Many factors can determine how likely a person is to recover from addiction—and to become addicted in the first place. The average number of attempts people make before succeeding is five, with the median number at two. It’s by no means a black-and-white issue.
But one thing is sure: a person isn’t going to recover if they don’t actively want and seek to get better. The tricky thing about this is that certain groups are statistically less likely to seek addiction treatment in Massachusetts for many different reasons.
Today we will be looking at who these groups are and what some of the reasons behind their reluctance could be. Read on to learn more about many individuals’ complicated relationships with addiction and addiction treatment in MA.
A Brief Look at the History of Addiction Treatment
It was all the way back in the late 1700s that someone—a man named Benjamin Rush—first made the case that addiction was a disease and needed to be treated as such. Even though this may seem like a long time ago, this wasn’t something that was readily accepted as fact for a long time.
The first rehab center was established in 1864, but back then treatments that would be questionable by today’s standards were commonplace. In fact, famed psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud recommended the use of cocaine to cure alcohol addiction. It was only in the 1910s that several states mandated the sterilization of the mentally ill, developmentally disabled, and alcoholics and addicts.
Things began to improve around the mid-1900s with the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous and the invention of the Minnesota Model. Since then, methods used in addiction recovery have been revised and refined even further. Things like an intensive outpatient program or partial hospitalization program are much more commonplace.
However, the stigma surrounding addiction recovery still remains. Stigma aside for a moment, there are plenty of other reasons a person from a particular might have trouble seeking addiction treatment for drugs and alcohol.
What Are the Groups Less Likely to Seek Addiction Treatment?
There are a few different groups that tend to have a harder time getting treatment for their addictions. Each group’s reasons vary slightly. You might be surprised to learn about the nature of some of these groups, while for others the difficulty in seeking treatment makes perfect sense.
- People Experiencing Homelessness
- Those Living in Remote Areas
- Mentally Ill Individuals
- People with Lower Socioeconomic Status
People Experiencing Homelessness
There are a few different reasons a person without a stable place to live might struggle with getting help for their addiction treatment. The first and most obvious is that many treatment programs cost money which these people simply don’t have. As well as this, they could be staying in shelters that house other people with addiction issues, which isn’t conducive to a successful recovery journey.
It’s estimated that between one-third and one-quarter of the homeless population in the US suffers from mental illness. As we’ll explore below, poor mental health can be a huge obstacle in seeking effective addiction treatment.
Those Living in Remote Areas
For those living in cities and larger metropolitan areas, it might seem as though a lack of addiction treatment centers isn’t a challenge facing Americans today. But of course, for much of the population, this is a serious issue.
There are huge disparities between different geographical locations in terms of the healthcare available there. While it might be relatively easy to find addiction treatment in Springfield, MA for example, in smaller towns and cities, it’s going to be a lot more difficult.
Lower Socioeconomic Status Groups
A lack of financial resources is one of the biggest roadblocks to people getting the treatment they need. This is true for any sort of medical treatment. Addiction treatment is no different.
The amount of coverage that insurance companies provide for this type of treatment varies greatly. This results in many people having to pay out of pocket. This is something many people can’t afford.
Did you know that black people and Hispanics are less likely than white people to complete addiction treatment? It’s true and this fact is largely due to socioeconomic factors.
The official poverty rate in 2020 was 11%. Unfortunately, the number of people who simply can’t afford to go through addiction treatment is far greater.
Those with Mental Health Issues
Mental health challenges can make it difficult for a person to seek and complete treatment. Oftentimes, addiction and mental health issues are intertwined. It can be difficult to treat one without treating the other.
But often a condition such as depression or bipolar disorder, when left untreated, can make it seem impossible for a person to seek treatment. Addiction is a mental health issue in and of itself, and it can be a struggle to deal with two serious mental health challenges at once.
Looking for Addiction Treatment in MA?
Addiction is difficult. This is true at the best of times. Throw in any of the above mitigating factors, and it can be a minefield to navigate.
But all hope isn’t lost. It’s never too late for you to seek the treatment you need. Northstar Recovery Center offers a range of different treatments. From IOP and PHP to CBT and SUD treatment, you can find the best addiction treatment for you.
If you’d like to learn more about our services, we’d be happy to help. Get in touch with a member of our trusted team today.
Day Treatment Program in MA
The Day Treatment in Massachusetts, also referred to as PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) or IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program), is the highest level of care offered at Northstar Recovery Center. This addiction treatment option encompasses comprehensive clinical care and behavioral therapies. In the initial stages of recovery from addiction, it's crucial to have robust support to navigate both physical and emotional challenges. Our dedicated team at Northstar Recovery Center, located in Southborough, MA, and West Springfield, MA, is committed to assisting you in establishing a solid foundation for a lifelong recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Clients typically visit our addiction treatment center in Massachusetts each weekday for several hours, engaging in counseling sessions and other necessary interventions. This approach ensures a balanced and effective recovery process, tailored to individual needs within the framework of Day Treatment.
Individual, Group, and Family Counseling in Massachusetts
Addiction thrives in isolation, which is why group counseling sessions are a foundational part of our addiction treatment plans. In group sessions, you’ll gain perspective on your struggles with substance abuse and can connect with others who understand your experiences. Family counseling can help your loved ones understand the disease of addiction, navigate conflict and build healthier relationships. In individual counseling sessions, you’ll be able to work through personal issues like past trauma with the help of an experienced therapist.