Examine common barriers to addiction treatment and how care coordination can assist with transportation, scheduling, resources and treatment access.
More than 54 million Americans aged 12 and older were in need of substance use treatment in 2023. Only about 24% of these people received the help they needed. People with substance use disorder often go untreated for many reasons. Some of these factors are beyond their control, while others are resolvable with treatment support services.
Addiction recovery is a challenging journey that often involves overcoming many barriers. These obstacles can be physical, emotional, social, or psychological, and they can prevent you from achieving lasting recovery. The good news is you do not have to embark on this journey alone.
At New Day Recovery, we want to help you overcome as many of these barriers to treatment as possible. Keep reading to learn how our coordination team can help you gain the determination to achieve long-term recovery.
What are the Most Common Barriers to Addiction Treatment?
Given the widespread epidemic of addiction, why not pursue treatment? Here are ten common reasons why people with addiction avoid seeking help, along with ways to overcome these obstacles.
The 10 most common barriers to addiction treatment include:
- Social Stigma: Fear of judgment or discrimination from society, friends and family can prevent people from seeking help.
Solution: You can tackle stigma by confronting negative attitudes and perceptions about addiction, promoting understanding and acceptance within your community. If others learn how addiction affects the brain, they are likely to show you more compassion and empathy.
- Denial of Addiction: Some people might not realize or admit how serious their addiction is, which can make them resistant to seeking help. Many believe their use is manageable and deny having a problem. They may also blame external factors rather than the addiction for their issues.
Solution: Recovery often begins with overcoming denial and moving towards acceptance. You and your loved ones can learn about addiction, treatment and resources to prepare for when you are ready to seek help. Approaching the topic with compassion and without pressure is most effective, as attacking can reinforce denial.
- Lack of Awareness: A lack of awareness about available treatment options, resources or where to seek help can hinder individuals from accessing addiction treatment.
Solution: The best way to address unawareness is to learn about addiction, treatment options, and resources to make informed decisions. If you are fighting addiction but avoiding help, researching addiction treatment can help you learn more about your journey.
- Unwillingness to Change: Fear is the first obstacle to overcoming addiction. Common fears in recovery mirror those we all experience: fear of change, abandonment, sickness, pain, and loss of identity or purpose. Confronting these fears while giving up a destructive lifestyle is a challenge.
Solution: Feeling anxious about treatment is normal, and you are not alone. Education, support, and embracing the journey can help ease your fears and empower your decision.
- Financial and Insurance Cost: High costs, lack of insurance, and unaffordable expenses may prevent individuals from seeking care.
Solution: If you do not see your insurance provider listed, do not assume you cannot get coverage. You can seek treatment without insurance. Contact the New Day Recovery admissions support team to explore the possibilities and to verify your insurance. Options like sliding-scale payment plans, credit options, or programs like Medicare and Medicaid can help cover treatment costs.
- Treatment Accessibility: Geographic distance, transportation issues and long wait times can hinder addiction treatment access.
Solution: At New Day Recovery, our team will work with you to set up transportation for your treatment. Whether you are staying for residential treatment or coming in for check-ins, we can help. Our coordination team works with local ride-share apps, shuttles, and medical taxi services to get you where you need to be.
- Fear of Withdrawal: The discomfort from alcohol and drug withdrawal can deter treatment. Most symptoms are NOT fatal, but some alcohol withdrawal symptoms need urgent medical care.
Solution: You can come to New Day Recovery for medicated detox to help ease any discomfort you may endure. There is no reason to brave withdrawal on your own. In fact, it can make you more prone to relapse and overdose.
- Co-Occurring Disorders: Mental health conditions like depression or anxiety can make addiction treatment more difficult and may discourage people from seeking assistance.
Solution: New Day Recovery has medical providers who can treat you holistically, meaning your entire mind and body. These specialized clinicians are experienced in handling mental illness and addiction, as they often occur at the same time. With the right medications, you will feel better in no time.
- Lack of Support: A lack of supportive relationships or a stable home environment can hinder a person’s ability to commit to treatment.
Solution: While you work to gain support from loved ones, New Day Recovery will provide you with community resources. In addition to care coordination, our services provide access to peer spaces and group counseling. There, you can meet people going through a similar situation and find solace in your shared journeys.
- Previous Unsuccessful Attempts: Previous relapses or failed treatment attempts can cause feelings of hopelessness and make people hesitant to try again.
Solution: Stay motivated. Addiction is a chronic condition, and relapse is typically part of the recovery process. It is normal to experience one or more setbacks before finally achieving long-lasting recovery. If you need to try a different treatment approach, our case management team can help. You will have access to various medications and the opportunity to discover which works best for you.
FAQs and How Care Coordination Can Support Treatment Access at New Day Recovery
Can a treatment center help with transportation?
Absolutely. New Day Recovery has ride-share partnerships that offer reduced-fare or free rides to patients who need them. This mode of transportation will ensure you reach the facility safely.
• What does a coordination or case management team do?
Our coordination or case management team in addiction treatment serves as the primary hub for a patient’s recovery. They manage assessment, scheduling, planning, advocacy, and linking services. They connect patients with medical, psychological, and social services, such as housing, legal, and employment assistance. Additionally, they coordinate care across providers to ensure a smooth, personalized treatment experience.
• Can someone help me schedule treatment services?
Yes, our coordination care team specializes in scheduling help for addiction treatment. They can work with your schedule to ensure you can receive help when it works best for you.
• What community resources may support recovery?
New Day Recovery can connect you with local addiction recovery resources and online programs to support your journey. These may include other medical clinics, peer support groups, crisis hotlines, or specialized counselors. There is also judicial help for those facing the court system. Pregnant women can seek treatment and medical oversight from OBGYNs.
• How do I start the admissions process?
Call New Day Recovery today to begin the admissions process! Our coordinated care team is ready and eager to get you started on your path to recovery.
Do not let the usual barriers to addiction treatment stop you from getting the help you need. At New Day Recovery, you will find a welcoming space and a tailored program that supports you throughout your recovery. Call us anytime—24/7 at 318.726.2942 or reach out online to learn more about our programs and how we can assist you or your loved ones.
