Not everyone comes to the conclusion that they need help for their addiction. Some people deny the extent of their problem and say that treatment is too expensive, too difficult or doesn’t work. Unfortunately, these misconceptions can encourage addicts to keep on using. Even family members who aren’t sure of their options may delay treatment.

No matter the person, the addiction or the circumstances, delaying treatment is never a good idea. It allows the addiction to worsen, which means it will be more complex to treat. It also creates destruction in its path, such as family arguments, lost jobs, custody battles and problems with the law.

Let’s explore some of the ways that delaying treatment will end up costing more in the long run.

Strained Relationships

It’s hard to be the friends or family of an addict. You’re subjected to the effects of the addiction, whether it’s lying, stealing or acting out. You may lose sleep at night worrying if your loved one will come home. You may even be paying the addict’s bills or babysitting their children.

Relationships don’t work when they are one-sided. And, relationships with addicts are very one-sided. Eventually, anger and frustration arise, which can then turn into resentment and bitterness. Things worsen if there is a domestic dispute or legal issue.

To avoid losing relationships with the people that matter most, treatment is essential. It can help get the addict on the right track sooner than later. Otherwise, an addict can lose much of his or her support system.

Lost Money

Some people are afraid to lose their job if they seek treatment, but there are laws to protect those with mental illness or substance abuse. Addicts can save a lot of time and money by getting the help they need and returning to work where a position will be open for them. By delaying treatment, it’s possible that the addict will lose their job permanently.

Additional expenses that can result from an addiction are:

• Lost job/lost income

• Inability to find a new position

• Medical costs related to work injuries

• Higher deductibles on insurance

• Legal costs associated with DUIs, arrests, etc.

• Court fines related to drug or alcohol convictions

Poor Physical Health

Long-term drug and alcohol use has effects on the body. Alcohol abuse can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis of the liver or hepatitis. Alcohol damages other organs in the body, too, and raises the risk of certain cancers.

Drugs are no better. They have long-term effects on the body such as elevated blood pressure and heart rate. The lifestyle of an addict can also pose a threat. Heroin addicts, for example, often share needles and are at risk for infectious diseases like HIV or hepatitis.

Delaying treatment allows the physical effects to worsen, to the point that they could be permanent. For those that seek recovery sooner, many of the physical problems can be reversed.

Addiction doesn’t get better on its own. By delaying treatment, the problem can fester and wreak havoc on the addict’s life and those around them. Call The River Source to learn about our treatment options.