Traveling Out of State for Drug Rehab: What Is the Best Option?

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry. ASAM states that dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. It is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward relief by substance use and other behaviors. 

Addiction is characterized by an inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s actions and interpersonal relationships, and dysfunction in emotional response. Being in an environment where obtaining drugs or alcohol is a phone call or walk away puts the user in a situation where abstinence is nearly impossible. 

Benefits of Leaving the Comfort of your Habits and Environment

Easy access to drugs and being around friends or peers who use can make it extremely difficult to achieve and maintain sobriety. Even when someone chooses treatment close to home, returning to the same environment afterward can increase the risk of falling back into old habits.

Because each person’s experience with addiction is unique, treatment should be individualized as well. For some, attending rehab in their hometown can be effective, especially if they have strong support systems and the ability to avoid triggers. For others, however, staying in the same environment can make long-term recovery much more challenging. In these cases, traveling out of state for treatment may offer a better chance at sustained sobriety.

Seeking treatment away from home provides the opportunity for a true fresh start. A new environment can reinforce the mindset of recovery and help individuals break free from the routines, relationships, and surroundings associated with substance use. Returning to familiar places can trigger memories of past drug use, sometimes leading to cravings or relapse.

While friends and family often provide valuable support, recovery also requires individuals to develop independence and take responsibility for their actions. Being away from familiar influences can create the space needed to build a new identity centered around sobriety. Although this transition can be difficult, growth often happens outside of one’s comfort zone, and a new setting can support lasting change.

Will Traveling for Treatment Help Me?

For those who may be trapped in dysfunctional families, traveling out of state for treatment can be their way to heal from their poor family dynamic. It can give the entire family a chance to start therapy and start the recovery process. Addiction is known as the family disease, and everyone is affected in some way or another. 

If you find yourself stuck around negative influences, you may struggle during recovery. Family programs can incorporate the family at the proper stage allowing everyone the ability to heal and receive support. Traveling for treatment also makes it more difficult for friends or family to jeopardize your early recovery, and you will be encouraged to create a new, healthy identity in an environment where you must hold yourself accountable.

When traveling out of state for treatment, it will be harder to walk out of the program to seek drugs or alcohol. You will not know anyone in the area, and you will have nowhere to stay. It may be the difference between sticking with the program or being homeless in a foreign place. The fear is enough to keep someone in their program. Treatment is an essential process, and it requires a transition, time, participation, and room for growth. 

Individuals will want to revert to their old lifestyles during the process, and if they are near their hometown, they can leave treatment and go home. When they are far from treatment, the physical and emotional distance can inspire them to stay and continue embellishing their road to recovery. It is often an overlooked portion of treatment out of state. The further away someone is from home, the more it will encourage a commitment to finish the process.

Sober Friendly Environments

For some, the ability to leave their usual surroundings will be enough to inspire this change. Travel and vacations are refreshing for business-oriented individuals and those who love to embark on new journeys. 

The same way these changes in latitude shape attitudes, attending residential treatment in a different state can allow drug users to escape the rigors and stresses of their daily lives. It can help them stay in the positive frame of mind that is required to stick with their therapies and control drug cravings. Evidence-based counseling services are the foundation of rehab centers, but some clients need services that aren’t offered everywhere. Some clinics may specialize in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), while others focus on a different approach. Choosing the right situation for your current needs is vital. Treatment is a tailored program that must have each party involved on the same page.

The Negative Side of Out-of-State Treatment

There are many downsides when it comes to attending treatment out of state. Those who leave for residential services may not be able to see their family for months at a time. If they live with their spouse, children, or parents, this will mean they are unable to participate in essential family counseling sessions. While the new environment can be refreshing, it will also be challenging to avoid relapse when transitioning back into life at home.

While cost is a significant barrier for many entering into treatment, attending a facility out of state can be much more expensive than at home. Insurance companies can’t operate across state lines, and provider networks will typically only accept in-state facilities.

If you decide you need addiction treatment at home or away, there is a plan for you. If you are struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it is imperative that you get help immediately. You don’t have to suffer another day in the grips of addiction, and it can take just a single phone call to change your entire life. Are you ready to change your life?

Call Serenity at Summit for Drug Treatment Today

Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that will never have a good outcome if you continue using. It is, however, a treatable disease with advances in addiction treatment such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The hardest part should be admitting to the problem and overcoming it, not choosing the place that will treat you. If you or a loved one is battling a drug or alcohol addiction and needs treatment, look no further.

Our addiction specialists at Serenity at Summit are ready to help you take action. Feel free to give us a call 844-326-4514 Or contact us online to learn more about how we can help.