As the supporting loved ones of someone in need of going to treatment, it can be frustrating to hear their excuses which don’t make sense. We know that their lives are at stake, yet their priorities seem to be elsewhere. Here are two common excuses for not going ot treatment and the way to counter them.
Excuse: It’s Too Much To Go To Treatment
Translation: I’m overwhelmed and intimidated by the idea of going to treatment
Treatment is a sudden change in every way. Leaving behind work, home, school, family, friends, and other ties to spend 30 days to 6 months in a treatment environment can be a bit intimidating. Making arrangements to take care of responsibilities, working with insurance companies, getting transportation, are all small details which can become overwhelming. The details of going to treatment are not often the most overwhelming part of going to treatment. Going to treatment means change, a real authentic commitment to real authentic change. Healing and growth are positive and important, but they can be threatening. Despite dysfunction, pain, and dangerous consequences, there are benefits to maladaptive behaviors. Facing life without these behaviors like compulsive issues, chemical dependencies, and more, is both overwhelming and intimidating.
How to counter: Remind your loved one that treatment and recovery emphasizes a philosophy of one day at a time. Support them by offering to help take care of as many details as you possibly can so they can focus just on treatment. Tell them they are strong, capable, and brave for making the decision to change their lives.
Excuse: It’s Not The Right Time
Translation: I’m not ready to go to treatment
Timing is everything for recovery. Most come to find that the time is now and there is never a minute too soon to make the life changing decision to seek help through treatment. Dangerous myths about “high functioning” depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and alcoholism contribute to a delusional reality where life with behavioral health issues “isn’t bad enough” to necessitate treatment. One might be in school, be working on a promotion at their job, or starting a new romantic relationship. Treatment is a life disruption because behavioral health problems can disrupt the normal flow of life. There is always time to go back to school, get a new job, or start a new relationship. Overdose, fatal health problems, or complications which impair quality of life can drastically alter someone’s idea of their life schedule.
How to counter: Time is of the essence. All we have in any moment is that exact moment. Assertively remind your loved one that time is never guaranteed, particularly when drugs and alcohol are part of the picture. There are strategies you can take to ensure a job, make a plan to go back to school, and work with a romantic partner.
Cottonwood Tucson offers safety and understanding while providing hope and healing through our addiction rehab and behavioral health treatment programs. As clinical industry leaders, our integrative approach to treating co-occurring disorders has been proven for over 20 years. For more information, call us today by dialing CALL (888) 727-0441