Barriers
How the big picture
affects you
Too often, too many people don’t get the help they need to
recover from substance use disorder. Many of the barriers are linked to the way
addiction is treated today, too little understanding of the disease,
shame and stigma, and the cost of treatment.
Today’s approach to treatment
There’s no denying that treatment has saved millions of lives and families. But today’s approach to treating the disease is not meeting the needs of most people.
In most communities, substance use disorder is treated like an emergency health crisis. You reach a breaking point, enter a treatment program and “graduate” in 30 days. Experts have found that this so-called “acute care” model falls short because it doesn’t match the chronic nature of the disease.
This approach makes staying in recovery more difficult for many because the typical treatment is:
- Too
short in duration
- Too
narrowly focused on abstinence only
- Not individualized for the person
- Driven by professionals, with little decision-making by the patient
- Lacking ongoing aftercare support
At discharge, people “graduate” from the program, leaving an impression they’re cured. This sets unrealistic expectations for the individual, family members and the community.
In addition, readmission or relapse is commonly seen as a failure of the person rather than a sign that a different treatment approach may be needed.
We’re working to make recovery more possible by advocating for recovery-oriented systems of care, where communities support people in more ways and places through all stages of recovery.
Learn More
Other experts have identified a number of shortcomings with today's treatment approach to alcohol and drug problems:
What Addiction Treatment Really Needs
Addiction Medicine: Closing the Gap between Science and Medicine
Outdated ideas and beliefs
Many people continue to suffer in the dark because of misperceptions and myths about substance use disorder.
Some may not understand that what they have is a
treatable, chronic disease.
Scientists have long recognized addiction as a chronic disease. Like other chronic illnesses, it can be treated and managed with appropriate care, self-management and community and family support and monitoring.
SOURCE: W.White, Recovery Management and
Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care: Scientific Rationale and Promising Practices.
Some may believe that recovery isn’t possible or
that treatment doesn’t work.
Recovery is real for millions of people across the country. Community studies of recovery from alcohol dependence find long-term recovery rates approaching or exceeding 50 percent.
SOURCE: Dawson, S.A., Grant, B.F., Stinson, F.S.,Chou, P.S., Huang, B., & Ruan, W.J. (2005). Recovery from DSM-IV alcohol
dependence: United States, 2001-2002. Addiction, 100(3), 281-292.
Some may think that their problem isn’t bad
enough to require professional help.
Research shows that the earlier you get help for a problem, the better. You are more likely to recover successfully, to have the support and resources you need to sustain your recovery and to do less long-term harm to your family and community.
SOURCE: W.White, Recovery Management and
Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care: Scientific Rationale and Promising Practices.
Fear and shame
Many are afraid of what getting help could mean for them and
their families.
Fear of
admitting a problem
Many deny a problem because of stigma and shame. People entering treatment say that they worry about what others will say about them.
Stigma can also keep family and friends from providing support for a loved one’s decision to enter treatment.
And people with less severe problems say they’re reluctant to get help because they don’t want to be labeled and fear social stigma.
Suffering from a chronic illness
is nothing to be ashamed about. Substance use disorder should be treated and
understood like any other chronic disease.
We’re working to eliminate stigma through an awareness program so more people and families can get well. And we invite you to join us: take action, join the discussion.
Fear of
giving up alcohol or other drugs
Some people are afraid of change. They don’t know how to live without alcohol or drugs. They fear losing friends and losing a life they know.
Making
a big change is never easy. But you don’t know how good your life can be in
recovery. And you don’t have to do it alone. Read other people’s stories.
Connect. Find the resources you need for healthy change.
Fear of
losing a job or having trouble at work.
There are a variety of federal and state laws regarding employment and the rights of those in recovery. For more information on these protections, read “Know Your Rights” from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
But many employers are working hard to support employees and their family members facing this disease. They’re offering Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) services and adding substance use disorder to their disease management and wellness programs.
We’re working to extend the community of recovery into the workplace through our innovative employer initiative. Learn more or get your employer involved.
Cost of treatment
The high costs of treatment are due in part to the predominant “acute care” model in most communities. And they do keep many from accessing treatment.
But under recent health insurance reforms, more employers and health insurers are covering some or part of these services. Medicaid is also an option for those eligible. Some treatment centers will charge fees on a sliding scale based on income. And public sector funding is also available in many states.
We’re creating a movement across the country that empowers people and communities to take action and come together—so it costs less for us all.
NATIONAL MOVEMENT