Making Excuses to Avoid Rehab? It’s Time to Get Real

Understandably, the idea of going to a strange place and spending time with people you don’t know can be intimidating.  But, millions have done it and are thankful for their new sober lifestyle.  So, for those who aren’t ready to take that step, are these your excuses?

My drug use is not a big issue.  I can stop anytime.

But, have you seriously tried to stop using your substance of choice but failed?  If so, you do have a problem that needs professional help.  The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be.

I can’t afford rehab.

Sadly, when you make this excuse, you’re putting a dollar value on your life. Don’t you think you’re worth more than that?   Without treatment, drug use can lead to overdose and death.

Options for financial assistance are available such as:

Take time to research the options available to you.  It will be worth the effort.

I can’t leave my job or school.

There’s an answer for that excuse as well. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act provides protections for “those who are currently participating in a rehabilitation program and are no longer engaging in the illegal use of drugs.“

Also, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says that “employers must provide leave for those who need it to deal with a disability — including obtaining medical treatment (e.g., surgery, psychotherapy, substance abuse treatment, or dialysis).”

Furthermore, according to the EEOC, “an employee with a disability who is granted leave as a reasonable accommodation is entitled to return to his/her same position.”

These protections apply to students as well.

Rehab won’t work for me.  I’m not like those people.

Everyone has different reasons for their substance use, but they are all alike in that substance use has negative effects on their mental and physical health.  Although you may not be homeless yet or scavenging for your next meal, substance abuse is still a serious problem.  The thing to remember is that drugs and alcohol are equal opportunity destroyers.  They don’t care about your social standing, ethnicity, financial status, age, or gender.

So, why do you think rehab won’t work for you?  Have you tried it yet?

Nobody understands why I use.

True, it may be difficult for most people to understand your reasons for substance use.  But, does having a good reason make it okay for you to continue using until the worst happens?  This is one of your excuses to avoid rehab that you need to abandon.

Whatever your reasons for substance use, you’ll need professional help to simultaneously address the physical, mental, emotional, and environmental factors that contributed to your addiction.  At the same time, the treatment program will help you develop the skills needed to avoid relapse after leaving rehab.