Addiction is a difficult thing for most people. Dealing with it may not be as straightforward even when the addicts themselves know what needs to be done. While such people know that getting treatment at a drug rehab in Austin could be the best thing for them, taking that first step can be challenging.
If you have a family member who is suffering from substance abuse, getting them the necessary help is easier said than done if they’re unwilling.
Why Would an Addict Refuse Treatment at a Rehab Center?
While it might seem counterintuitive, there are numerous people suffering from substance abuse who are uncomfortable with the idea of seeking professional help to combat this issue. The reasons for such refusal are usually psychological defense mechanisms that such individuals employ to shield themselves from the reality of the matter. As a loved one trying to get help for such an individual, understanding the reasons for such refusal puts you in a better position to help the addict navigate this situation.
The main reasons why addicts may refuse treatment at a drug rehab include:
1) Stubbornness
If you’ve never been addicted to a controlled substance before, it may be challenging to see things from an addict’s perspective. One of the major reasons people get addicted to substances like alcohol or hard drugs is because of the good feeling such substances confer on the individual. This then leads to a vicious cycle whereby the individual craves more of the substance to sustain the “good” feeling. Many individuals battling substance abuse usually get to that point due to other issues in their lives. In their minds, using a particular substance helps them cope better with their personal issues. Such an individual may refuse professional help outright in order to keep having the sensations induced by the substance.
2)Guilt and Shame
Guilt and shame are powerful motivations that make it difficult to help individuals battling substance abuse. It usually begins with denial; an individual refuses to believe they have a substance abuse problem. When they finally do, the thought of having to admit to family members and loved ones that they need help may be too overwhelming. For such individuals, it’s easier to keep to themselves and ignore the problem. Accepting to go to a drug rehab facility means admitting that they have a problem and have let their loved ones down.
3) Not Knowing About Available Resources
Surprisingly, many individuals suffering from substance abuse don’t know that there are resources available to help them deal with such issues. While such individuals may know of drug treatment programs, knowing which one is right for them can be difficult.
What to Do When an Addict Refuses Treatment
Substance abuse can take its toll on the users and their loved ones equally. For family members trying to get a loved one into a drug treatment program, it can be disheartening if the individual refuses to accept such help. While it’s easier to criticize the individual or walk away, using a gentler approach may be the best option.
The following tips are useful for dealing with a situation where a loved one refuses professional help.
1)Educate Yourself
Unless you’re a substance abuse therapist, you likely don’t fully understand the situation at play. It’s easy to make assumptions about someone’s drug use situation. Different substances may have varied effects on an individual’s behavior. Start by learning more about the specific substance that your loved one is using. This will give you a better picture of the whole situation, enabling you to understand the magnitude of the problem and how to go about solving it.
2) Offer Support
It’s hard to remain positive in the face of stubbornness from a loved one refusing to go to a rehabilitation facility. One of the best things to do during such times is to offer them positive support without being judgmental. You want to ensure that you don’t give in to the urge to rebuke them for their undesirable, wayward habits. Offering such support ensures that you demonstrate an understanding of what’s going on. When the loved one is ready to admit their problem and seek help, you’ll be the unwavering, influential figure that helped during this process.
Sometimes, your loved one has been to several rehab facilities without much success. This may be the cause of their reluctance to seek such services again.
Ultimately, you may need to enlist the help of a professional interventionist to help your loved one see the benefits of going into rehab for their substance abuse problem.
