6 Reasons Why You Should Travel For Drug Rehab

Medically reviewed by

Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BC

June 6, 2019

According to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 23 million people needed treatment in 2012. Unfortunately, only around two million of those people actually got drug and alcohol addiction treatment.

There are many reasons why someone may choose not to seek treatment despite needing it. Whether it’s the cost or the belief that the individual doesn’t need help, countless people go without the help they need and deserve.

It’s important to know that treatment is available for anyone who needs it. For those who do choose to get help for a substance use disorder, there are many decisions to be made. One of the biggest decisions is whether treatment will be pursued near home or out of town.

There are many benefits that come with traveling for drug rehab. Let’s explore those benefits here.

1. A Better Chance At Finding A Personalized Treatment Program

There are a variety of different drug and alcohol rehab programs throughout the country. Each treatment facility offers something unique, and finding the right rehab center for your specific needs may require you to look beyond your own town.

One important thing to consider when researching treatment centers includes the types of therapies offered. Some facilities will offer only one kind of therapy, whereas others may offer a variety of therapy types.

Different types of therapies that may be offered at a rehab center include:

• individual counseling
• group counseling
• alternative therapies like art and music
• outdoor therapy
• equine therapy or other animal therapy
• behavioral therapies
• motivational therapies
• family counseling
• 12-step groups

Doing some research into what each rehab facility offers will help you get a better understanding of what you can expect. It will also allow you to decide which center best meets your unique needs.

2. A New Environment

Staying in the same environment when seeking treatment can have a negative impact on a person’s recovery. While the person may be sober, his or her old friends are often not. And, being around old stomping grounds can act as a trigger to a newly sober person.

Traveling to seek treatment can help a person get out of his or her old environment and away from triggers or stressors. It can also allow someone to fully focus on his or her recovery without the distractions of everyday life.

3. You Can Put Yourself First

Many people who choose to participate in outpatient programs or inpatient treatment near home are often still concerned in their family and friends’ lives. While this is certainly not always a bad thing, it can make it hard to focus on oneself and put sobriety first.

Being away from friends and family can be difficult, especially at first. But many people find that it actually helps the overall recovery process to be able to focus solely on getting and staying sober.

4. A Sense Of Privacy

Some people choose not to seek treatment because they are afraid of what others may think. What if someone in town sees them at rehab? What if they know someone in the treatment program that they don’t feel comfortable around?

Traveling for drug rehab can give a person a better sense of privacy when it comes to his or her treatment and sobriety. Getting sober is personal, and it’s not something that needs to be shared with the world unless a person wants to.

At a treatment facility that is not in someone’s town or even state, he or she can rest easy knowing that the chances of being recognized are minimal.

5. More Cost-Effective Options

Not every drug rehab center accepts the same insurance plans, and many only accept a select few. This can make it difficult to find a treatment program near you that offers the most cost-effective options, especially if you live in a small town.

Looking outside of your city or state for rehab centers that accept your insurance can save a significant amount of money. Knowing that you are saving on out-of-pocket expenses and ease financial anxiety related to seeking treatment.

6. A More Positive Mindset

Many people don’t check into a drug rehab program with a smile on their face. Making the decision to seek treatment is certainly a step in the right direction but can be a tough decision to go through with.

Getting drug and alcohol treatment outside of one’s city or state can encourage a more positive mindset through new experiences and a change of scenery. This can encourage a better recovery outcome and help a person be more open to treatment.

Many people find great success by choosing to seek treatment outside of their city or state. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of traveling for drug rehab or to explore treatment options, contact a treatment specialist today.