Should You Travel For An Addiction Recovery Program?

Finding an addiction treatment program that fits your needs is one of the first steps you can take to recover from a substance use disorder (SUD).

But what if the drug and alcohol rehab center you’re interested in is in another city or state?

Traveling for substance use disorder treatment has its share of positives, negatives, and other factors to consider.

While it may not be for everyone, for some people, it may be just the change necessary to trigger a breakthrough.

What To Know About Insurance Before You Travel For Treatment

If you plan on using health insurance to pay for treatment, verify your coverage before committing to an out-of-state facility. Medicaid coverage is generally limited to your home state.

Private insurance plans vary. Some PPO plans offer out-of-network coverage for out-of-state treatment, while HMO plans typically do not.

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires that insurance plans offering mental health and substance use disorder benefits provide coverage comparable to medical and surgical benefits. However, what’s actually covered and at what cost depends on your specific plan.

Call the number on your insurance card and ask directly about out-of-state residential treatment coverage before making any decisions.

Benefits Of Traveling For Addiction Treatment

There are several benefits to looking for addiction recovery options outside of your area.

Traveling for treatment usually only makes sense for residential and inpatient treatment options, since outpatient services require living at home.

A Change Of Scenery

Traveling for treatment can act as the first step to moving outside of your comfort zone surrounding your drug addiction.

Some of the benefits of traveling, like the excitement you may feel when exploring a new place, may even help to reduce the stress associated with starting the recovery journey.

For some people, their present environment is a factor that is contributing to their SUD.

Living with or near friends or family members who use drugs or alcohol can be a negative influence, making it difficult to stop using substances yourself.

The positive feelings of a fresh start that traveling promises can be a strong driving force forward in your personal recovery journey.

More Diversity Of Addiction Specialists

Compared to the local rehab centers in your area, traveling for treatment provides increased healthcare options, allowing for more personalized care.

If you have a dual diagnosis of substance dependence and a mental health disorder, such as depression, a recovery center that specializes in this type of care can be critical.

Or you may want to attend a rehab program that offers all of the services you need in one place, including medical detox, inpatient treatment, and robust aftercare programs.

Traveling for treatment opens you up to various forms of therapy that might not be available near you as well, such as different types of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or nature therapy.

Nature therapy is sometimes called wilderness therapy or outdoor behavioral health, and it uses structured outdoor experiences as part of addiction treatment.

Research suggests that time in natural environments can reduce stress, improve mood, and support emotional regulation, making it a meaningful complement to traditional therapeutic approaches for some people.

Greater Anonymity

Although addiction is nothing to be ashamed of, many people prefer privacy when dealing with any health condition.

Especially for people in smaller towns, traveling for treatment helps ensure that your healthcare remains private unless and until you are willing to discuss it.

Grow Your Support Group

A possible plus of going out of town or out of state for treatment is the potential to grow your support group.

When away from loved ones you normally rely on, you may be more likely to open up to new people you meet and develop new friendships.

Drawbacks To Out-Of-State Addiction Care

While there are several potential positives to traveling for rehab, for others, those positives can actually be drawbacks.

If you’re thinking about going to a treatment facility outside of your town, consider these factors first.

Physical Distance From Friends And Family

Going to a rehab facility that’s farther away from friends and family who support your recovery can be challenging for people who depend on having that support close by.

Although phone calls can help bridge the distance, some people may want family members to be able to visit more often.

Getting To The Treatment Center

Another factor to keep in mind when considering an out-of-town drug rehab center is how you will get there.

Some treatment centers offer transportation assistance, but not all do. If you have to drive for many hours or board a plane, an out-of-state facility might be out of the question.

When Traveling For Treatment, Inform Your Support System

If you’re receiving treatment out of state, be sure to let your support system know the address and phone number of the facility so that you can stay in touch.

Your support system includes loved ones who support you in your recovery journey and possibly specific healthcare professionals, such as a trusted therapist.

How To Prepare For Returning Home

One important consideration when traveling for treatment is planning for the return home.

Coming back to the same environment, and potentially the same people and places associated with substance use, can be a significant relapse risk without a strong plan in place.

Before you finish treatment, work with your care team to establish a continuing care plan that includes local therapy, peer support groups, and any medications you’ll need. The work done away from home is most effective when it’s supported by a solid structure upon return.

Find Treatment For A Substance Use Disorder Today

Your addiction recovery options don’t have to end in your city. Contact AddictionResource.net to learn more about your treatment options.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff