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 which rehab to attend.  Although there are treatment centers across the country, each is unique in its living environment, therapies offered, types of addiction treated and more. Patients have the power to get treatment in their home state, or can travel to another state. There are pros and cons to each decision, but both offer hands-on patient care and the freedom to live drug free.

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. Some in-network drug rehabs may even be local; however, other centers may be quite a distance away or even out of state. Costs can greatly vary on the decision to state local or explore treatment at a distance, and can be a good focal point in decision making.

No matter how someone plans to pay for treatment—through insurance, cash or state assistance—it’s important to find a facility that treats the specific addiction and offers desired treatment programs and therapies, regardless of where it is located.

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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. Another benefit is the exposure to different facilities that offer unique treatments for patients.  For example, traveling to a facility on the West Coast may provide more holistic practices that are beneficial, exposing the patient to a new lifestyle.

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. If they inform their manager they are leaving for rehab, they are afraid of the office gossip and perception others will have. 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

Similarly to benefits of traveling for rehab, there are cons. Knowing you will be away from friends and family is a major con that can deter some from traveling. Below are a few more disadvantages to 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.
• Finances can vary greatly on this decision.

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 to be actively involved in the treatment process. Secondly, many centers offer family therapy programs and visitation hours. This greatly benefits the patient and allows them to feel connected to loved ones.

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.

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 option.

The decision is up to you and there are several ways to make this decision. Knowledgable treatment providers are available and discover how they can help you.

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. 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.

Contact a treatment provider to discuss your treatment options.