Attending a substance abuse treatment center close to home may sound like a smart, convenient choice. However, consider an out of state drug rehab before making a final decision. Explore all of your options and weigh the pros and cons of treatment at home versus rehab out of state.

Closer Isn’t Always Better for Substance Abuse Treatment

The best addiction treatment center may not be located in your neighborhood or city. Even if your local rehab offers high-quality treatment, it isn’t best for you if it doesn’t provide the care you need. For instance, if you’re struggling with a dependence on opiates or meth, a treatment center specializing in alcohol abuse won’t be the best solution. Or if you prefer a gender-specific program and the treatment center in your town offers co-ed treatment, it isn’t a good fit. Look at out of state drug rehabs in order to expand your treatment options. 

You’re Likely to Stay May Stay in Treatment Longer at an Out of State Rehab Center

Substance abuse treatment is challenging, and if you’re close to home, you may be tempted to drop out when things get rough, especially during the early days. Leaving on the spur of the moment is much harder when you’re attending an out of state rehab center. You can’t easily give into impulses; like hopping on a bus, or calling a friend for a ride. Things get smoother if you can hang in there through the rough patches. 

The longer you’re able to stay in treatment, the higher the chances of long-term recovery. According to NIDA (the National Institute of Drug Abuse), treatment of less than three months is of limited effectiveness, while longer time in treatment is recommended for a more positive outcome. NIDA also notes that most people who remain in treatment for an extended period are able to stop using drugs, improve their mental health, and move forward with life.

Out of State Rehabs May Offer Better Treatment Programs & Specialties

Treatment programs and specialties offered by out of state drug rehab centers vary substantially, so don’t limit yourself to only looking at what’s nearby You may prefer a rehab that focuses on a particular religion or one that centers treatment around a 12-Step program. Alternatively, you may be looking for a non-religious treatment center or one that offers 12-Step alternatives. You may benefit from a treatment facility that caters to business executives, adolescents, seniors, or LGBT individuals. 

If you have depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental health issue in addition to substance abuse problems, it’s essential to find an addiction treatment center where the staff is trained and experienced in dual diagnosis disorders. Treating two disorders at the same time is complex, and not all treatment centers provide the necessary mental health services on-site . 

In short, you may be more likely to get the care you need if you’re willing to travel.

Other Benefits of Seeking Addiction Treatment Out of State

Aside from increasing your chance of finishing treatment and expanding your program options, there are a few other benefits to exploring out of state rehabs.

Out Of State Rehabs May Have Shorter Wait Times for Admission

The decision to enter treatment is enormous and life-changing, and it’s best to get started as soon as possible. Even if you’re lucky enough to find the perfect treatment center close to home, it won’t do you much good if the waiting list is long. You’re much more likely to find a place with an opening if you look into out of state drug rehabs. 

It Puts Distance Between You and Distractions

Friends and family are wonderful, and they can be essential for your recovery. On the other hand, the people you love can also distract you from focusing entirely on treatment, especially if things aren’t going well on the home front. The distance of an out of state rehab allows you to direct your attention to recovery without stressing about constant anger, tension, and resentment at home. 

Sometimes, your loved ones mean well, but they may not understand how they’re enabling your addiction or neglecting your needs and personal boundaries. Recovery is especially difficult if somebody at home is still using drugs or alcohol. 

Although you may want to include your family in your substance abuse treatment plan, it may be beneficial to wait and begin family counseling after you return home. You may be hesitant to spend so much time away, but sometimes, a little time apart can help everybody see more clearly. This is something only you can decide. 

Traveling to an Out of State Addiction Center May Save You Money

If you live in a city with a high cost of living, addiction treatment is probably going to be substantially more expensive than in other areas of the country. Even after you factor in travel expenses, you may actually save money by traveling to an out of state drug rehab.

In some cities, most substance abuse treatment centers are resort-like facilities that cater to people with healthy bank accounts. A high-end treatment center is great if you can afford it, and it’s nice to have perks like a private room, daily massages, or a professional chef. A hefty price tag may buy many perks, but it doesn’t necessarily equate to better treatment. 

Change is Good for the Soul

Traveling to a rehab out of state removes you from old friends, familiar neighborhoods, and favorite hang-outs that might tempt you, especially in the early days of recovery. At an out-of-state drug rehab in a new environment, you’ll meet different people and new friends that share your desire to get well. You may find it’s easier to discuss your experiences and feelings with people with similar experiences, or who don’t know anything about the difficulties in your past. 

If you’re entering treatment in the dead of winter, a warmer climate might be a very welcome change. If you live where summer heat is punishing, consider an escape to a treatment center in the refreshing coolness of the mountains. Addiction treatment offers an opportunity for a fresh start at recovery, and traveling may give you a whole new outlook.

Privacy Matters

There’s no reason to be ashamed if you have a problem with substance abuse; addiction is a chronic disease that can happen to anybody. You may feel okay about sharing your plans to enter addiction treatment, or you may prefer to keep it private, especially if there’s a possibility your job or reputation may be threatened if word gets out. 

Telling your friends or coworkers is totally up to you. The big problem, however, is that at local substance abuse centers it’s common to run into people you know, even in large urban areas. Traveling to an out of state drug rehab makes it much easier to protect your privacy and focus on recovery.

Get A Fresh Start at First Step Behavioral Health in Florida 

Traveling to an out of state drug rehab might be one of the best things you’ll ever do for yourself. Located in beautiful Pompano Beach, South Florida, our substance abuse and dual diagnosis specialists can help you explore your addiction treatment options. Give us a call today at (855) 425-4846 or contact us here for more information

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