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 abuse 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.

Benefits Of Traveling For Addiction Treatment

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

If you plan on using health insurance to pay for treatment, make sure that your provider offers coverage in another state. With Medicaid, for example, you’ll need to stay in state.

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.

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.

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.

Published on September 11, 2023

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff