What Are Common Barriers to Treatment Progress?

When you’ve been engaged in therapy but don’t feel like you’re making progress, it can feel very frustrating. Addiction treatment therapy takes much time and dedication to persevere through, but when you find yourself hitting numerous roadblocks and obstacles, you might be tempted to wonder if it’s really worth it.

It is, believe us.

But we understand the challenges that come and the difficulty of overcoming those barriers. Luckily, there are a number of ways in which those barriers to substance abuse treatment can be addressed.

What are the common roadblocks?

When recovering from an addiction, treatment is one of the most important things you can do. Not only does it give you the opportunity to receive treatment personalized to your needs and goals, but it also provides you with a like-minded community that may help motivate and support you throughout the process.

When it comes to substance abuse treatment obstacles  — which are guaranteed to arise — it’s helpful to know what negative factors you’re likely to encounter; not only does this allow you to prepare yourself mentally, but it also gives you the chance to plan ahead for how you’ll address these roadblocks when they present themselves.

Fear

Fear is a very real obstacle to overcoming any challenge in life, but especially overcoming an addiction. Changing an entire lifestyle is not only scary, it is vulnerable and just plain hard.

But fear isn’t something that should prevent you from achieving a life of freedom. While it’s not bad or wrong to experience feelings of fear while transitioning into a new stage of life, it’s crucial to voice these feelings in an effort to not let them control you. Tell a close friend, family member or therapist that you’re experiencing fear and allow them to speak the truth about the situation. Write down these fears in a journal and allow yourself to let go of any irrational thoughts or emotions that may prevent you from seeking treatment.

Commitment & time

Choosing to seek addiction treatment is a huge commitment and one that — if requiring inpatient therapy — means taking a step away from work or school. This can be a big obstacle for individuals, as they simply don’t have the time to commit to stepping away from their current obligations.

While this is a very valid obstacle, it is one which can be handled. For the most part, employers will want the best for their employee’s mental health and wellness and should be open to a conversation with you regarding the need for you to take time away from your work for your health. Even though it’s a vulnerable conversation to have, communicating your needs to your supervisor is important if you wish to return to your place of employment following treatment.

Geography

It’s true that treatment facilities are not as commonly found as grocery stores or coffee shops, and for those who do not live near highly populated areas, finding an accessible treatment center can be difficult.

Luckily, with recent changes in the technological sphere, online counseling services are more readily available than ever, making it easy for those who cannot travel to receive the services they need. This can also help those who cannot take time off of work or school – teletherapy can be adjusted to your schedule, making it more convenient for some than traveling long distances.

Additionally, residential treatment programs and sober living houses offer individuals the chance to recover from addiction away from their own homes in the safe environment of a treatment center. This program can be beneficial for those who have struggled with addiction long-term and for those who need somewhere else to reside throughout the duration of treatment.

Cost

It’s no secret that one of the most common barriers to substance abuse treatment is the cost — in fact, it has been proven numerous times that many people would seek treatment if it weren’t for financial difficulties or insurance programs that don’t cover addiction treatment.

If cost is keeping you from seeking addiction treatment, we encourage you to first exhaust all your options. Perhaps your company has an employee assistance program that, at no charge to you, can help you take the first steps towards mental health; take a look at your healthcare coverage and see if they have recently adjusted their policies to include it (many have recently been making a move in this direction); and lastly, reach out to the treatment center themselves to talk with an admissions counselor and receive their guidance on how to financially make treatment a possibility for you.

Overcoming barriers to treatment

Facing roadblocks to addiction treatment is intimidating and requires a great amount of courage — but it’s worth it. In the end, you’ll feel as though you have your life back in your control and your health in a place of stability.

If you need help with any part of the recovery process, Real Recovery is here for you. Contact our admissions counselors today by calling our offices at 855-363-7325