Should I Travel for Rehab?

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Accepting the fact that treatment may be necessary for you is a difficult reality to accept. Once you’ve made the decision, however, it’s necessary to figure out which treatment option works best for you. It’s equally important to determine which treatment center is best for you. There are thousands of California rehab centers, each of which has its own unique identity.

Many facilities differ in terms of services, environment, therapy, and types of addiction treated.Those who participate in an addiction treatment program can choose whether they want to go to an in-state or out-of-state treatment facility. While there are certainly benefits and drawbacks to both of these options, individuals can rest assured knowing that regardless of where they choose to go, they’ll still receive individualized care. 

Insurance and Choosing a Facility

Sometimes individuals will figure out which of these options is best for them by finding out exactly what facilities are covered. There are a lot of options to choose from depending on one’s insurance plan. When it comes to letting insurance be the deciding factor, it will usually depend on in or out-of-network providers. Sometimes an in-network facility may be closer to where an individual is, but on the other hand, there could be no in-network provider near you.

When someone is evaluating where best to go for treatment, the cost will most often depend on whether or not the facility is covered by their insurance. If location makes or breaks, it could mean paying more for treatment. For some individuals, this is the best way to make the decision. For others, it may not even matter. 

Regardless of whether or not someone is staying local or going out-of-state, it’s imperative to be sure that they are seeking out a California rehab that fits their needs. Individualized care should be the top priority of every facility because there is no one-size-fits-all treatment method. 

Are There Benefits to Traveling for Treatment?

Some benefits of traveling for treatment include the following:

  • Picking the treatment center that’s right for them
  • Shifting perspective towards a literal recovery journey
  • Diminished temptation to leave treatment
  • Introducing new treatment methods
  • Reduces the chance of being recognized in one’s home town or state

Picking the Right Treatment Center

For some individuals, traveling for treatment is the best option when it comes to their addiction rehab. Higher quality treatment may be few and far between in some areas; those who do want to travel, however, will have their pick of the litter. There are thousands of treatment centers in the United States, and the vast majority of them offer individualized care. This is good for those who are at peace with traveling for treatment because they’ll be able to be more selective when it comes to their treatment needs.

Shifting Perspective

In addition to all of this, traveling for treatment allows individuals to shift their perspective. People coin the phrase “recovery journey” all the time, but for those who travel out of town or out of state, their recovery journey is quite literal. It can be refreshing for those participating because it’s almost as though they have a fresh start or second chance. 

Diminishing Temptation

Allowing oneself to operate at a far enough distance from their temptations can be good when it comes to their desire to use; this lessens the likelihood of relapse. The physical distance that one has from their former way of life allows them to truly commit to their recovery. 

Introducing New Treatment Methods

Different facilities throughout the United States also value unique treatment practices. This is another benefit to traveling for treatment. When someone is exposed to a different environment, they’re able to adopt techniques they’d never thought of before whether it be holistic care or heavily therapy-based. 

When someone is admitted to a treatment center, they have to do so of their own accord. Being that admission is voluntary, patients are allowed to leave if they deem it necessary. When someone is far from their home, however, it makes it more difficult to just walk away from everything, and thus keeps the individual grounded. This helps a person complete their treatment and lessen the likelihood of relapse.

Reducing Recognition

Another benefit to attending treatment out-of-town or state is that it reduces the chance of someone being recognized. When in rehab, it’s natural for someone to feel a certain sense of concern due to the potential professional and social impact of addiction. There’s a fear that if someone else finds out that they are struggling with addiction, they’ll be shunned, looked-down-upon, harassed or even reprimanded or fired. Gossip is real and a vital concern for individuals to have; it’s not paranoia, it’s reality. Traveling to a different city or state for rehab will allow for less (or no) recognition.

What are the Drawbacks of Traveling for Addiction Treatment?

Some potential drawbacks to traveling for addiction treatment include the following:

  • Limited visitation during the treatment process
  • Difficulty setting up aftercare
  • Diminished local support system
  • Financial burdens

Limited Visitation During the Treatment Process

Just as there are benefits to traveling for California rehab, there are also drawbacks. One of the most discouraging drawbacks is the fact that family members and loved ones may not be able to visit as often because the patient is attending out-of-town or out-of-state. This has the potential to be very discouraging and lonely for someone who requires the support of family members and loved ones.

Difficulty Setting Up Aftercare

Another disadvantage of traveling for addiction treatment is the difficulty in setting up aftercare. Aftercare is an important part of the recovery process. Because the chosen facility is out-of-town or state, the treatment center may have a difficult time finding an aftercare solution. When someone leaves treatment, they aren’t guaranteed to relapse. Aftercare is a good way to be set up with a support system because it helps individuals transition to the world outside California rehab. 

Diminished Local Support System

In addition to this, there’s also the fact that someone’s local support system may be difficult to connect to. When someone travels for rehab, they don’t attend treatment with those from their home-town. For this reason, connecting to a familiar face may prove itself difficult. 

Financial Burdens

Lastly, the finances are difficult. For those traveling out of state or out of town, there may be additional costs that weigh heavily financially. Recovery is expensive, and that’s one of the scariest parts of finding help. However, figuring out whether or not a treatment facility is in or out-of-network may be the way to go in this regard. 

Benefits of Local Treatment

When it comes to receiving local treatment for substance use disorder, there are several benefits. These benefits include the following:

  • Saving money
  • Proximity to loved ones
  • Setting up aftercare

Saving Money

Saving money is a huge deal when it comes to substance abuse recovery. Treatment is expensive, and that has the potential to be a huge drawback when it comes to figuring out which facility is right for you. Traveling for rehab could mean spending vast amounts of money on gas, flights, or hotels. Attending a local rehab may prove itself more beneficial in this regard.

Close Proximity to Loved Ones

Being close to family and loved ones could make one’s treatment journey more encouraging. Family support is an important part of the recovery process, and being in a local facility allows for more frequent visits from family and loved ones. Not only that, but some treatment centers offer family therapy. This allows the individual not only to see their family but also for their family to participate in their recovery.

Setting Up Aftercare

Aftercare is one of the most important parts of the recovery process. Participating in aftercare could help someone maintain their healthy coping mechanisms. This allows an individual to lessen the likelihood of relapse. Local treatment centers will know a great deal when it comes to nearby aftercare, and this will allow them to make it easier to set up aftercare.

Drawbacks of Local Treatment

Some potential drawbacks of attending treatment locally may include the following:

  • Increased temptation to leave treatment
  • Local distractions, such as friends and family
  • Settling for lower-quality care

Phoenix Rising is Here to Help

Addiction treatment is difficult enough without having the pressure of finding the right facility for one’s individual needs. This should never have to be an area of concern for anyone seeking help for their substance use disorder. That being said, it’s still not something that should be taken lightly. However, the stressors of finding the right place shouldn’t be a hindrance. That’s why knowing what the options are and how it will benefit the situation are imperative aspects to think through.

At Phoenix Rising, we’re committed to providing the best possible recovery experience for those who walk through our doors. We believe that individualized treatment is the best possible avenue for someone suffering from substance use disorder. There is no cookie-cutter addiction treatment option. Every individual is unique, and thus requires unique treatment for their specific circumstances. If you or a loved one would like to find out more, contact us today.