We avoid getting treatment for many different reasons. Typically, at the core of our avoidance, we are afraid. We are afraid of what will happen if we get treatment. We are afraid of what will happen if we don’t get treatment. We are afraid of how afraid our addictions have caused us to become.
We Are Afraid Of How We Will Feel
Being chemically dependent upon drugs and alcohol truly means being chemically dependent upon drugs and alcohol. Once chemical dependency forms, the brain is no longer able to think, feel, or act rationally without the presence of drugs and alcohol. By the time we are ready to seek residential treatment for our drug or alcohol addiction, we may not remember what it is like to feel our own feelings. We are afraid of going to treatment because we are afraid of sobriety. We are afraid of how we will feel without drugs and alcohol or other coping behaviors. We aren’t sure how it feels not to be high or drunk, or have the option of getting high or drunk.
We Are Afraid Of Being Wrong
Humility is an important theme in recovery, one that requires surrender. Being right is a common characteristic need for addicts and alcoholics. The need to be right is mostly fueled by the need to not be wrong. We don’t want to be addicts and alcoholics. We don’t want to admit we have lost our ability to manage and control our drinking or drug use. We don’t want to be wrong about all the things we worked so hard to convince ourselves we were right about.
We Are Afraid Of Responsibility
In many ways, addiction and alcoholism are a way to escape the responsibilities of life. Even as “high functioning” addicts or alcoholics, we avoid certain emotional or cognitive responsibilities to ourselves and to others, as well as to the world around us. We are afraid of what it might mean to have to be responsible for our thoughts and feelings, be responsible for showing up to others, and more.
It’s okay to be afraid. It’s okay to be afraid and take action. Cypress Lake Recovery wants to help you find balance, become confident, and feel fully restored, mind, body, and spirit. Call us today for information on our residential treatment programs for drug and alcohol addiction, as well as co-occurring mental health disorders. 866-217-2636.
