Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that causes an array of emotional and behavioral changes. Oftentimes, individuals suffering from addiction live in denial about their substance abuse issues. This tends to cause them to avoid attending treatment or behave as if they do not want help.
There is a misconception that individuals struggling with addiction must want help to be successful in recovery. However, many individuals attend addiction treatment for reasons other than a motivation to get sober. In other words, addicts do not necessarily have to want help to recover from addiction.
People who have loved ones suffering from addiction are probably familiar with the phenomenon of addicted individuals refusing help. This can be extremely confusing, especially when they have experienced consequence after consequence as a direct result of their substance abuse.
There are many reasons an addict may not want help. Some of the most common reasons include:
Typically, the reason addicts avoid receiving help for their addiction stems from some sort of fear. Whether it’s the fear of financial loss, being judged, or failing, these worries can become serious barriers to addiction recovery. However, there are still ways to help an addict who is refusing treatment.
While many people believe that someone has to want help to get sober, this isn’t always the case. Indeed, some individuals will not change until they develop the desire for a better life, however, outside factors could push someone to attend treatment.
For example, many individuals have been forced into treatment as a result of a diversion program through the legal system. If their only choice is to attend treatment or face jail time, many individuals will opt for sobriety.
Another reason an individual may get sober despite a lack of desire for help is family pressures. Whether it be a new baby on the way or the threat of divorce, life-changing situations like these can cause an individual to attend treatment for the sake of the people around them.
Things that could motivate an individual to get sober other than personal desire include:
It is important to note that these situations might not spark the desire for sobriety in every struggling addict. Some people do have to want help before they will take a shot at recovery. However, sometimes all people need is a little push in the right direction and support from their loved ones.
Watching a loved one or friend struggle with addiction and refuse help is never easy. This causes many individuals to deal with high levels of stress, frustration, and maybe even feelings of guilt or shame. However, there are ways to help an addict who doesn’t want help.
The best way to motivate an addict to get help is by hosting a professional intervention. These meetings are facilitated by an addiction recovery specialist who helps the family members and friends write statements to emotionally appeal to the addicted individual. If they agree to attend treatment, they will immediately be placed in a treatment program to begin their recovery journey.
Other ways to help an addict who doesn’t want help include:
Involuntary commitment or “forced rehab” is a process that allows the loved ones of an addict to admit them into a program against their will. This is only utilized in cases where the individual’s life is in danger or they are causing harm to the people around them.
There is no guarantee that forced rehab will work for everyone, however, it is a good way to prevent an individual from suffering from severe consequences of addiction like life-threatening overdoses.
As previously mentioned, the reasons addicts refuse treatment are rooted in fear. Sometimes all an individual needs to recover from addiction is the motivation and push to try. Because of this, involuntary commitment does work and if not, it at least exposes the individual to addiction treatment and provides them with the knowledge of what to do in the future.
Michael Herbert, The Recovery Guide, has more than 30 years of experience working closely with individuals and families dealing with addiction and recovery issues. He is a seasoned Coach and can help you and your family establish long-term goals and access the tools you need for continued abstinence and recovery for the entire family. Get in touch with Michael today at 561-221-7677 to schedule an appointment.
