There is a significant gap between the number of people who need addiction treatment and those who actually receive it. Sadly, barriers to substance abuse treatment keep too many individuals from getting the help they need and deserve. Contact Sunwave Health today by calling us at 561.576.6037 or reaching out online to learn more about how addiction and mental health admissions software can lower some of the barriers to addiction treatment.
Addressing Barriers to Substance Abuse Treatment
Upwards of 90 percent of Americans suffering from addiction, unfortunately, do not seek professional help each year. What is preventing you and your loved ones, family, friends, and neighbors from seeking treatment? Sadly, there are many barriers to addiction treatment, from the cost of getting the help needed for recovery to the stigma of admitting that you need help. Thankfully, there are now treatment options that may break down these barriers for more people.
The Most Common Barriers to Addiction Treatment
Barriers to substance abuse treatment will vary from person to person, but the most common barriers to addiction treatment include:
- The financial cost of care
- Location
- A patient’s personal schedule
- Stigma or shame
- Availability of co-occurring disorder treatment
Telehealth has the potential to eliminate all of these barriers to substance abuse treatment. Operated at a lower cost, taking a patient’s geographic location out of the equation, flexible to accommodate a patient’s personal work, school, or home schedule, and handled with discretion to reduce any stigma or shame a patient may feel, telehealth could be a vital part of the recovery journey. Sunwave’s telehealth solution for treatment facilities is a unique platform capable of hosting individual or group therapy sessions, with options for form completion, document signatures, and payment collection. You can now begin delivering the best addiction treatment anytime and from anywhere.
Treatment is now more accessible for more people battling addiction. Changes in insurance coverage may open the door for more patients to get the treatment they need and deserve. Innovations like telehealth appointments allow patients in secluded areas, where brick-and-mortar healthcare facilities may not exist, to connect with addiction and recovery healthcare providers. Access and cost, however, are not the only hurdles people with an addiction are facing.
More Barriers to Substance Abuse Treatment
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration notes that there are additional barriers to addiction treatment that may prevent people from seeking out the care they need to get sober and recover.
They Don’t Think They Need Treatment
The reason the majority of people don’t receive addiction treatment isn’t actually because of cost or access to care but rather because they don’t think they need it. Despite the negative lifestyle changes, the financial and emotional costs, and the damage their addiction is causing them and their families, many people still do not recognize the severity of their addiction and acknowledge the need for treatment.
They Are Not Ready for Treatment
Some people who are abusing drugs or alcohol simply do not seek help because they are not ready to stop using.
They Don’t Have the Time for Treatment
School, work, or family commitments often come between people and the addiction treatment needed. Full-time employees may feel that they cannot afford to take time off work to enter into the inpatient care necessary to detox, rehab, and recover.
They Don’t Know Where to Go for Help
While battling an addiction, it can be hard to know where to go for help. People with a substance abuse disorder may feel hopeless, apathetic, and unsure if they can even be helped. It is likely that they may not fully understand all of the available addiction treatment options or where to start.
Learn More at Sunwave Health
Even though some barriers to substance abuse treatment may still remain, there are many encouraging signs pointing to treatment becoming available for more patients. Contact Sunwave Health by calling us at 561.576.6037 or reaching out online to learn how we drive healthy results for healthcare providers and patients.
