Every year, the number of people whose lives have been impacted by drugs increases. Within the last year, close to 60 million Americans have used illegal drugs in some form or another. The government spends $42 billion annually on drug control, but the situation is still grim.
The impact of drug addiction isn’t just isolated to an overdose and a death. Drugs change lives, families, relationships, and careers. The unfortunate aspect is that even if an individual wants help, they face numerous obstacles.
In this article, we will explore some of them.
The Lack of Financial Resources Plays a Big Role
It’s no secret that quality addiction treatment programs are expensive. Counseling sessions, inpatient care, and medication all cost money that addicts are unlikely to have.
Moreover, even if they scrape together enough, these treatments are not one-time events. Instead, they require regular visits to clinics and rehabilitation centers.
If the individual has a job, entering a rehabilitation program may require taking time off or losing one's job altogether. Many drug addicts live paycheck to paycheck, and this loss of income makes it impossible to get the help they need.
According to Find Addiction Rehabs, the cost of admission can be frightening for people struggling with addiction. A simple drug detox program can cost as much as $800 per day. If the individual needs an inpatient rehabilitative program where 24/7 care is needed, the costs are even higher. They can start at $5,000 and go up to $80,000.
Is that expensive? Indeed, it is. However, it is nothing compared to the cost of your life. Insurance certainly helps, but the policy needs to cover rehabilitative efforts.
Individuals lucky enough to have an insurance policy are able to connect to the help they need. Thankfully, there are a number of insurance carriers under BCBS that cover rehab costs.
If you haven’t heard of them, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is one of the older, more established insurance providers in the country. They date back almost a hundred years and are known for having an extensive network across the entire country.
The Complications that Occur With Criminal Justice Involvement
Another major challenge that individuals with addiction issues face is the legal consequences of drug-related offenses. People on probation or parole often face strict conditions, including drug limitations on travel and employment. Violating these conditions can lead to further penalties. It’s easy to see how the system prevents individuals from getting better in this manner.
Moreover, prisons and jails can be environments where drug use is prevalent. One of the first steps in preventing deaddiction is removing the individual from a triggering environment. However, in prison, the exact opposite occurs.
Even if they want to get better, they are surrounded by individuals who freely use and exchange drugs. This can make it extremely challenging to resist temptation and maintain sobriety.
Hopelessness and a Lack of Motivation
Many addicts struggle with a deep sense of worthlessness. On some level, they realize that they have severely damaged the course of their lives. They constantly remember the person they could have been had it not been for drugs. They might remember the career opportunities lost and the relationships that were ruined.
An individual can be removed from their triggers in the physical environment. However, it is hard to remove them from triggers in their mind. When they obsess over these thoughts and feelings, they begin to believe that they are beyond help.
Some may feel they do not deserve a better life. The negative self-talk reinforces the belief that they are incapable of change. This lack of self-esteem can be a significant hurdle to overcome.
Change can be scary, especially for those who have been using drugs as a coping mechanism for a long time. The prospect of a life without drugs can be unappealing and lead to a lack of motivation to seek rehabilitation.
Perhaps, the biggest mistake that is made in rehabilitation efforts is failing to reset beliefs and self-talk. Thankfully, treatments like REBT that focus on identifying and addressing self-limiting beliefs can be effective in conjunction with other measures.
Now is the Right Time to Reach Out for Support
There can never be enough awareness raised about the dangers of drugs. Yes, success stories exist, and it is possible to recover, but the path is not an easy one. The temptation to relapse is just one bad day away.
You had a fight with your partner, and your boss undermined your work publicly- the triggers are everywhere. If you know anyone suffering from drug addiction, and if you have the ability to help, please do reach out. You can potentially save their life, or your own, if you reach out for support to Find Addiction Rehabs today!
Frequently Asked Questions on the Challenges Drug Addicts Encounter
How long does drug rehabilitation take?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it takes because several factors influence the length of the rehabilitation process. The more severe the addiction, the longer it may take to achieve lasting recovery. Relapse is a common part of the process for many, making it impossible to put a number on rehabilitation time.
What is the best way to help a friend who suffers from drug addiction?
The most practical way would be to sponsor an insurance policy that can cover rehab costs. Once they appear to be willing to seek help, there are services to help locate BCBS treatment center options. If possible, try to connect them with a safe environment to live in, preferably away from their old environment.