Common Excuses We Use To Avoid Addiction Treatment

It’s easier to see through others’ excuses; harder to catch your own. We try to rationalize these excuses and downplay the truth. Downplaying can sometimes be dangerous, especially if it is about our health.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is an ever increasing problem in the U.S. Almost 16.3 million (6.8%) adults were found to have this disorder in 2014. Annually, 88,000 people die due to alcohol-related incidents. This makes it the fourth highest cause of preventable deaths in the country.

Although we should be concerned about these statistics, we are instead busy making excuses for not seeking treatment for our alcohol related issues. Are any of these excuses really true? Let’s find out!

It’s all under control

If you are doing well at your job or your education, not missing appointments, and are able to wake up at the right time each day, it’s easier to believe you are fine. Being fully functioning does not mean that things are under control. It’s better to address the issue before it addiction gets stronger.

Helping me isn’t possible

There are two types of “can’t be helped” excuses. First, you think that alcohol addiction treatment isn’t useful and that you can do it on your own. Hence, the idea is that such a treatment is pointless.

The second one is the loss of hope. We are past denial and understand our situation. However, we also think that now there is no way out and a treatment program can no longer aid us in addiction recovery.

Treatments are expensive

We think these treatments will be extremely expensive because of our own belief or something someone told us. Well, it’s not true.

Some programs are expensive, others are not. There are various options available which vary in expense. For instance, an outpatient treatment will cost less than inpatient ones.

Furthermore, health insurance might cover a part, or complete treatment. You will have to look into possible options to find a suitable one.

I have to overcome my social anxiety

“I drink because I can’t deal with people”- Everyone of us

Many of us have social anxiety, but the problem can’t be solved through substance abuse. Recovery programs help address these issues as well. So it’s a good idea to opt for a full treatment today. Further delays will only increase both addiction and anxiety issues.

I am not harming anyone

Yes, it is your life and your choice. If you are not harming any one, then why should it matter to others? But how long is it going to stay that way? With stronger addiction, you will lose control. And, others might not be safe because of your actions.

You might drink and drive. In 2014, 31% of all driving fatalities were alcohol related. In such a scenario, you can seriously harm yourself or others.

I am better than that guy

Just because that guy lost his job or family or home because of addiction, and you didn’t, doesn’t make you better at dealing with addiction. Just because you haven’t reached that low doesn’t mean you won’t. In fact, it may be a matter of time.

Take a step before you reach that point; start drug addiction treatment before you become the next ‘that guy’ for others.

Are you done hiding behind your own excuses? Find a recovery center today and ask about their treatment options. For those living in California, Orange County Recovery has a very easy admission process.