It can be hard for someone with a substance use disorder to even admit to having a problem. Addiction is tricky and it deploys all kinds of defense mechanisms to protect itself. Admitting to having a problem is a big step but some people who admit having a problem are still reluctant to enter treatment. They may have practical objections, like they can’t afford it, or it’s a bad time, or someone has to take care of the kids, and so on. However, the real reason they don’t want to enter treatment is often that they’re afraid. Here are some of the most common fears people have about entering treatment for addiction.
“Detox will be hard.”
Detox can indeed be hard. Depending on the substance you’re recovering from, your withdrawal symptoms may range from headaches and irritability, to terrible flu-like symptoms, to life-threatening seizures. Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid it. If you want life to improve, you have to tolerate a week or two of withdrawal. The good news is that detoxing in a facility can make the experience less bad. It’s a way of minimizing the danger of the symptoms and having people take care of you while you detox. Detoxing in a facility won’t be pleasant, but it’s better than doing it on your own.
“I won’t know anyone.”
Many people dread the thought of going off to some place and spending 30 to 90 days among total strangers. That’s certainly understandable but the reality is not what most people expect. Although you may not know anyone at first, you will make friends quickly. Everyone there is in the same boat and you will find you all have a lot in common. What’s more, since treatment emphasizes sharing and mutual support, you are likely to find yourself with some very close friends by the time you leave. Building these relationships in treatment is a great way to start building a strong sober network, which is essential to a long recovery.
“I don’t want to talk in front of people.”
Group therapy is a major element of nearly all quality treatment programs. That’s because research shows group therapy is an excellent way to address addiction-related issues, build communication skills, and get feedback on your progress. However, some people are understandably nervous about sharing their problems in front of a group. In practice, people tend to get over this anxiety pretty quickly. They soon see that everyone has the same kinds of issues and there will usually some people who have been through much worse than you have. The therapist is there to moderate the discussing and make sure it remains supportive and productive. People in group therapy often end up feeling very close to the other members of their group.
“I might fail.”
Perhaps the biggest fear people have about treatment is that they might fail. They will have spent all this time and money and gotten their family’s hopes up only to relapse and disappoint everyone. It’s true that relapse is always a possibility. About 40 to 60 percent of people relapse within the first year of treatment. However, that also means 40 to 60 percent of people don’t relapse. And although relapse should be avoided if possible, it isn’t a permanent failure. People do succeed in recovery after several relapses. The important thing is to keep trying.
At Alta Lama Transformational Services, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. Alta Lama uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, where you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 866-457-3843.
