Treatment FAQ

why is substance abuse so resistant to treatment

by Clara Mosciski DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Full Answer

Why are some people resistant to help with their addiction problems?

There can be many reasons for why the individual is resistant to help with their addiction problems including: * Even if the individual accepts that their life in addiction is unsatisfactory they can resist giving up the substance abuse because they fear change.

What is resistance to recovery from substance abuse?

Those who have developed a physical and/or psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs will usually be reluctant about giving these substances up – this is known as resistance to recovery. Unless the individual becomes willing to change there is very little that can be done to help them end the addiction.

Why are people reluctant to seek addiction treatment?

People may be reluctant to seek addiction treatment because of high treatment costs and low accessibility, denial of their substance use disorder, societal stigma and time constraints. The vast majority of people who need treatment for substance use disorders do not seek it.

What is demand resistance and how does it affect substance abuse?

Learn the role demand resistance plays for those battling substance abuse issues and recognize the signs of demand resistance. What is Demand Resistance? The behavior of people who abuse alcohol and drugs can lead to a great many problems in their life. To those who know them the substance abuser can appear deluded and stubborn.

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Why are people reluctant to seek treatment for substance abuse?

People may be reluctant to seek addiction treatment because of high treatment costs and low accessibility, denial of their substance use disorder, societal stigma and time constraints. The vast majority of people who need treatment for substance use disorders do not seek it.

What is the most common response to substance use disorder?

“I don’t have a problem” might be the most common response people with substance use disorders give for not attending rehab. The other might be “I can quit on my own.”

Why do people with substance use disorders fear judgement?

People with substance use disorders fear the judgment of society, friends and loved ones because addiction has become stigmatized. A 2014 Johns Hopkins study found Americans are more likely to have negative opinions of people with substance use disorders than other mental illnesses.

How long does it take to recover from addiction?

The more time and dedication a person devotes to getting better, the less likely a relapse. But most people battling addiction don’t want to take a 90-day break from their lives to attend rehab. More than three-quarters of people with substance use disorders possess jobs.

How do rehab facilities determine their cost?

Many rehab centers also determine cost based on a sliding scale determined by the patient’s income. Other centers receive funding from the government to lower the cost of rehab.

What are the reasons for avoiding treatment?

Decades of research supports common themes for avoiding treatment: cost, denial, stigma, work and lack of awareness or knowledge. Psychological characteristics, lifestyles and environmental factors all contribute to the excuses.

Why did people not seek help in 2014?

According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the most common reasons people who needed treatment did not seek help from 2011 to 2014 were: 39 percent could not afford it or did not have health insurance. 29 percent were not ready to stop using drugs.

Why is it so hard to get help for addiction?

In addition to the issues outlined above , there are a number of other reasons why people have a hard time getting help for an addiction. Stigma. The stigma around addiction can affect someone’s decision to seek treatment. One study that looked at people’s reasons for not seeking treatment found that: 17.

What are the barriers to addiction?

Barriers to finding addiction treatment may vary by personal situation, but the most common barriers include: 1 Financial/Cost 2 Geographic Location 3 Stigma 4 Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment Availability

What are the different types of addiction treatment?

The most common treatment options available for substance abuse are inpatient/residential, outpatient, group therapy, and private or individual therapy . These forms of treatment can differ quite a bit in terms of cost, time commitment, services, and scheduling.

What is an inpatient residential program?

The distinguishing characteristic of inpatient/residential programs is that people in these programs live at the facility throughout the duration of their treatment. Many programs of this type also offer a comprehensive treatment design that includes medical and psychological care, group and individual therapy, 12-step meetings, and other rehabilitation activities.

How does stigma affect addiction?

The stigma around addiction can affect someone’s decision to seek treatment. One study that looked at people’s reasons for not seeking treatment found that: 17. 3% of respondents said they would lose friends if they went to treatment. 4% said people would think badly of them if they went to treatment.

What are the barriers to treatment for women?

Women face several specific barriers to treatment, particularly around pregnancy and childcare. Many programs do not offer services for pregnant women or childcare, and women may have trouble regularly attending treatment sessions due to family responsibilities. 18,19

How many substance abuse facilities are there in Wyoming?

Wyoming had 58 facilities. Montana had 64 facilities. Rural Areas. People in rural areas face particular hurdles to treatment: 92% of the substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States are in urban areas.

What does it mean when you are resistant to recovery?

Resistance to Recovery as Low Self Efficacy. Even when the individual accepts that alcohol or drug abuse is destroying their life they can still delay seeking help for their problems. If they have low self efficacy it means that they do not believe that they possess the ability to quit.

Why are high functioning addicts so resistant to recovery?

Those who are high functioning addicts can be particularly resistant to recovery because: * The individual may feel that they have far too much to lose by admitting to their problem. They can worry that it might harm their career or that they might lose some of the respect they have worked so hard to earn.

Why do people resist recovery?

There can be many reasons for why the individual is resistant to help with their addiction problems including: * Even if the individual accepts that their life in addiction is unsatisfactory they can resist giving up the substance abuse because they fear change. There is comfort in the familiarity ...

What is it called when you are reluctant to give up alcohol?

Those who have developed a physical and/or psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs will usually be reluctant about giving these substances up – this is known as resistance to recovery . Unless the individual becomes willing to change there is very little that can be done to help them end the addiction.

Do addicts fit the stereotype?

Not all addicts will fit the stereotype of the person who is struggling to hold things together. Those who have a well maintained addiction can appear outwardly successful and be well respected by friends, family, work colleague, and in their community. This individual can use their success as a means to justify their substance abuse, and they will have no problem finding people who agree with them. Those who are high functioning addicts can be particularly resistant to recovery because:

Why do addicts resist recovery?

The most common causes of resistance to recovery include: * The addict is in denial about the causes of their problems. From their point of view they are turning to alcohol and drugs to help them cope with the problems in their life. They see themselves as reacting to their troubles and not actually causing them.

What is the resistance to recovery?

Resistance to Recovery Defined. Addiction completely destroys people’s lives. They addict can lose almost everything that they hold dear; career, friends, possessions, the respect of family members, hobbies, health, sanity, and self-respect. If the individual persists in the behavior they will eventually lose their own life.

What does it mean when an addict is in the midst of addiction?

When the addict is in the midst of addiction, they really do see alcohol or drugs as their savior instead of the cause of their difficulties. * Some people develop the misconception that they need to lose everything before they will be able to quit their addiction.

Why is it important to move fast to get help?

It is vital that they move fast to get help because this receptiveness might not last very long. * Finding out about the different options can help people overcome their resistance to recovery.

What does it mean when your self-efficacy is low?

If their self-efficacy is low then this means that they will not believe it possible to achieve a task. This lack of belief in their ability to get sober will mean resistance to the idea. It is possible to increase the self-efficacy of people to believe they can achieve something by:

Is it unethical to wash your hands of addicts?

There are some addicts who are never likely to give recovery a chance. It would be unethical for society to just wash their hands of such individuals. Even if people are not willing to consider sobriety there may still be things that can be done to improve their situation. Harm reduction programs include:

What happens if a substance abuser demands resistance?

If a substance abuser has a tendency to demand resistance, it can have consequences such as: * Substance abusers tend to feel resentful about suggestions that they change their behavior. If this person is demand resistant they might even abuse alcohol or drugs more out of a sense of rebellion.

Why do addicts react to criticisms of their behavior?

One of the reasons why this might happen could be that the individual is demand resistant.

What is addictive personality?

The addictive personality is a set of characteristics that substance abusers tend to share. Some of these personality traits are closely linked to the behavior of those who are demand resistant and include:

What is stubborn addiction?

The Stubborn Addict. The behavior of people who abuse alcohol and drugs can lead to a great many problems in their life. To those who know them the substance abuser can appear deluded and stubborn. It is obvious that drugs are having a negative impact on this person’s life yet they persist with the behavior. Any attempts to get them ...

Why do loved ones suffer?

