There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right rehab center. For example, one decision you will have to make is whether you want to travel for rehab or stay local. While finding a treatment program that meets your individual treatment needs is the most important thing, location is one thing many people consider when finding a drug or alcohol rehab.

Choosing an Addiction Treatment Center

After making the decision to go to rehab, the next step is to choose which treatment center you want to attend. There are drug and alcohol rehabs across the country and each is located in a unique environment with different specialties and amenities. This gives patients the power to choose whether they want to stay close to home for rehab or travel to another state. Although there are benefits and pitfalls of each decision, the most important thing is that you choose what is best for you.

The first step most people take to find a recovery center is to speak with their insurance provider. Insurance companies can send you a list of which facilities are in-network with their benefits. Most insurance plans provide coverage for a variety of options, some of which may be in-state or out-of-state. Furthermore, the cost of treatment will vary greatly from one facility to the net depending on location, amenities, and the level of care. As a result, the cost is another important factor when deciding where to go to rehab. You will also want to factor in the costs of travel if you decide that traveling for rehab is right for you.

The Pros and Cons of Traveling for Rehab

Making the decision to travel for rehab is huge, and it is a highly effective option for many people who prefer to be as far away from their addictions and triggers as possible. In addition, some people may live in cities where they don’t have many high-quality addiction treatment options, so these individuals may receive better care if they go to rehab in another city or state.

Benefits of Leaving Home for Rehab

One primary benefit of traveling for rehab is that those who are willing to travel have access to thousands of more treatment centers than those who want to stay in their city or state. Essentially, being willing to travel provides you with more options to choose from, allowing you to find the perfect treatment center for you.

Another benefit of traveling away from home for rehab is that it allows you to start fresh somewhere new. Many people struggle in early recovery by distancing themselves from their triggers. As a result, these individuals remain highly tempted to use drugs and alcohol. However, traveling for rehab separates people from the people, places, and things they are familiar with. This physical separation can help reinforce one’s commitment to their recovery and treatment program. That being said, most people go to rehab voluntarily, so they can leave and return home anytime they choose. However, when people are further away from home, it makes it harder to simply walk away from treatment, making it more likely that people will complete their treatment plan.

If you are concerned about your anonymity when going to rehab, traveling might be right for you. Some people fear that people will recognize them in rehab or know they went to treatment, causing them to face potential professional or social consequences. For these reasons, the decision to travel for rehab may be a no-brainer. Traveling to a new city or state will reduce the chances that you will be recognized by others in treatment.

Disadvantages of Traveling for Addiction Treatment

Despite the many benefits of traveling for rehab, there are some disadvantages. The most common is that people don’t want to be far away from friends and family. Others are already participating in local 12-step programs and don’t want to be away from their support groups. All of these are legitimate reasons not to travel for rehab.

Other possible disadvantages include:

• It may be difficult for friends or family to visit or participate in the treatment process
• Developing an aftercare plan may be difficult in a new city
• Travel expenses may be high depending on where you are flying/driving to
• Some people will find it difficult to adjust to a new environment and make friends

The Pros and Cons of Staying Local for Rehab

If traveling for rehab isn’t right for you, that’s okay. There are many benefits to going to a local rehab center, as well. For example, by staying local, you’ll save money on airfare, possible hotel stays, and other costs associated with travel. If finances are tight, staying local for treatment may be more affordable.

Another benefit of going to rehab in your city or state is that you will be able to stay close to your friends and family. This way, they can visit you during treatment, participate in your treatment plan, and be there to support you when you finish rehab. This helps patients and family members feel connected and supported during this difficult time. Furthermore, staff will be familiar with resources in your area, so they can refer you to local support groups, counselors, community centers, and more, making it easy to create and follow an aftercare plan.

If you decide not to travel to another city or state for rehab, you should be aware of the potential disadvantages of staying local for treatment. First, staying local means that your usual temptations will still be there, so you might feel tempted to leave the program, go home, or even relapse. Moreover, if family and friends are too involved in your treatment process, they can act as a major distraction that will stop you from making progress in recovery. Lastly, if you live in a smaller town or rural area with limited resources, staying local may mean sacrificing quality, evidence-based care that you may find elsewhere.

Get Help Now

Choosing a rehab center is about so much more than just its location. It’s about how effective the program will be at addressing and treating your unique needs. In the end, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you’d like to travel for drug and alcohol rehab.

Whether you’re looking for a rehab in your state or are looking to go far away from home, our addictions specialists are here to help. Contact us today to find a treatment center that fits your needs.