A Counselor Responds to Common Reasons for Not Seeking Treatment

The post below will include some common reasons we hear from people about why they do not want to start treatment programs.

This is my problem and I want to fix it myself.

Wanting to address a personal problem on your own is very understandable.  We want to be able to take care of ourselves.  Sometimes, we have a sense that if we go to treatment, we are acknowledging that we’re not competent or that we’re not capable.   Plus, asking for help can make us feel out of control or powerless.

Sit down and right out how your substance use is impacting you negatively.  For each negative impact, think about how you intend to address the problem.   What you may notice is that you’re not sure how to address an issue on your list.  Maybe you’ve tried those things and are still having problems.  Maybe you have a sense of what to do and you are not finding the motivation to take those steps.  Or, maybe addressing all those impacts feels overwhelming.

Think about going to a good treatment program as an opportunity to gain personal empowerment.  Treatment can help you be more self-sufficient, feel more capable and gain motivation to make personal chances.  A goal of many treatment programs is to provide people with tools, skills and support to achieve greater well-being.    If your sense of self-sufficiency and independence is important to you, ask some questions of counselors or the treatment program about it.  A good program should listen to your perspective, respond helpfully to you and craft treatment goals that support your values.

Some treatment programs may use language and approaches in treatment that don’t feel comfortable for you.  Ask questions before you sign up for treatment.  If self-sufficiency and independence are important to you, treatment programs based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), Motivational Interviewing (MI), or Harm Reduction may be a good fit for you.

I do not want other people to know I am in treatment.

Unless you give permission for other people to know about your treatment, you have a right to keep your treatment participation confidential.  If your privacy is a concern, talk to counselors and programs about how they protect your privacy and confidentiality.  If you think a counselor or program is not taking your concerns seriously, then consider other treatment programs.    Please see our blog about self-advocating for your rights for more information.

Generally, people in treatment groups are asked to commit to a confidentiality agreement and maintain eachother’s privacy, too.  This means other people in treatment with you will be expected to protect your privacy.  Ask your counselor or program about group confidentiality expectations, if this concerns you.

Being in Groups of People is Uncomfortable.

Most alcohol, substance and drug disorder treatment use groups in their programs.   Many people feel anxious and uncertain about starting group treatment.  These feelings are understandable and normal. In addition, many of us may have experienced groups of people that were unhelpful or hurtful in the past.   If you are worried about starting group, talk to your counselor.  Your counselor should take your concerns seriously and be willing to address those concerns helpfully.

In a good treatment group, you’ll be working with other people who are committed to seeking help and who are committed to helping each other. And, if you join the group, your group members will commit to helping you, too.  One of the wonderful aspects of group therapy is that you can be fully honest and interact freely with other group members. Everyone in the groups will be exploring their own well-being and will be working on improving their relationships with the people around them.  And, sometimes that is challenging. Yet, a good group is a safe, supportive and responsible place to explore your experiences with substance use.    In a substance use treatment group, you’ll meet with some people who are working on addressing those issues, too. And, lastly, remember that you have insights and experiences that will be beneficial to other group members.

If you are feeling very anxious or panicky about being in a group, let you counselor know.  This may be an indication of a concern that needs to be explored more fully.  Your counselor can refer you for some additional help or provide you with more support.  One option is pre-group meetings, on an individual basis with your counselor, to prepare you for what participating in a group will be like and to set up a plan to address any feelings of fear that come up for you in group.

I don’t have time for treatment.

If you think your use of alcohol or drugs is a problem for you and you come to the conclusion that you need help, recognize that treatment is a priority for your well-being.  On reflection, you may realize that you can always make time to use, plan to use or recover from your use.   You may also recognize that your ability to meet all your obligations is tied with your well-being. If you are not well, you may not be meeting your own expectations.  Even when you are meeting your obligations, you may not feel like you are really present for and enjoying your own life.

If your use is starting to have negative consequences, treatment may help you prevent more consequences from occurring in your life.  Fewer consequences can make our lives feel more manageable for us.  Also, recognize that treatment takes time, especially at the beginning and the time commitment will end.  By starting treatment, you are investing time up front for a return on your well-being.

Treatment may also help you clarify what is truly important in your life.  What really matters to you?  Your time is valuable and limited.  Sometimes re-prioritizing our responsibilities on our own is a challenge.    Treatment can help you recognize the experiences and responsibilities that drain you.  Treatment may also help you give yourself permission to let go of the responsibilities that are wearing on you.  For many people in recovery, our well-being was last on our priority list.  We may need some help to recognize how we can best re-invest in ourselves and how a commitment to our own well-being may be the best thing not only for us, but also for the people we care about most.

Disclaimer: All content on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute for clinical treatment or advice. If you, a friend, or a family member is struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues please call our main office at 952-926-2526. For emergencies, go to your nearest emergency room and/or dial 911.