Addiction is a complex disease that cannot be cured, though it can be successfully managed with the right support. Over the years, addiction treatment has become more accessible, yet many people still don’t get the help they need. According to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, only 6 percent of people with a substance use disorder receive treatment. There are many reasons for this, including a lack of awareness and not knowing where to go for help. 

Let’s cover the most common barriers to addiction treatment, why they exist and how to work through them so that more people can get the help they deserve. 

Stigma and Social Shame 

One of the most significant barriers to seeking treatment for addiction is the stigma associated with the disease. Many people view addiction as a moral failing rather than a medical condition, which can lead to judgment, discrimination and social isolation. This stigma can prevent individuals from admitting they have a problem and seeking the help they need. 

While it’s difficult to erase shame overnight, it’s important to know that negative feelings only prevent people from seeking recovery. These negative emotions are not constructive and will only damage the goal of leading a healthy, substance-free lifestyle. Therefore, it’s important not to let them stand in the way of a better future. 

Lack of Awareness and Denial

Many individuals experiencing addiction are not aware of the severity of their condition or are in denial about their need for treatment. This lack of awareness can stem from misinformation about what constitutes addiction or from the individual's reluctance to confront their issues. 

Denial is a powerful defense mechanism that can keep individuals from recognizing the negative impacts of their substance use. Plus, many people who misuse drugs or alcohol are trying to escape from some type of pain and may not be ready to face their struggles. 

Financial Constraints

Drug and alcohol treatment can be expensive, particularly inpatient programs and ongoing outpatient services. Not all individuals have health insurance, and those who do may find that their insurance does not cover all aspects of treatment. However, the cost of treatment should not stand in the way of seeking help. Continuing to use drugs or alcohol is far more expensive over the long term, and it can lead to costly consequences like job loss, health problems and legal fines. 

Keep in mind that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires private companies to provide some level of substance use coverage to their members. This can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. To further reduce costs, individuals can choose an in-network treatment center and participate in an outpatient program, which is typically less expensive.  

Limited Access to Treatment Facilities

In many areas, especially rural and underserved regions, there are simply not enough treatment facilities to meet the needs of the population. This lack of availability can mean long wait times for treatment or the necessity to travel long distances to access care. Such logistical challenges can discourage or delay individuals from seeking help.

For those living in rural areas, treatment facilities in nearby cities can open up more opportunities for care. It’s also worth considering rehab centers that offer sober housing so that participants have a safe place to live outside of treatment hours instead of having to commute back and forth. 

Fear of Consequences

Fear of the consequences of seeking treatment can also be a significant barrier. This includes fear of losing one's job, custody of children or facing legal repercussions. The potential for negative outcomes upon admitting to substance use can make individuals hesitant to seek treatment. 

However, continuing with substance use will only lead to more consequences down the line—and there may not be many options by that point. For instance, federal law protects individuals from losing their job as a result of going to rehab. This means that people can get the help they need and have a job to return to. On the other hand, showing up intoxicated is grounds for getting fired. 

Lack of Support

Recovery from addiction often requires strong support systems. Lack of support from family and friends can hinder an individual’s recovery process. Additionally, if the treatment programs do not offer adequate follow-up or aftercare support, individuals may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of returning to daily life post-treatment without adequate support.

Fortunately, taking a leap of faith and committing to treatment is the first step in building a support system. In treatment, individuals meet others who are going through similar experiences and are eager to support their journey. They also have access to peer support groups, group therapy and family therapy. 

Mental Health Comorbidities

Many individuals with addiction issues also suffer from dual diagnosis, a diagnosis of a substance use disorder and mental health disorder. Not only can the lack of integrated treatment options be a barrier, but also some mental health symptoms can prevent people from recognizing their problem. Fortunately, dual diagnosis treatment addresses both the substance use disorder and the mental health disorder for true healing. 

Hope Has No Barriers—Start Your Recovery in Easton, PA Today 

Overcoming the barriers to addiction treatment is essential for improving the lives of those affected by addiction. This requires collective efforts from healthcare providers, policymakers and communities to reduce stigma, increase awareness and improve access to affordable treatment. By addressing these barriers, society can move towards a more compassionate and effective approach to addiction treatment.

Recovery Cove in Easton, PA provides outpatient treatment services to those who are experiencing substance use disorders and other related issues. We have convenient programs that accommodate busy schedules, including our partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and standard outpatient programs. We encourage our clients to be active in their recoveries, empowering them to take charge of their lives. To learn more about our programs, contact us today at 484-549-COVE.