A Study of Reasons for not Seeking Treatment for Substance Abuse in Community (2024)

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A Study of Reasons for not Seeking Treatment for Substance Abuse in Community (1)

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Abstract

Prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse is very high. Majority of drug users do not seek treatment which is a major concern for professionals. This study was undertaken to find out the reasons of not seeking treatment for substance use in the community and the factors which motivate drug users to seek treatment from various treatment services. Sample consisted of 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 100 persons who were dependent on alcohol & drugs and were not receiving any treatment. Group 2 comprised of 48 patients of substance abuse from the same area who were seeking treatment. Both the groups were administered specially designed proforma for assessing reasons of seeking and not seeking treatment. Psychological well being was reported by majority as a reason for not seeking treatment. Other reasons for not seeking treatment were short term useful effects of drugs, lack of awareness about drug related complications, fear of withdrawal symptoms and not being aware of treatment facilities. Wish to improve oneself was the most common reason for seeking treatment. Other reason for treatment seeking were availability and awareness of treatment facility, internal motivation and easy availability and awareness of treatment. Implications of the findings are discussed.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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Articles from Indian Journal of Psychiatry are provided here courtesy of Wolters Kluwer -- Medknow Publications

A Study of Reasons for not Seeking Treatment for Substance Abuse in Community (2024)

FAQs

A Study of Reasons for not Seeking Treatment for Substance Abuse in Community? ›

Psychological well being was reported by majority as a reason for not seeking treatment. Other reasons for not seeking treatment were short term useful effects of drugs, lack of awareness about drug related complications, fear of withdrawal symptoms and not being aware of treatment facilities.

Why do people not seek help for substance abuse? ›

People go untreated for many reasons. They may be reluctant to seek treatment because they hold certain beliefs about it, or they may not have insurance to cover the costs. Or they may live in an area where treatment isn't available.

What are the causes of drug abuse in the community? ›

Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental guidance can greatly affect a person's likelihood of drug use and addiction. Development. Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person's life to affect addiction risk.

What is substance abuse in a community? ›

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. One of the key impacts of illicit drug use on society is the negative health consequences experienced by its members.

How can we solve the problem of drug and alcohol abuse? ›

  1. The first step to overcoming drug abuse and addiction.
  2. Explore your addiction treatment options.
  3. Find support for your addiction recovery.
  4. Learn healthy ways to cope with stress.
  5. Be aware of drug triggers.
  6. Cope with drug cravings.
  7. Build a meaningful drug-free life.
  8. Don't let relapse keep you down.
Feb 5, 2024

Why do people not seek therapy? ›

The most common reasons people don't seek care: stigma, cost, lack of access, and misinformation about what mental health care is and what it can do.

Why is treatment important in substance abuse? ›

Treatment for substance use disorders is designed to help people stop alcohol or drug use and remain sober and drug free. Recovery is a lifelong process. Staying in recovery is a difficult task, so your mother will need to learn new ways of thinking, feeling, and acting.

What is the main problem of drug abuse? ›

Drug use can lead to dependence and addiction, injury and accidents, health problems, sleep issues, and more. Drug use affects you and those close to you. Know there is help. Do you or someone you know hide their drugs?

What are the effects of drug abuse on family and society? ›

Substance abuse affects a family on every level: emotional, psychological, financial, and social. A parent's preoccupation with getting drunk or high can lead to neglect or abuse. The use of alcohol and drugs can lead to financial hardship, poverty, or bankruptcy.

What are the 5 consequences of drug abuse? ›

Seizures, stroke, mental confusion and brain damage. Lung disease. Problems with memory, attention and decision-making, which make daily living more difficult. Global effects of drugs on the body, such as breast development in men and increases in body temperature, which can lead to other health problems.

Why is drug abuse a social problem essay? ›

There are many other adverse effects of drug abuse on families: Family conflict that might include physical and/or mental abuse and neglect. Loss of employment and income. Increased likelihood of emotional and mental disorders (like anxiety and depression) among family members.

What are the social impact of drug abuse? ›

Use of drug by common people leads to many social consequences such as – Instability in family relationship, Domestic Violence, Crime prone life, Reduction of sense of belongingness to the family and the society. There is also lack of social harmony and happiness within the family.

Which consequence of drug abuse most directly affects the community? ›

IncarcerationExplanation: Drug abuse can lead to several negative consequences, including fines, criminal records, and loss of driver's license. However, incarceration is the consequence that most directly affects the community.

What are the three solutions of drug abuse? ›

Structured treatment programs, substance abuse counseling, and 12-Step programs do help. While they are not the only sources of help, they are the most consistently effective, especially when combined in some systematic fashion.

How can we raise awareness for drug abuse? ›

Educating young people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, as well as promoting healthy ways to cope with stress and problems, can help reduce the risk of addiction. Programs in schools, involving parents, and having community support networks are effective ways to prevent substance abuse.

What are the 3 types of drug prevention and control? ›

Based on a public health model, three types of strategies to prevent drug abuse can be discerned: primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.

Why is it hard to talk about substance abuse? ›

Talking about substance use brings up many thoughts, feelings, opinions and memories – good and bad. Using stigmatizing language, shame or judgment is usually hurtful and makes it almost impossible to have constructive conversations with the people in our lives that use substances.

What are some barriers to receiving mental health treatment? ›

Barriers to seeking help for an emotional or mental health difficulty
  • Stigmatising beliefs. ...
  • Perceiving problem as not serious enough. ...
  • Reliance on self. ...
  • Difficulty accessing help. ...
  • Fear of negative outcome. ...
  • Difficulty identifying or expressing concerns.
Sep 30, 2016

What is the problem of substance abuse in? ›

Drug addiction can lead to physical and mental health problems, including heart disease, liver damage, and depression. It can also lead to an increased risk of HIV and other infectious diseases, as drug users may engage in risky behaviors such as sharing needles.

Which of the following is not usually a primary concern of men seeking addictions counseling? ›

Anger management training is not usually a primary concern of men seeking addictions counseling.

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