What barriers prevent people from entering treatment?
The stigma of addiction can be a substantial barrier for individuals who need treatment. Numerous reasons abound for refusal to seek treatment. Historically, society viewed addiction as a moral weakness and failing. A great number still hold that perspective, despite addiction’s medical classification as a chronic relapsing brain disorder. Addicts may feel a sense of shame or humiliation at what they perceive as their own failing. Many may fear ostracism by family and friends for their condition. Social pressures continue to push a marked stigma upon those with addictions, preventing disclosure of the illness and pursuit of treatment. The further pressures of potential legal, personal and professional repercussions are additional barriers to treatment. One of the first barriers encountered by many addicts is the paucity of screenings for addiction. Few providers are trained to screen for addiction. In some cases, however, state law serves as a barrier to screening. Uniform Accident and
The stigma of addiction can be a substantial barrier for individuals who need treatment. Addicts may feel a sense of shame or humiliation at what they perceive as their own failing, and many may fear ostracism by family and friends. One of the first barriers encountered by many addicts is the paucity of screenings for addiction. Few providers are trained to screen for addiction. In some cases, however, state law serves as a barrier to screening. Uniform accident and sickness policy provision laws (UPPL) allow insurers to deny claims precipitated by drug- or alcohol-fueled mishaps. A UPPL discourages providers—through denial of claims and, thus, reimbursement—from screening patients for substance use disorders. In 2001, the National Association of Insurance Legislators advised the repeal of the UPPL. To date, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Washington have revised their statutes. Following a criminal conviction for a drug offense, addic
