Top 5 Reasons People Fear Going to Substance Abuse Treatment
Why Do People Fear Going to Rehab for Addiction Treatment?
Deciding to start drug or alcohol rehab treatment is a huge step that takes determination and strength. Understandably, there are many reasons people fear going to rehab. Five common anxieties are:
Fear of Change: Addiction brings a sense of familiarity and comfort, even in the face of discomfort and pain. Drug and alcohol abuse can help people feel in control of complicated feelings and situations. But addiction and substance abuse only get worse and worse without help.
Fear of Feeling: Avoiding unpleasant feelings or disturbing thoughts about oneself can be addiction’s goal. When you achieve sobriety, and these feelings and thoughts are no longer suppressed, everything can feel overwhelming. It’s challenging to deal with thoughts and feelings that are troubling, but rehab can help address them in healthy ways and lead to healing.
Fear of Shame and Ridicule: People who struggle with substance abuse may assume that others view them the way they see themselves—through a lens of shame and inadequacy. Coming to terms with those feelings can be scary, especially if you think other people share those assessments.
Fear of Being Able to Mend Mistakes: Addiction and substance abuse carve a wicked path of shattered relationships, loss of jobs, broken friendships, legal troubles, and money woes, among many others. It’s a daunting task to fix these problems. You may think old habits and temptations will drive you to relapse. But mistakes are there to be learned from. And there is no shame in asking for help.
Fear of Loneliness and Boredom: Part of recovery involves letting go of old, harmful behaviors and relationships, like the friends and acquaintances you used to abuse alcohol and drugs with. The fear that you might not replace these relationships could make you think you won’t have fun again. But that’s a defense mechanism of the addiction, and you’ll learn to have fulfilling relationships in your new sober life.
