Should I Travel for Rehab?

Understanding your options for rehab is important when you are considering getting help for a substance abuse problem. Navigating the world of substance abuse treatment can feel overwhelming and confusing at times. You are probably asking yourself many questions such as, “should I travel for rehab?” or “am I able to attend a rehab out of state?” There are many factors involved in choosing a suitable rehab. Today, we are going to explore what to consider when choosing a substance abuse rehab facility, including the pros and cons of traveling versus staying local for rehab.

Having options is great when you understand what your options are. Depending on where you live, your level of access to rehab can vary. Across the United States, there are over 14,500 drug rehab facilities.¹ Drug treatment includes a variety of services that vary in intensity; drug treatment centers can be public (funded by local and state governments) as well as private (for-profit). Insurance is usually accepted at both types of facilities. While the exact number of drug rehabs in Nevada is unknown, there are over 100 drug rehabs available across the state.²

It is important to consider all your options when choosing a drug and alcohol rehab facility. Some factors to consider include your substance abuse history, insurance coverage, and location. Substance abuse treatment can be tailored to your specific needs. Your substance abuse treatment provider will work with you to create a treatment plan that is unique to your needs and your recovery goals. Ensuring that you choose a rehab that can not only address your needs, but also help you achieve your recovery goals is key to successful substance abuse treatment. A big factor for many people is whether to choose a local rehab or an out-of-state facility.

Things to Consider When Traveling for Rehab

If you are thinking about traveling out of state for rehab or you have found a rehab that you are interested in that is out of state, there are several things to consider before you make your decision. Travel expenses, distance from family, alumni support, and legal issues are all factors to consider when choosing an out-of-state rehab center.

Alumni support refers to the support system you develop that is comprised of other people who have completed substance abuse treatment and are living a life in recovery, free from drugs and alcohol. Studies have consistently demonstrated the important role that support systems play in the recovery process. Receiving and seeking healthy support from people is a key factor in successful recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.⁴ The people you meet in recovery can be considered a vital part of your recovery journey. If you travel out of state for rehab, it is important to find similar support groups when you return home.

Effective substance abuse treatment addresses the whole person, including thoughts, behaviors, social factors, and other physical and mental illnesses that may play a role in addiction. For many people, addiction may have contributed to additional problems such as legal and financial issues. Pending legal matters may prevent you from being able to seek treatment out of state. In this instance, local drug and alcohol treatment centers may be the only option. It can be difficult for many people to transition from substance abuse rehab to their normal lives. For this reason, choosing an out-of-state rehab may be beneficial as it can serve as a fresh start in a new environment. There are other benefits of traveling for rehab which will be explored further.

Are There Benefits of Traveling for Rehab?

There are several benefits of seeking drug and alcohol treatment out of state. Living in a new environment while you are getting sober can give you the space and time you need to learn new ways of thinking and behaving as you navigate life without drugs and alcohol. As previously stated, transitioning from a treatment facility to your previous environment can be challenging. Your previous environment can include other people in your life who you have used drugs and alcohol with. Also, your environment can be a vulnerability factor in terms of triggering past memories of drug and alcohol use which may make it difficult to stay sober.

Being surrounded by memories, people, and things in your environment that you associate with past drug and alcohol use may make you more vulnerable to relapse. Studies have shown that the environmental context of where alcohol and drugs were used and abused can increase susceptibility to relapse and stimulus in the environment can lead to drug and alcohol use in abstinent people.^{5(introduction paragraph)} Moving to or choosing another state to attend treatment can help create distance from stress related to your environment where you used and abused substances in the past. Moving for treatment can demonstrate commitment to recovery and your sobriety.

How to Find the Right Rehab Center for You

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of detox and rehab in both Nevada and across the United States. AAC’s compassionate staff works with you to create personalized treatment plans that address all of your unique needs and incorporates your recovery goals to maximize your success. AAC has trained treatment consultants available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Many of the treatment consultants have their own personal experience with addiction so you can be sure that you will be treated with the utmost respect and courtesy when you call. Your call will remain 100% confidential. By calling , you can verify your insurance and get answers to questions you may have about drug and alcohol treatment. Addiction doesn’t wait and neither should you. A simple phone call can be the difference between suffering in addiction and living in recovery. You deserve a life worth living.