Coming to the harsh realization that substance use disorder (SUD) may have impacted your life beyond the imaginable can be a harsh awakening. However, addiction is a brain disease that can gradually take control of every aspect of a person’s life, depending on the severity and duration.
Substance use disorders can cause us to damage relationships as addiction takes control of our brains and causes us to make unconscious decisions. We may notice the negative effects of certain habits creep in slowly and suddenly. In the beginning, the harm caused by a drunken night out with friends can appear innocent and minuscule; however, this is not always the case and should be taken into consideration.
We think the damage done can be repaired and even ignore it because, after all, the choices made were caused by a substance and not who we really are. Making excuses for the decisions made while under the influence of a substance does not make issues disappear. Despite the state of mind you are in, every decision made has consequences.
If you notice a pattern in which certain habits cause a disruption in your life, relationships, or mental health, it may be time to take a hard look at the root of the issue. Once you can acknowledge that you may be struggling with substance use disorder or other mental health issues, you can start overcoming the barriers to your recovery.
Beginning Recovery
While beginning recovery can initially be intimidating and overwhelming, it is essential to keep in mind that you are not experiencing this alone. As someone struggling with mental health issues, you can’t solely count on yourself to get the help you need. You can transition into recovery by first talking to a trusted friend or family member who can help you find the help you need while providing support.
You should then contact a doctor who can evaluate your situation and guide you toward a professional recovery support system. Hearing the diagnosis from your evaluation can be overwhelming, which is why it can be helpful to have a trusted friend by your side.
According to Mental Health Information, substance use disorders commonly co-occur with other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, and are better treated together rather than separately. Therefore, you should be prepared to inform your doctor of all your specific signs of addiction and mental health disorders.
What if I Don’t Have a Support System?
Another barrier that keeps individuals from seeking professional help is a lack of a support system. While you may have family and friends, not everyone understands the importance of mental health. There is a stigma surrounding addiction and mental health issues which causes many people to view such issues with a negative attitude. In some cultures, people either don’t believe in mental health in general or view people with mental health issues as weak. Such values can cause families to ignore common signs of SUD and mental health conditions.
If this is the case in your situation, you should not allow social stigma to cause shame in you and prevent you from seeking the help you need. You can break the cycle of this stigma by attempting to educate your loved ones about addiction and mental health from evidence-based data and your own experience.
Meanwhile, you can find the support you need by joining a 12-Step program. These organizations are made up of people who have an addiction in common. These programs are free of charge and only require you to surrender to your addiction and accept you need help to overcome it. Twelve-Step programs can provide you with the connections, support, and information you need for recovery.
Overcoming Financial Barriers to treatment
While organizations like 12-Step programs can help guide you toward recovery, in more severe cases, individuals may need treatment in a professional setting. This can sound intimidating and impossible for those who struggle financially. Fortunately, substance use disorder is considered a public health issue, and most insurance providers are required to cover addiction treatment.
Additionally, there are treatment centers like Spero Recovery Center, which can offer treatment for a large audience due to their affordable treatment plans. Spero is able to provide affordable treatment because we do not accept any private or government-sponsored health insurance plans. This allows Spero to offer treatment to people regardless of their insurance coverage.
The majority of Spero treatment costs are covered through grants and donations, which allows us to provide affordable and high-quality treatment to those in need. This treatment center is a non-profit organization because we believe that access to quality care is a human right, regardless of financial status. There are affordable options available for recovery that can help guide and remove any further barriers prolonging your recovery.
The first barrier to overcome when seeking recovery is any resistance that may be causing you to avoid recovery. Addiction is a brain disease that prohibits you from acknowledging the extent of your addiction. You can begin recovery by recognizing your addiction and seeking professional help from a trusted friend or family member. Those who lack a support system can seek resources online and attain support from other individuals who struggle with substance use disorder. Twelve-Step programs are an effective therapy and an ideal place to find the critical support you need. Financial barriers can be overcome by seeking help from nonprofit treatment centers that provide high-quality and affordable treatment plans. For information, call Spero Recovery Center at (303) 351-7888.
