcohol. Contact Chapters Capistrano at 949-276-2886 to learn more about our executive rehab program including on-site detox, flexible approaches to treatment, and family programs, at two great locations.