Addiction destroys your physical health, relationships, financial resources and professional status. However, the nature of the disease keeps many addicts from getting help. Relapse is so common that addiction specialists consider it to be the exception rather than the rule. So what is it that keeps some addicts and alcoholics? How are other individuals able to sustain their sobriety for years? Here are the top five roadblocks to a sober, healthy life.
Untreated mental illness. Research suggests that mental illness among addicts is the rule rather than the exception. Studies have indicated that approximately 7.9 million adults in the United States had co-occurring disorders in 2014.[1] Unfortunately, mental health conditions are often misdiagnosed or left untreated, resulting in a higher rate of relapse. Many people with co-occurring disorders never get the help they need. These individuals suffer from depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder or another serious mental health disorder.
- Fear of rehabilitation.Fear is an enormous obstacle to recovery. No matter how hopeless a life of addiction might seem, the prospect of rehabilitation is still terrifying. Many addicts fear the physical discomfort of withdrawal, while others are afraid of going through life without an easy way to numb their emotional pain. Overcoming fear is a day-by-day process in recovery, and it requires the help of a compassionate, knowledgeable treatment team.
- Lack of a support system. The lack of a strong support system has been cited as one of the biggest roadblocks to recovery. While some recovering addicts have strong family support systems, others must rely on the encouragement and motivation of therapists and peers. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, a strong support network is an important factor in sustaining your recovery.[2]
In drug rehab, support comes from counselors, therapists and other addicts who are going through similar experiences. Peer support groups help you learn how to cope with the emotional and psychological challenges that you’ll face in your new life. You’ll also make new friends who will be there for you in the aftercare phase of treatment.
- Low self-esteem.A low sense of self-worth keeps many individuals caught in the cycle of addiction. This feeling leads to negative self-dialogue that says: “I’m just an alcoholic. I’ll never get better. I’m worthless. I’ve already destroyed so many good things in my life.” One of the goals of addiction treatment is to modify destructive thought patterns and replace them with new, positive beliefs. Another critical goal is to enhance and strengthen the individual’s motivation to heal.
- Unsafe living environment. No matter how desperately you want to get help, you can’t achieve long-term recovery in an unhealthy environment. Drug rehabilitation centers provide a secure, safe atmosphere that promotes health and wellness. From comfortable accommodations to nourishing meals, you will have the environment you need to achieve healing.
The counselors and therapists at Skywood are familiar with all of the roadblocks to recovery. Many of us have been through our own recovery journeys.We understand the fears and obstacles you face on a daily basis. Contact us for a confidential discussion of how we can help you overcome addiction. You can get clean and achieve your dreams for the future.
[1] https://www.samhsa.gov/disorders/co-occurring Co-occurring Disorders.
[2] https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction Treatment Approaches Drug Addiction.