Your Excuses for Avoiding Treatment Debunked

There’s always a good reason to avoid treatment, isn’t there? Maybe you’ve gone through a few of those excuses already. How’s that working for you?

Putting off the inevitable keeps you stuck. Even your best excuse for not getting help isn’t good enough. 

At Recovery Unplugged, we’re committed to helping you heal, and part of that is giving you some tough love. Trust us. It’s in your best interest. 

So let’s get to it. Here are some common excuses and why they don’t hold up:

“I’ve got so much planned.”

We know plans are hard to break. You feel like you’re letting people down. But breaking plans now is better than showing up to your grandma’s house under the influence again or being “that guy” at your workplace potluck.

No matter what time of year you go to treatment, you’ll miss something. So why not make that time now, and start the rest of your life? 

“I can’t miss time with my kids.”

Don’t your kids want a present and healthy parent? Kids are smart, and they likely know what’s going on. Although it may not seem like it, they’ll support you and your treatment the entire way. 

Kids are a little selfish. They want what’s best for them. And right now, that’s for you to get help. 

If your kids are your reason to get help, then let that motivate you. It’s not too late. Whatever their age, you can still mend unhealthy past relationships. If they’re willing, you can work through the difficult moments and create a better future for everyone. 

“I’ll go to treatment after the new year.”

The new year is a great time to take an inventory of your life and make significant changes. So is right now.

New Year’s Day is just another day. There are 365 of them, and they’re all equally great options for changing your life. 

As the year starts over, it feels like a great time to start treatment. But what if you miss it? Do you have to wait for another big day to come? Or are you using it to push off the inevitable? 

What’s the real reason you’re waiting to get help? The perfect time for treatment does exist. It’s today. 

“I want to enjoy the holidays.”

Celebrating doesn’t require drugs and alcohol. You’ll learn that in treatment.

If alcohol is your thing, we get it. From a very young age, our society tells us that drinking is necessary to let loose, have fun, and enjoy the festivities. But that’s not true. You can do all of that without being under the influence.

By putting off treatment, you’re postponing your chance at a healthy future. Get started on your healing today. Don’t let the holidays hold you back.

“I’m not ready.”

You may never feel prepared enough to start treatment. It’s hard and uncomfortable, but at some point you have to take a chance on yourself.

If you keep telling yourself you’re not ready; you won’t ever be. You’ll find another excuse to stay stuck in the unhealthy cycle you’re in. There will always be another reason to put off getting help. But you can make it happen if you choose treatment today.

“I want to celebrate one more {insert event here} before treatment.”

We get it. You want one last “hurrah” before you quit for good. But what will be different this time? 

Since you’re thinking about treatment, why not start now? One more drink or drug might change your mind. Can you risk that? 

Start today, and you’re guaranteed many more celebrations.

Get past the excuses.

Reframe them.

Instead of thinking about why to hold off on treatment, think of reasons to go. Use your excuses as motivation. If you’re putting off treatment for your kids, think about how going will benefit them in the long run. 

If you’re using work or other daily life obligations as your reason for waiting, think about how much better off you’ll be if you get help now. 

Stop denying your problem.

If you’ve had lots of trouble because of drugs or alcohol, you’re likely aware that you need to stop. But maybe you’re unsure of how. 

A great first step is accepting that you need to change. You’ve been living in the cycle of addiction for long enough. Trust us, there’s another way. You deserve a future without drugs and alcohol. 

Take it from someone else.

The best way to learn is through others’ lived experiences. Hearing someone tell their comeback story is a great way to feel more comfortable starting yours. If they can do it, you can too. Listen to a recovery podcast, read quit-lit, addiction blogs, or search for sobriety motivation on social media.

Think about the future.

There’s so much more life to live. If you choose treatment today and commit to doing what it takes, you’ll get the future like you deserve. 

Be realistic.

What are you waiting for? If you’re reading this, you’re likely aware that you need to get help. If you feel like you’re living a lie, it’s time to give it up. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. 

Ask for help.

Call Recovery Unplugged today to get started. Our experienced team is ready to help you begin the path to healing. 

The perfect time to start treatment is today.