How to Overcome the Fear of Seeking Help for Addiction

Fear is a powerful emotion that can cause addiction and stop you from seeking help. Overcoming this fear isn’t just about “feeling better”—it’s understanding how it impacts your journey and taking meaningful steps towards a lasting recovery.

When you are struggling with an addiction problem, you are likely very aware of the havoc this creates in your life. Often, your family members suffer as much as you do. You want to get help but you’re held back, hoping that tomorrow will be better. But tomorrow never comes.

The cycle of addiction is insidious. On a high, you can conquer the world, but it’s the lows that will do you in. This is why addicts usually don't seek the help they need until their lives have become so unbearable that there's no longer an alternative.

Facing Your Fears

Oddly enough, with most addicts, it’s not the fear of withdrawal that prevents them from asking for help. Rather, it’s admitting that there is a problem in the first place. Before you are ready to ask for help, the first and most important step is to realize that you are addicted. Admitting you have an addiction problem takes a large measure of courage and willingness to face the consequences, such as fear of rejection.

Common to most addicts is that they try to hide their addiction. “Coming out” to seek help may risk rejection from friends and family members, as well as user buddies. This stigma can interfere with an addict’s decision to seek treatment. The SAMHSA 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that common barriers to treatment include concerns about privacy and what others might think.

At the same time, it’s important to realize that a plea for help will always find a positive response from those who truly care.

Taking the First Steps

Addiction is not only life-altering, but it also alters your mind. The urge to take narcotics may have started as new and exciting but soon ended up in something you can’t shake. As tolerance increases, so does the urge for more. That’s why the second most common barrier to help is the fear of withdrawal.

The good news is that at Narconon Suncoast, you are not alone. Our drug-free withdrawal program includes a personal Withdrawal Specialist to assist you through this process with nutrition and special techniques to ease discomfort and painful symptoms.

What About Relapse?

The third crucial factor is the fear of relapse – going through the entire process only to find yourself back at square one.

Most rehab programs are revolving doors where medicated withdrawal may give temporary relief but doesn’t last. Many addicts have run through a number of these without success. Given these failures, relapse is considered something that is almost unavoidable. Yet, nothing is further from the truth.

When Confidence Sets In

Facing your fear of finding help is a process in and of itself, but, like many before you, you can do it. The fears you face now are actually only temporary — the moment you start your recovery those fears will disappear and you will gain more confidence.

At Narconon Suncoast, we work to identify the stages of relapse, improve strategies and support, and apply practical solutions to help our participants significantly speed up their recovery.

If you or someone you care about is caught in the cycle of abuse, Narconon Suncoast is here to help. Rehabilitation is possible. Thousands have completed the Narconon program and have gone on to live fulfilling lives without drugs. The first step is deciding to change; we can help you from there. Call us for a free consultation, more information about our team, or to learn about our program today.