Addiction is a very personal journey that is influenced by cultural and societal norms. Some people have grown up surrounded by drugs and alcohol, downplaying and normalizing their effects. Others have watched friends and family turn to drugs for entertainment or to escape difficult situations. Different mindsets can affect your ability to ask for help. Overcoming addiction can be even more difficult if your home life shows that seeking outside help is frowned upon. It is important to understand these cultural and societal beliefs, so it will be easier to help people recover from addiction. Here are some attitudes about addiction and recovery that are shaped by different beliefs:
If you need help, I’m weak
Some grow up in communities where they are taught the lie that asking for help is a weakness, and then pass it on to future generations, causing suffering for generations. When it comes to addiction, asking for help is one of the bravest and strongest steps you can take. Addiction is not a moral failing, but an interaction of genetic predisposition, mental health, cultural norms, and often deeply ingrained harmful personal habits. When addicts break free from the norms, they often find the strength they need to overcome their addiction.
If I quit my addiction I’ll lose all my friends
While you may leave some friends behind in your recovery, you will have many people with whom you can look forward to healthier relationships in the future. Many people struggle to break free from drug or alcohol addiction because of the relationships they have in place.
You may have friends who pressure you to drink when you don’t want to, or who don’t support you while you’re in drug rehab. But along the way, you’ll build a healthy lifestyle that includes friends who support your newfound sobriety after you overcome your addiction. Sobriety can expose you to new people, places, and friendships that aren’t based on a mutual dependency on drugs.
I live in a rural area so I can’t get help.
Even people who live in small communities can get treatment for their addiction, sometimes requiring them to spend time commuting to urban rehab centers, as those in rural California do. Orange County DetoxCalifornia, or head to a rehab center in Los Angeles. These centers work with people to safely detox from substances like drugs and alcohol, and then provide inpatient and outpatient services to help them succeed.
Successful long-term recovery relies on identifying the root causes of addiction and developing habits that will help people break the addiction and stay healthy. Additionally, many programs offer telehealth services that allow recovered people to receive therapy and other services remotely once they return home.
I have to fix it myself
On the road to freedom from addiction, there are many people who can help you on your journey. From medical professionals who can help you detox, to people you can confide in in group therapy sessions, to the “aha!” moments you can have in one-on-one therapy, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Many cultures and societies value the individual and privacy rather than relying on others for help when it comes to difficult situations. Addiction also has deep roots in families, so these issues are thought of as something that should only be discussed within the family. Unfortunately, the emotional roots of addiction are usually found somewhere in these family systems. These are the lies that keep people from experiencing the vibrant life that is on the other side of recovery.
If I go to rehab I might lose my job.
If your workplace prohibits drinking alcohol or using drugs, you may be fired if you come to work after drinking or using drugs. Certain Laws Protect You Don’t be afraid of being fired just for going to rehab. Additionally, many programs offer services that allow you to continue working while undergoing an addiction recovery program. They also offer privacy to protect you from workplace retaliation. In fact, we can lose our jobs for almost any reason. Don’t let the fear of losing your job stop you from seeking help.
