According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, although more than 21 million Americans needed help with a substance misuse disorder in 2011, just 2.3 million got the treatment they needed at a specialist alcohol or drug abuse facility. Narrowing this gap is essential if everyone who needs substance abuse help can access it, so it is important to understand the barriers that prevent access to recovery programs for addiction to drugs or alcohol. As the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment highlights, the factors standing in the way of addicts getting the help they need are varied and range from not acknowledging that they have a problem with substance misuse to difficulties with admission.
Firstly, it is easy when under the influence of drink or drugs to be oblivious to the problem, particularly when addicts cannot appreciate the extent of their destructive behaviors and are not alerted to this by the people close to them. Sometimes there is the belief that rehab won’t solve the problems in their life, which is often the case when an alcoholic or drug user doesn’t make the connection between the two. It is also a common misconception that treatment for addiction is unnecessary and that an addict can deal with the issue themselves, even though this is virtually impossible once in the grip of drug or alcohol dependency. However, poor social support is another important factor, with people dependent on drink or drugs worrying that they will lose friends if they access treatment as they may think badly of them, or they have concerns that family does not want them to attend a recovery program due to the shame this may bring. There are also those barriers that relate to fear of addiction treatment, which may stem from previous bad experiences or anxiety about the unknown. Additionally, some addicts feel apprehensive about sharing personal details with counselors and their peers, and the thought of group sessions can put some people off seeking help. On a more practical note, time constraints can make attending rehab seem unachievable for people who have other commitments and a busy schedules, though treatment availability is another important barrier. While some addicts can struggle with the task of locating addiction recovery providers, for those who manage to do so, traveling a distance for treatment is sometimes an issue. Finally, long waiting lists and the admissions process are also off-putting to some people who wish to get help with addiction.
From Pennsylvania to Florida drug rehab facilities that offer a high quality service recognize these barriers and take steps to overcome them. By completing an assessment prior to admission, addiction recovery programs can identify clients who would benefit from motivational interviewing to increase the likelihood they will attend treatment, but the information gathered can also help treatment centers to plan programs of care around each client’s individual needs.
Addiction Hotline
Whether you have a problem with substance misuse yourself or you are ringing on behalf of a loved one, an alcohol or drug hotline is a vital source of information about addiction and the recovery programs available. These telephone lines are usually open 24/7, so whatever time of day or night you can access the support you need to start making decisions about getting treatment. From identifying whether your alcohol or drug use is problematic to finding out what rehabilitation involves and the local treatment centers to you, the team of trained advisors are here to help you.
If you are unsure whether you or someone close to you needs treatment for substance abuse, the advisors can help you to work this out through a series of questions. Answering “yes” to any of these is a strong indicator that alcohol or drug rehabilitation is necessary:
- You are drinking or taking drugs more often and in increasing amounts
- You no longer feel in control of your habit
- You experience unpleasant symptoms if you don’t get your fix
- You have tried to quit alcohol or drug use without success
- You neglect responsibilities you have at school, work and home
- You have given up on other interests
- Your substance of choice is now your main focus in life
- Your relationship with your partner, family and friends is suffering
- You suffer financial difficulties as a result of your habit
- You are taking dangerous risks when under their influence
- Your alcohol or drug use is getting you into trouble with the law
- You still continue to abuse drink or drugs when you know it is causing destruction in your life
Once it is clear you need help to recover from an addiction, you will have lots of questions about the treatment choices available locally. You will need to consider whether an inpatient or outpatient program is best suited to your needs, and weigh up the different styles of recovery offered by each treatment center. Guidance is available on the key features that addiction treatment facilities should offer in their program, but a reputable providers of rehab centers in NJ and beyond will make sure that they tailor the care they offer to your requirements.
Drug Abuse Hotline
It isn’t just the person contemplating alcohol and drug rehab that addiction helplines can support, but they also offer much needed assistance for family and friends. Advisors understand that it is a difficult time for anyone when they discover a loved one has a problem with substance abuse. They can help you understand that you shouldn’t blame yourself and that while you can’t control or cure their addiction, there are many positive steps you can take. If you want to understand how best to raise the issue with someone you care about, you can receive guidance on how to do so, and then how to take things forward. Advice from a drug addiction hotline can also put you in touch with support groups in the community designed to help when someone close to you is battling an addiction. These are an opportunity for you to meet with others in a similar situation, share experiences and ask questions, allowing you to understand more about substance dependency and how you can best help a loved one in its grip.
Although you may have reservations about attending a support group, when you keep an open mind and try out the sessions you might be surprised how much you gain from them. If you are unsure whether you need this extra support, identifying with these situations suggests that it would be beneficial:
- You make excuses and cover for the addict
- You no longer feel you can trust them
- You are growing increasingly worried about them and this is starting to take its toll on your own health
- Your relationship with them has suffered
- You blame yourself for their actions
- You feel frustrated as you are not in control of the situation
- You feel unable to discuss your concerns with others close to you
- Nothing you do seems to help
Besides taking part in family support groups in the community, addiction programs sometimes include family therapy as part of the treatment they offer. This benefits both the addict and family members, as specialist counseling allows each party to understand the other better, which means they appreciate the wider impact of their behavior and can help you to support them more effectively during their recovery. Looking for drug rehab centers in Florida and other states that offer family counseling as part of their treatment package is therefore recommended when there are unresolved issues.
Drug Rehabs
With thousands of drug treatment centers to choose from across America, how can you be sure that the program you access will give you a good chance of successfully overcoming your habit? A Government resource highlights the features of effective drug recovery programs, so when selecting drug rehab centers in NJ or elsewhere, always check that they offer the following:
- Treatment that looks beyond your drink or drug problem to address other issues you have, whether those relate to your health, work or your social situation.
- A tailored plan of care that is modified to meet your changing needs. While counseling and behavioral therapy is offered as standard, you may also need medical input, medication, vocational support and access to social services at varying points of your treatment.
- An extended period of treatment to support your ongoing recovery, whether at a sober living facility or further counseling as an outpatient. Measures should also be in place to help you remain in addiction therapy, as early exit from treatment reduces your chance of success.
- Therapy that doesn’t just help you overcome your drink or drug habit, but is also designed to enhance your interpersonal skills and your ability to participate in family and community life.
- Access to medications that can help you to successfully withdraw from alcohol or heroin, which additionally reduce the risk of relapse, though they are most effective when used alongside behavioral therapies. Medications are also often a vital component of addiction recovery if you have a co-existing mental illness.
- Managing mental health problems during treatment admissions, as failure to address both problems adversely affects your outcome.
- Monitoring abstinence, as this can help you resist cravings and evidence of relapse allows adjustments to your treatment plan to reflect the extra support you need.
While success during substance abuse treatment still requires significant commitment on your part, when you choose Florida rehab centers and those in surrounding states that offer evidence based treatment, your chance of quitting your habit for good are considerably higher.
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