Should I Travel For Rehab?

Choosing Where to Go to Rehab

Once you’ve made the decision to get help for a drug or alcohol addiction, the next step is deciding where to go.

"Sometimes, the best fit isn’t located close by."

Although there are treatment centers across the country, each is unique in its living environment, therapies offered, types of addiction treated and more.

People often turn to their insurance providers to find out which facilities are covered under their benefits. Many insurance plans offer a multitude of different treatment options and some in-network drug rehabs may even be local. However, other centers may be quite a distance away or even out of state.

No matter how someone plans to pay for treatment — through insurance, cash or state assistance — it’s important to find the rehab that fits their needs, regardless of where it is. If you need help finding a rehab, get in touch with us now for help.

Benefits of Traveling for Rehab

Sometimes, traveling to a new city or state is the most effective option for rehab, as some cities may not have high-quality treatment options available to their residents. Those who are willing to travel for treatment have access to hundreds of thousands of centers across the U.S., allowing them to be much more selective when choosing the best program for their needs.

"To be effective, treatment must address the individual’s drug abuse and any associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems."

Traveling for rehab also puts you in the mindset of taking a journey toward recovery, allowing you a fresh start in somewhere new. For many, putting distance between themselves and their triggers helps reduce the desire to use again. Having that physical separation can reinforce their commitment to sobriety and their treatment plan.

In most cases, admission to a drug treatment facility is voluntary, meaning the person has the ability to leave at any time if they choose. Being far away from home deflects some of the temptation to walk away from treatment, increasing the person’s chance of completing the program.

Some people are also concerned about the professional and social impact of addiction treatment. Many worry that if anyone finds out they went to rehab, they’ll be looked at differently, judged or even face professional consequences. For this reason, privacy can be very important. Traveling to a different city or state for rehab will reduce the chance of being recognized while in treatment.

Some Disadvantages of Traveling for Rehab

• It can be difficult for loved ones to visit or have an active role during the initial treatment process
• It will be more challenging for the rehab’s representatives to set up an aftercare plan in your hometown, as they are in another city
• There may not be a local support system in recovery, as most people you will meet are not from your home city or state

Going to a Local Rehab

There are several benefits to receiving treatment at a local rehab. A big one is saving money. Going to rehab in another city or state means the cost of airfare, gas and possibly hotel stays must be added to the treatment budget. This can sometimes make going to a local rehab a better option financially.

Remaining close to loved ones is another benefit of going to a local rehab. Having the support of family and friends is very important while in treatment, as well as afterward. Going to rehab close to home allows family and friends to be actively involved in the treatment process and many centers even offer family therapy programs and visitation hours.

Another plus is that a local drug rehab’s administration will be familiar with the area and its resources, making it easier for them to create an aftercare plan for you.

However, there are also some negatives to keep in mind if considering this type of rehab center.

Some Disadvantages of Staying Local For Treatment

• You may be tempted to leave and go home to a familiar setting before fully completing the program
• Friends and family may actually become a distraction in your journey to sobriety, as they are just a few miles away
• You may be settling for lower quality care without considering all of your options

Find Treatment Now

Deciding where to go for rehab is about more than just location. Your choice should be based on how effective the program will be for you.

Addiction treatment is not an area you should cut corners on — it’s okay to spend the money if it means finding the best possible rehab center for you. Treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is an investment in your future health and happiness. It is the first step toward a new, sober life.

Please contact us now for help finding the treatment center that best fits your specific needs.

• Sources

  Spiritual River. (2015). Consider A Local Drug Rehab. Retrieved on January 26, 2016 http://www.spiritualriver.com/drug-addiction/consider-a-local-drug-rehab/

  Beachside Rehab. (2015). The Advantages of Attending an Addiction Treatment Center Away From Home. Retrieved on January 26, 2016 http://www.beachsiderehab.com/addiction-treatment-benefits/

  Rehabs.com. (2016). Frequently Asked Questions about Addiction Rehabilitation. Retrieved on January 26, 2016 http://www.rehabs.com/about/frequently-asked-questions-about-addiction-rehabilitation/

  National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). Retrieved on January 27, 2016 http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/acknowledgments