When you love an addict, you get used to hearing excuses for why they continue to use drugs or alcohol, and why they continue to deny drug and alcohol rehab in Arizona. Even though these excuses get old, addicts can be very convincing. There may be times when you actually believe your loved one and have hope that they can change on their own.
Unfortunately, addiction is a progressive condition that almost always requires treatment. Even if a person is able to stop using on their own, they need therapy to address the underlying reasons for using drugs or alcohol. If they don’t process past trauma, work on their interpersonal skills or treat mental illness, they are likely to return to their old ways.
To help you gain – and keep – a level head, here are six common excuses that addicts use to avoid rehab in AZ.
1. “I can quit if I want to, I’m just not ready yet.”
In some cases, people with a substance use disorder truly believe that they can stop using drugs or alcohol whenever they want. They may not recognize their problem, or they may blame others for their actions. For example, some addicts have been able to stay sober for a long time, and then return because someone or something ‘caused’ them to.
In reality, addiction is a disease that gets worse over time and continues to negatively impact the mind and body. A person can’t just stop when they want to. Eventually, the disease gets so bad, it affects every aspect of a person’s life.
2. “I’m not hurting anyone but myself.”
This is another common excuse that addicts use to avoid going to a treatment center in Arizona. Even when you tell your loved one that you love and care about them, it’s not enough. But it’s important for people to know that addiction affects society as a whole.
For instance, substance use drives risky behaviors like domestic violence, neglect, abuse and driving under the influence. It also tears families apart and either starts or continues cycles of generational trauma. There is never a time when addiction affects only the individual.
3. “I’m not nearly as bad as other people I know.”
Even though comparing ourselves to others is not a healthy practice, it’s part of human nature. When someone is battling addiction, it’s easier for them to look at others rather than themselves. This is called deflection, and it’s a coping mechanism for dealing with shame or fear.
In truth, people do not need to be at their lowest point to attend drug rehab in AZ. Treatment exists on a spectrum, so it’s possible to receive treatment early on. In fact, treatment is easier and outcomes are better when a person seeks therapy early. Pointing out other people’s problems simply delays the recovery process.
4. “I can’t see myself living without drugs or alcohol.”
This is actually the truest statement on this list. For many addicts, they simply can’t imagine themselves living without drugs or alcohol. They’ve come to rely on substances to feel good, and they likely use them to self-medicate underlying issues of trauma, depression or anxiety.
For those who self-medicate, the thought of having to face life without substances can be terrifying. While it’s not easy to quit using drugs or alcohol, dual diagnosis treatment in Arizona addresses underlying trauma and mental illness so that people are able to lead happy, productive lives without the need for self-medication.
5. “Arizona drug rehab is too expensive.”
There are many barriers to treatment, but they don’t need to stop your loved one from getting the help they need. Many treatment centers accept health insurance, as well as offer payment plans, grants/scholarships and loan assistance.
Treatment centers also charge differently, so it’s important to speak with each admission’s department for exact pricing. Keep in mind that the physical, emotional and financial toll of avoiding treatment is far more than the cost of treatment itself.
6. “I can’t go to treatment – I’ll get fired from my job.”
Again, this is another barrier that can be addressed. There are protections in place for people who need to take a medical leave for drug rehab, including the American Disabilities Act and Family and Medical Leave Act. However, these protections are only valid for employees who are in recovery. If your loved one shows up to work under the influence, they can get fired.
Beat the Excuses – Learn How Treatment Can be Affordable, Accessible and Even Enjoyable!
These are some of the most common excuses that people use to avoid drug detox in AZ. While you can’t exactly force someone into treatment, you don’t have to fall for the excuses and enable their destructive behaviors.
At Wolf Creek Recovery, many of our team members are in recovery and can empathize with your family. Contact our admissions department and we will help educate you on the costs of treatment, along with how to encourage your loved one to get the support they need.
