Many people battling substance abuse find themselves faced with the crucial decision: “Should I travel for rehab?” The choice may be daunting, especially as you juggle the practicality of daily life with the urgent need for recovery. Let’s delve into the tangible benefits of traveling for drug rehab to help you make an informed decision about your journey to recovery.
5 Reasons It Makes Sense To Travel For Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Treatment
Change of Environment
Possibly one of the most compelling reasons to travel for rehab is the change of scenery it offers. Drug and alcohol addiction are often closely tied with an individual’s environment, including people, places, and routines that enable their substance abuse. By physically distancing yourself from these triggers, you can focus more efficiently on recovery. Traveling for drug rehab provides the opportunity for a fresh start in a new, sober setting.
Access to Specialized Programs
Different rehab centers offer a variety of treatment modalities and specialty programs. If your local options do not meet your specific needs or if you require a specialized treatment plan, traveling for rehab could provide access to more suitable programs. For instance, some centers may have specific expertise in dual diagnosis, holistic recovery methods, or treating addiction in certain age or gender groups.
Anonymity and Privacy
Traveling for drug rehab can afford a level of privacy not achievable with local treatment. Concerns about stigma and judgment can be substantial barriers to seeking help for addiction. By choosing a rehab facility further from home, you reduce the likelihood of encountering someone you know, thereby easing worries about your privacy.
Fully Immersive Treatment Experience
With distance comes the ability to fully immerse oneself in the recovery process. Local treatment might be fragmented by daily life distractions or obligations. Traveling to a rehab facility, however, allows you to commit wholly to healing, without distractions from work, relationships, or other responsibilities. This immersion can enhance your focus on recovery and self-discovery, potentially leading to a more robust and lasting recovery.
Harder To Leave
According to a study done by America Addiction Centers on patients that left treatment against medical advice, this is what they found.
Many treatment professionals believe the number one reason to travel to treatment (when possible) is to prevent clients from leaving treatment before it is completed. This is called leaving treatment against medical advice or leaving AMA (for short).
Why would a client want to leave treatment against medical advice? Usually, it is because for the first time in many years, they are feeling emotions. When a negative thought or feeling enters their mind, they have to feel, process, and deal with their uncomfortable feelings instead of using a substance to numb them.When the person in treatment can call a friend and get picked up around the corner, it’s much easier to leave.
Reality sets in, and they are filled with fear, remorse, anger, or resentment. The proverbial “fight or flight” response kicks in, and the person in treatment tries to bolt.
Exploring DIfferent Perspectives On Destination Addiction Treatment Vs Local Facilities
Journeying beyond your comfort zone also exposes you to diverse experiences and perspectives, which can be transformative in your recovery journey. You’ll meet people from different walks of life who are also battling addiction, fostering empathy, understanding, and mutual support. This broader perspective can fuel personal growth and deepen your commitment to sobriety.
To better understand the potential benefits of both local outpatient treatment and destination inpatient rehab, we sought insights from industry leaders in these fields.
First, we reached out to Maple Moon, a renowned destination inpatient rehab facility located in Los Angeles. In an interview, the facility’s Director shared,
“At Maple Moon, we often witness how the act of traveling for rehab can be transformative. Our clients step away from their day-to-day environments and immerse themselves into a new setting, which can be a powerful catalyst for change. Our goal is to provide a sanctuary for healing and recovery, away from the triggers and stressors that may have contributed to addiction. By focusing solely on their recovery journey, our clients often find they can make significant strides in overcoming addiction.”
Meanwhile, we also spoke to the Director of an established outpatient drug and alcohol rehab center in Columbus, Ohio which provides critical treatment services for the local community. They offered a different perspective:
“The value of local rehab services, especially outpatient treatment, cannot be underestimated. For many of our clients, the ability to receive treatment while remaining within their community is essential. They can maintain their job, familial responsibilities, and other aspects of daily life, which provide a sense of normalcy and stability during the challenging recovery process. Also, they are able to immediately apply the coping skills learned in therapy to their real-life situations.”
Both perspectives highlight the inherent value of these different approaches. The destination rehab experience at Maple Moon offers a full immersion, which can dramatically change one’s outlook and behavior. On the other hand, Cincinnati’s local outpatient treatment allows clients to balance recovery with daily life, integrating their newly learned coping skills directly into their everyday environment.
Like All Things In Life, Do What Is Best For You
Choosing between these approaches depends on individual circumstances, including the nature and severity of addiction, personal responsibilities, and support systems. The critical step is reaching out for help and starting the recovery journey, regardless of the path you choose.
Traveling for drug rehab does come with potential downsides such as costs and being away from your support system. These concerns should be weighed carefully against the benefits. It is crucial to remember that rehab is a personal journey, and the “right” choice differs from person to person.
In the end, the goal of any treatment—local or distant—is to provide the help and support needed to overcome addiction. The journey to recovery may be challenging, but with the right treatment plan, it is always within reach. If you’re considering rehab, take time to explore all your options, including the potential benefits of traveling for treatment. The road to recovery may literally mean hitting the road, and that could be the most rewarding journey you ever embark on.
Kitty Ramirez is a passionate writer, explorer, and advocate for the preservation and understanding of indigenous cultures and traditional plant medicines. As the author of the blog, Kitty shares her knowledge and experiences from her many journeys across the globe, connecting her readers with the wisdom and healing practices of ancient cultures. Born and raised in a multicultural family, Kitty developed a deep curiosity about the world and its diverse cultures at a young age. Her adventurous spirit led her to embark on a life of travel, exploring the far corners of the Earth in search of transformative experiences and a deeper understanding of human connection. Throughout her travels, Kitty has had the opportunity to immerse herself in various indigenous communities, learning from their rich traditions and sacred healing practices. Her encounters with plant medicines, such as Ayahuasca, Sananga, and Rapé, have been particularly life-changing, inspiring her to share the power of these ancient remedies with a broader audience.