Have you told yourself that you do not need help for addiction issues, although everyone in your immediate circle thinks otherwise? Yes, you’ve experimented with many different drugs, you don’t deny that, but your family simply doesn’t understand. You’re not addicted; you don’t need to go to rehab. There are so many people out there that are worse off than you. You are simply not like “those people.” Here are some examples of the excuses we make to avoid rehab and getting help.
The Drugs I’m Using Are “Not That Bad…”
Often times, an individual will tell themselves, or those around them, that the drugs they are using are “not that bad.” The Xanax you’re taking is prescribed by your doctor, so it’s okay. Or, it’s only a little marijuana or a few beers…everyone drinks now and again. The reality though is far worse than what our minds may want us to believe.
Yes, the medication you are taking is prescribed, but have you been taking more than usual lately? Have you been running out of your prescription before the refill is due? Do you feel sick when you don’t take the medicine? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, there’s a good chance you’ve become addicted to your prescription medication.
How about those of you who believe you don’t have a problem because it’s only alcohol; it’s legal and everyone drinks…right? Think about how much you drink and why you do so. Is it more than the average person; are drinking to escape reality? Have you put yourself or loved ones in harm’s way while under the influence? If you have, you may have an issue that is just as bad as “those people.” One must remember, many times this is where addiction begins. At first it appears innocent or as if you have it under control, and before you know it, you’re in full blown addiction and wondering how you got there.
I’ve Never Been To Jail
You’ve never been to jail or prison, so you can’t need rehab as desperately as some people do, right? Wrong! That simply tells us one of two things. Either you haven’t gotten caught yet, or you’ve been allotted a chance or two by law enforcement. We realize that addicts are not criminals, they are sick people with a disease. Nevertheless, addicts are driven my an insatiable desire that often compromises all morals and values, driving them to do things they never thought possible. Those things can include breaking the law. Let’s face it, simply by purchasing and using certain chemicals, you are behaving in an illegal manner.
So, just because you haven’t yet done a “bid,” does not mean you are not in need of drug and alcohol rehab. Quite frankly, waiting for it to get to that point will only make matters worse. By the time your disease progresses to that degree, you will have much more to worry about than just rehab. Having a criminal record is not a prerequisite to addiction and the need for rehab.
I Have Never Stolen From My Family Or Pawned My Belongings
You pay for your habits. That’s understood. Only people with “real” addiction problems steal from their families and friends. Only true drug addicts will pawn their stereo system or family heirlooms. Many times, addicts and alcoholics will tell themselves they don’t have a problem, because they are still “functional.” They still hold a job, pay their bills, and are able to fund their habits. In their eyes, using drugs or drinking excessively hasn’t caused friction in these areas of their lives, so why enter addiction rehab?
Think about it this way. How much money could you have saved if you didn’t spend your hard earned money on substances? Maybe you could be well on your way to a new car, or a down payment on a house, or a nice tropical vacation. Instead, while your bills are paid, the remainder of your paycheck has gone up your nose, or in your mouth, or in your arm.
I Still Engage With My Family
You still show up to family events and parties; your children are cared for; your significant other has everything they need. You tell yourself these things, but the reality may be different from what you think or see. Yes, you may have shown up to Grandma’s 80th birthday party, but can you remember it? Were you preoccupied with using the entire time?
Your children may be fed, but when is the last time you played with them, helped them with their homework, or had a real conversation with them? If you take a moment to think about the time you have spent with your kids, while using drugs and alcohol, could you honestly say it has been genuine and real? Or, did it feel as though it was an obligatory, rushed activity because you couldn’t wait to use again? When’s the last time you took your wife out? Or made your husband dinner? Or spent quality time with your significant other?
If you have trouble answering any of these questions, rehab may be what you need. You don’t have to be without a family or “disowned” or divorced. While you are still present physically for your family, mentally and emotionally you are absent. This is typically where it begins for everyone. Do not wait until it is too late. To still have your family in your life is a blessing. Do not take it for granted.
I Can Control It
Have you told yourself that because you only drink on the weekends, you don’t have a problem? Or that you don’t need to take those pills every day; you can stop whenever you want. Maybe you can. Even so, that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have a problem and you could control it. Everyone is at different stages in their addiction. Where you are now, may be where a late-stage alcoholic began.
Maybe you can stop for a period of time. Nevertheless, what happens during that time? Are you obsessed with using or drinking? When you pick up again, what happens? Do you go overboard once more? Or, have you ever thought, why can’t you stay stopped? Why do you always wind up back where you started?
Excuses
Whatever the case or scenario is for you, these are all simply excuses. Merely reasons to put off entering addiction rehab and beginning a new life style in recovery. If you find yourself making these excuses or more while in treatment, you may want to consider, why. What are you afraid of? Change; Sobriety? If you find it difficult to admit there is a problem, try talking to someone who has experienced what you are currently going through. Nine times out of ten, that individual will most likely wish they had gotten sober earlier on in life.
When considering addiction and rehab, rather than comparing yourself to others and factoring in all of the reasons as to why you are not like them, try to find similarities. Many addicts and alcoholics started in the same place you are now, and eventually progressed to worse conditions. It’s the nature of the beast.
Contact Clearbrook For Addiction Rehab
Are you or someone you love struggling to admit there is a problem, when clearly there is? Are you considering the possibility of addiction rehab, but are not entirely convinced that you are as “far gone” as others may be. The fact of the matter is, you don’t have to be in order to accept help.
If you or someone you love is suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction, stop making excuses, and get help to now! For more than 40 years, Clearbrook Treatment Centers has been offering solutions to the chemically dependent person and their loved ones. Contact our Admissions Specialists today and begin on the road to recovery.
