Addiction is a deeply personal journey that is often influenced by cultural and social norms. Some people were raised around drugs and alcohol and the effects of it were minimized and normalized. Others watched friends and family turn to substances for recreation or to escape from hard times. Various mindsets then could influence someone’s ability to seek out help. If their home life showed them that seeking outside help was frowned upon, it can make it even harder for someone to overcome addiction. It’s important to understand these cultural and social beliefs so that it becomes easier to help people recover from addiction. Here are some of the attitudes about addiction and recovery that are shaped by different beliefs.
I’m Weak if I Need to Get Help
Some people grow up in communities where generation after generation suffers because they are taught and pass down the lie that getting help is weakness. When it comes to addiction, getting help is one of the bravest and most powerful steps you can take. Addiction is not a moral failure, instead, it is an interplay between genetic predisposition, mental health, cultural norms, and harmful personal habits that are often deeply rooted. As addicts step out of their norms, they often find the strength they need to overcome addiction.
I Won’t Have Any Friends if I Give up My Addiction
While it’s true that you may end up leaving some friends behind on your recovery journey, there are so many healthier relationships to look forward to in your future. Many people struggle to break free from addiction to drugs and alcohol because of the relationships they surround themselves with.
You may have a friend who pressures you to have a drink even if you don’t want one, or the ones who aren’t there to support you when you go through drug rehab. But in the process, you get to create a healthy lifestyle after addiction that includes friends who support your newfound sobriety. Giving up your addiction will introduce you to new people and places and friendships that aren’t built on mutual dependency to substances.
I Can’t Get Help Because I Live Too Rural
Even people who live in small communities can get help with addiction. Sometimes it means taking some time away and going to a rehab center in an urban city, like rural Californians going to detox in Orange County, CA or heading to an LA rehab center. These centers work with people to help them safely detox from substances like drugs and alcohol and then offer inpatient/and or outpatient services to help set them up for success.
Long-term success in addiction recovery relies on getting to the root cause of the addiction and creating habits that help them stay sober and thrive. Additionally, many programs now offer telehealth services that can help people get therapy and other services remotely when they head back home from detox.
I Have to Fix This Myself
The path that leads to freedom from addiction is filled with many people to help you on your journey. From medical professionals who help you detox, to the people you spill your guts to in group therapy sessions, to the aha moments you get in 1:1 therapy, you don’t have to fix this yourself.
Many cultures and societies value individuality and privacy when it comes to hard things instead of getting help from others. Because addiction is also so ingrained in families as well, these issues are seen as something that should only be discussed in the family. Unfortunately, the emotional roots of addiction can usually be found somewhere in those family systems. These are the lies that keep you from experiencing the vibrant life found on the other side of recovery.
I Might Lose My Job if I go to Rehab
You can get fired from your job if your employment requires you to be clean and sober and you show up on the job after drinking or getting high. However, certain laws protect you from getting fired just for going to rehab. Additionally, many programs offer services that allow you to still work while you are going through their addiction recovery programs. They can offer privacy as well to protect you from any potential retaliation from your workplace. The truth is, we can lose our jobs for almost any reason. Don’t let the fear of losing this one keep you from getting help.