It seems obvious to many people around an addict that the individual needs the help of a drug rehab program. They have trouble understanding why the addict doesn’t just make the decision, go to a treatment center, and change their lifestyle.

It would be nice if drug addiction and alcoholism were that easy to overcome, but unfortunately they aren’t. Addiction is a chronic disease that causes biological changes, including altering brain chemistry.One of the results of substance abuse in most cases is denial. The individual is incapable of thinking clearly or objectively, and they don’t recognize that they have a problem. They convince themselves that they can quit anytime they want to and are making a conscious choice with drugs and alcohol. This is easier for some people than admitting that they have lost control of their lives and need professional help. In fact, the same thing often happens with family members and friends, as well. While some loved ones recognize what is going on and think that a rehab program is the obvious decision, other times they are in the same denial that the addict is. They even unintentionally support the drug addiction or alcoholism by making excuses for it or taking the individual to buy the substance. This is done with the intention of love, but there is nothing beneficial about enabling or codependent behaviors for anyone involved.

If people have been telling you that you have a substance abuse problem, you should not be too quick to deny it. It is often easier for other people to see than it is for the addict to admit to. There is no reason to continue suffering from the terrible consequences of addiction, when there are so many options available for drug and alcohol rehabilitation. There are over 15,000 addiction treatment centers in the United States alone.