Why Out of State Rehab Is Worth the Travel

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Making the decision to enter into a treatment program for addiction is not always a straightforward choice. Even if your life seems to be crumbling around you, you might still cling to the misguided belief that you can tackle your problems on your own. Understanding that you need outside assistance and reaching out for help is a major first step. As soon as you take this step, you are well on your way to a better way of life. The next step is deciding which treatment center will best meet all of your personal needs. You might have a wide range of related questions. Should I go to an inpatient program or a lower level of care. Do I need medical detox? Should I go to an out of state rehab center?

When it comes to finding a treatment center, you might be tempted to stay close to the comforts of home. However, it’s not uncommon for people to seek treatment outside of their home state. While this may initially seem less convenient, traveling for rehab can be extremely beneficial. Though it may be difficult for you to leave your family, friends and hometown behind as you work to break free from your struggles with addiction, doing so could be essential to your long-term success. If you’re considering a treatment facility for yourself or a loved one, read on to learn more about the advantages of attending rehab away from home to help you decide whether it’s worth the travel.

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Benefits of Traveling for Rehab

Because everyone is different, people seek out-of-state treatment for a variety of reasons. One of the most significant reasons is traveling for rehab allows you to take yourself out of your daily routine. By going somewhere new, you give yourself a fresh start in a safe environment that’s free of the distractions that may have initially caused your addictive behavior. If you decide to stay close to home, you set yourself up to fall back into your old behaviors — you know where to find your substance of choice, you know who to call if you feel like drinking or using, you know who will bail you out of trouble when you suffer the consequences of your actions. In order for sobriety to stick, it can be beneficial to commit to a complete change of scenery. It might seem scary or uncomfortable at first, but true change will only occur if you’re willing to do things differently.

Additional Benefits of Out of State Rehab Include:

  • A feeling of starting over, giving you a better chance of making a full recovery.
  • The option to choose a location or setting where you feel more comfortable and relaxed.
  • More opportunities to find the right type of treatment program for your exact needs.
  • A chance to get away from triggers, negative influences and the root of your addiction.
  • Developing a new sober support network of like-minded individuals.

Pros and Cons of Out of State Rehab

As is the case with any situation, there will be pros and cons to traveling to an out of state rehab. In some cases, staying close to home might be the better option. We have compiled a sample list of positives and negatives, though because your situation is unique your personal list will look a little bit different. Before making any definitive decisions we recommend speaking with someone who has experience. This might be someone who has been to treatment beforehand and has successfully stayed sober, a Treatment Advisor at a reputable treatment center, or a licensed therapist with a professional background in addiction recovery.

The Pros of Out of State Rehab:

  • Geographical distance will give you the space you need to recover, and your loved ones will have the space they need to recover simultaneously.
  • Traveling out of state will remove you from familiar temptations and reduce the risk of relapse significantly.
  • Traveling out of state will invoke feelings of new beginnings, setting you up for success.
  • Your hometown might not offer the same caliber of treatment as an out of state program.
  • You have the opportunity to be more discerning when it comes to choosing a specialized program.

The Cons of Out of State Rehab:

  • It can be more difficult for loved ones to participate in family-oriented programs if they are out of state (of course, video calling is always an option).
  • If you have a regional health insurance provider, you might find that a smaller amount of the provided services are covered partially or in full.
  • If you plan on returning home after treatment, it might be more difficult to establish a thorough aftercare plan.

Traveling for Rehab Can Help You Recover

No two people are alike. However, depending on your personal challenges, you can often see great improvement just by changing your routine and removing yourself from unhealthy situations. In many cases, traveling for rehab is worthwhile because it can allow you to step outside your normal daily activities, provide you the space you need to work through problems and become stronger and more resilient in situations that trigger your anxiety, depression, trauma or addictive behaviors.

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What to Look for in an Out of State Treatment Program

If you do decide to travel to an out of state rehab center, you have the opportunity to choose exactly what type of program is best for you. The first choice you will make is what level of care to commit to. In the vast majority of cases, people who have been struggling with addiction benefit from a multi-staged continuum of care, one that begins with medical detox. In detox you will undergo drug and/or alcohol withdrawal in a medically monitored environment, with 24/7 access to professional medical care. Once you have been physically stabilized you will transition into a higher level of care. During detox, your case manager and clinical team will help you determine which level of care is right for you.

In the meantime, we encourage you to ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I looking for a specialized treatment program, one that will address an underlying mental illness, unresolved trauma, or another challenge I am facing in conjunction with my substance use disorder?
  • Am I looking for a treatment program that is therapeutically based, rooted in the 12-Step model, or primarily holistic? Would I benefit from a treatment program which incorporates all three elements?
  • Is the treatment center I’m looking into both licensed and accredited? Does it boast high success rates and is it widely reputable?

Do your research before making any final commitments, and remember that Guardian Recovery is always available to answer any questions you might have about the process as a whole.

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If you are struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders, reach out to us today to get started on the pathway to a bright future. Our treatment centers welcome people of all ages and walks of life. At Guardian Recovery, we offer comprehensive care in beautifully appointed settings. The moment you make the decision to reach out for help, you will be put in touch with one of our compassionate Treatment Advisors who will walk you through our simple, straightforward admissions process. We begin by asking a short series of questions geared towards helping us determine which level of care is right for you. If you do decide to travel to an out of state rehab center, we will help coordinate travel — though travel expenses are the personal responsibility of each client. We are happy to arrange local transportation to one of our treatment centers whenever necessary. We work directly with many regional and national health insurance providers, and provide free, no obligation insurance benefit check. We look forward to speaking with you soon and getting you started on your own personal journey of recovery.

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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.

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Reviewed professionally for accuracy by:

Ryan Soave

L.M.H.C.

Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. Post-graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he started working with those suffering from addiction and PTSD, he found his passion. He has never looked back.

Written by:

Cayla Clark

Cayla Clark

Cayla Clark grew up in Santa Barbara, CA and graduated from UCLA with a degree in playwriting. Since then she has been writing on addiction recovery and psychology full-time, and has found a home as part of the Guardian Recovery team.

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