2 ms·
>The reality is that people want to receive treatment--if they don't, it is because they encounter a barrier to treatment. While I agree that there are huge ba
by wjossey 8y ago
>The reality is that people want to receive treatment--if they don't, it is because they encounter a barrier to treatment.
While I agree that there are huge barriers to treatment, I'll respectfully disagree that people with substances abuse regularly want to receive treatment. Getting someone to just admit they have a substance abuse problem is remarkably challenging (the story of my father is just one of many in my family). Then, it's another hurdle to get them to recognize they can't do it on their own. Then, it's another hurdle to get them to stick with a program. Then, it's another hurdle to get them back into a program once they relapse.
So, I'm right there with you that we need to improve access dramatically. But, just improving access won't open the floodgates, sadly.
- Nomentatus 8y agoCertainly, where I am, far, far more people want treatment than can get it. So much so it's impossible to guess how many don't want it (yet.) How effective current treatment is - other than naltrexone perhaps, is another story. I'm pessimistic there, too.
- wjossey 8y agoI don't think our two statements are at odds with one another. There is absolutely a resource shortage to deal with these issues. In addition, there's the pernicious side effect of the disease in that it keeps you from wanting to seek treatment.