The Biggest Fears Holding People Back From Treatment
& What Loved Ones Need to Know to Help Someone Take the First Step
Every day, thousands of people recognize that they need addiction treatment but hesitate to take the next step. The reasons vary—fear of withdrawal, uncertainty about what treatment will be like, financial concerns, or skepticism about rehab programs.
Many of these concerns are valid. Treatment is a significant commitment, and with so much conflicting information online, it can be difficult to know what’s true. However, many of the barriers preventing people from seeking help have solutions—some of which people aren’t even aware of.
This article breaks down the most common concerns people have when considering treatment and provides clear, factual information to help individuals and their families make informed decisions.
Fear of Withdrawal: What Really Happens During Detox?
One of the biggest reasons people avoid treatment is fear of withdrawal. Many substances—including alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines—cause intense physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
What You Should Know:
Medical detox programs are designed to make withdrawal as safe and comfortable as possible. Patients are monitored 24/7 by medical professionals who provide medications to ease symptoms, IV fluids to prevent dehydration, and mental health support to reduce anxiety.
Not everyone experiences severe withdrawal. The severity depends on factors such as length of use, type of substance, and overall health.
Detox is only the first step. While detox helps the body rid itself of substances, it does not treat addiction itself. Without follow-up care in residential or outpatient treatment, relapse is likely.
Fear of Failure: "What If I Can’t Stay Sober?"
Many people hesitate to seek treatment because they worry they won’t succeed in maintaining sobriety.
What You Should Know:
Addiction is a chronic condition, not a moral failing. The idea that relapse means failure is outdated. Like any chronic illness, addiction requires ongoing management.
Treatment doesn’t just focus on stopping substance use—it teaches people how to manage cravings, cope with stress, and rebuild their lives.
Long-term recovery is possible. According to research, people who stay in treatment for at least 90 days have the best outcomes. Those who complete a full continuum of care (detox, residential, and outpatient treatment) are much more likely to achieve lasting sobriety.
Uncertainty About What Treatment is Like
Many people delay seeking help because they don’t know what treatment actually involves.
What You Should Know About Different Levels of Care:
✔ Detox (Medical Withdrawal Support) – The first step in treatment, detox provides medical stabilization and 24/7 supervision to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
✔ Residential Treatment (24/7 Structured Care) – Patients live at a treatment center, participating in individual therapy, group counseling, and skill-building activities.
✔ Partial Hospitalization (PHP) – A step down from residential care, PHP involves 6+ hours of therapy per day but allows individuals to live at home or in a sober living facility.
✔ Intensive Outpatient (IOP) – Flexible treatment for those who need support while balancing work, school, or family responsibilities.
✔ Virtual IOP – Online therapy sessions allow people to receive structured care from home.
Understanding these options helps individuals choose the right level of care based on their personal needs.
Financial Concerns: "Can I Even Afford Treatment?"
Many people assume addiction treatment is too expensive or that their insurance won’t cover it. However, substance use treatment is legally required to be covered under most health insurance plans.
What You Should Know About Insurance & Financial Assistance:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most insurance providers to cover addiction treatment.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for rehab.
Insurance plans vary. Some have restrictions on out-of-state treatment or specific levels of care.
Alabama and Oklahoma policies often restrict out-of-state treatment.
Example: Some Cigna EPO plans do not cover out-of-network (OON) treatment, meaning individuals must seek care within their home state.
If insurance coverage is limited, there are other options. Many treatment centers offer:
Sliding-scale fees
Payment plans
Scholarships or nonprofit funding
Choosing the Right Treatment Center
Not all rehab centers are the same. Some focus on profit over patient care, while others offer evidence-based, high-quality treatment.
How to Evaluate a Treatment Center:
✔ Accreditations: Look for programs certified by The Joint Commission or CARF—this ensures high standards of care.
✔ Staff Credentials: Are therapists licensed? Is there medical oversight?
✔ Patient Reviews & Testimonials: What do past patients say?
✔ Transparency: Do they clearly explain their approach, or do they seem evasive?
✔ Call and ask questions. Do they sound like they genuinely want to help, or is it just a sales pitch?
One great way to compare treatment centers is by using Recovery.com, where individuals can read patient reviews, compare treatment options, and check accreditation status.
Helping a Loved One Enter Treatment
For family members, the biggest challenge is often convincing a loved one to get help. Many people struggling with addiction deny they have a problem or resist treatment due to fear.
Steps to Take:
Do your research first. Find treatment options, insurance coverage, and financial aid information ahead of time.
Approach with empathy, not pressure. Avoid ultimatums. Express concern and support.
Consider professional intervention. Interventionists specialize in guiding loved ones toward accepting help.
Make the process easy. Offer to handle paperwork, insurance verification, or logistics.
Final Thoughts: Overcoming Barriers to Treatment
The biggest obstacles to addiction treatment—fear, financial concerns, uncertainty, and stigma—can feel overwhelming. But in reality, these barriers often have clear solutions.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, the most important thing to remember is: you are not alone, and help is available.
📞 Need guidance? Call Asana Recovery today (949-763-3440) to discuss treatment options and verify insurance coverage.
Recovery is possible. The first step is reaching out.
🎉Trivia Time!🎉
Over the past 20 years, the number of substance abuse treatment facilities in the U.S. has increased significantly.
📊 Trivia Question:
How many more treatment centers were there in the U.S. in 2023 compared to 2003?
💡 Hint: According to Statista, the number of treatment centers has grown between these years.
✅ How to Enter:
Email your answer to david@asanarecovery.com for a chance to win!
🎁 Prize: A $25 gift card (Uber, DoorDash, or Amazon – winner’s choice!)
🏆 Rules: Only one winner will be chosen, and the selection will take place after 24 hours.
Good luck! 📈✨
Food for Thought:
When it comes to the fear of failure as a barrier to entering treatment it is very helpful to know there is absolute failure without trying...you are guaranteed to fail. You will never know if you do not try.