* This type of behavior can be a barrier to success and happiness in life. * Loved ones may suffer because of this resistance to expectations. The person may automatically resist any plans or action that is suggested to them.

How does a child feel when they resist their parents?

Perhaps they feel that they can in this way gain power in relation to those who have up until then controlled their life. It makes the child feel more powerful , and they may want to experience this feeling of power.

What is demand resistance?

Demand resistance can be defined as an unconscious chronic negative response to demands, real or perceived, internal or external. It means that the individual does not react well to any demands or expectations for how they should behave.

Can addiction be treated successfully?

Yes, addiction is a treatable disorder. Research on the science of addiction and the treatment of substance use disorders has led to the development of research-based methods that help people to stop using drugs and resume productive lives, also known as being in recovery.

Can addiction be cured?

Like other chronic diseases such as heart disease or asthma, treatment for drug addiction usually isn't a cure. But addiction can be managed successfully. Treatment enables people to counteract addiction's disruptive effects on their brain and behavior and regain control of their lives.

Does relapse to drug use mean treatment has failed?

No. The chronic nature of addiction means that for some people relapse, or a return to drug use after an attempt to stop, can be part of the process, but newer treatments are designed to help with relapse prevention. Relapse rates for drug use are similar to rates for other chronic medical illnesses.

What are the principles of effective treatment?

Research shows that when treating addictions to opioids (prescription pain relievers or drugs like heroin or fentanyl), medication should be the first line of treatment, usually combined with some form of behavioral therapy or counseling. Medications are also available to help treat addiction to alcohol and nicotine.

What medications and devices help treat drug addiction?

Different types of medications may be useful at different stages of treatment to help a patient stop abusing drugs, stay in treatment, and avoid relapse.

How do behavioral therapies treat drug addiction?

Behavioral therapies help people in drug addiction treatment modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use. As a result, patients are able to handle stressful situations and various triggers that might cause another relapse. Behavioral therapies can also enhance the effectiveness of medications and help people remain in treatment longer.

How do the best treatment programs help patients recover from addiction?

Stopping drug use is just one part of a long and complex recovery process. When people enter treatment, addiction has often caused serious consequences in their lives, possibly disrupting their health and how they function in their family lives, at work, and in the community.

What happens after you leave substance abuse treatment?

After leaving substance abuse treatment, people often return to environments where they once used drugs. Certain people, places and things from a person’s past can bring about memories of substance use, which can induce urges that may lead to relapse. The risk for relapse can be influenced by the duration of addiction.

How to stay drug free after rehab?

Taking proper steps to remain drug-free can increase a person’s chances of maintaining sobriety during recovery. Aftercare services provide extended care after rehab. These services include psychotherapy, 12-step education and other prevention programs that help people avoid triggers that commonly lead to relapse.

How many people relapse from drug addiction?

In fact, many individuals in recovery experience more than one relapse in their lives. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40 and 60 percent of people recovering from drug addiction relapse. These recurrence rates are similar to those of other chronic diseases, including Type 1 diabetes and hypertension.

Why do smokers relapse?

Researchers found that common triggers such as stress and environmental factors contributed to relapse. Pleasure from smoking was another commonly cited reason for relapse.

What are the triggers of abstinence?

Triggers. Triggers are thoughts, feelings, sensations, situations and relationships that cause someone to drink or use drugs after a period of abstinence. For example, driving past a familiar drinking establishment, such as a bar or restaurant, may generate cravings in some people in recovery.

Does unemployment increase the risk of relapse?

A 2011 study published in Current Drug Abuse Reviews found that unemployment increases the risk of relapse after rehab treatment . Researchers found that risky drinking, which includes binge drinking or heavy alcohol use, is more common among the unemployed. They also found that unemployment is a risk factor for substance use and addiction.

Does relapse mean treatment has failed?

Staying sober takes time, practice and commitment, and a relapse does not mean treatment has failed. Addiction is a brain disorder that causes people to engage in compulsive drug use despite knowing the physical, legal and social consequences. People in recovery from this disease may return to heavy drug or alcohol use.

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