Should I Travel to Rehab?
After deciding that attending rehab is the best option for your health, the next step is figuring out where to go. You (or a loved one) should be proud of deciding to seek treatment. It’s a brave decision, and more importantly, it’s a step in the right direction.
When it comes to rehab, you can either stay local or travel to another state. Which decision suits you best is entirely dependent upon your needs and circumstances. Both options have their own set of pros and cons.
Feel free to use this guide as a tool when deciding where you choose to attend rehab. Regardless of where it is, you hold the power to live a sober and fulfilling life. We encourage you to feel excited about this process. Challenging times build our character and set us up for a brighter future. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of staying local versus traveling away for rehab.
Pros of Staying Local
There are a variety of reasons as to why staying local for rehab may be the best choice for you. A major reason as to why people stay local is due to cost. Staying local for rehab means you’re saving a ton of money on airfare, transportation, and possible hotel stays. If your finances are a concern for you, it may make more sense to stay local and save money.
We’d like to emphasize that there’s always a way to make something work if you want it to. If you’re concerned about your finances, you can still travel away for rehab. However, you may be more at ease staying local and knowing you’re not breaking the bank.
Furthermore, receiving support from friends and family is a huge plus when it comes to staying local for rehab. You can lean on those close to you for support and maintain a close relationship. Traveling away for rehab may cause feelings of uneasiness if you have a strong attachment to those around you.
Lastly, staying local will make it easier for the treatment center to create an optimal aftercare program for you. If you plan on being home after your official treatment ends, then a local treatment center will be most knowledgeable about what kind of resources are available.
Cons of Staying Local
If you stay local, your friends and family may serve as more of a distraction. Although comfort is a great thing, it can also cause complications. Being too comfortable may keep you from making important changes in your life.
This is especially true if there are harmful triggers in your environment. For example, your friends may be part of the reason your drug addiction developed. Or, you live in an area where drugs are easily attainable. Placing yourself in a healthy and mentally nourishing environment is key.
Another reason people choose to travel away is because they don’t want to run into anyone they know at rehab. A con of staying local for rehab is that you may lose focus worrying about who’s around you. Although there is absolutely no reason to feel ashamed, you may find yourself acting timid.
Everyone’s situation is different. Be honest with yourself about your needs and what matters most to you about a treatment program at rehab.
Pros of Traveling Away
Traveling away for rehab can be a big advantage. For one, removing yourself from an old environment signals change. You may find it more motivating to embark on this journey away from home. If there’s a certain place that’s always resonated with you, now may be the time to go there.
Also, traveling away may help with your chances of relapsing since you can’t “just go home.” This can be frightening but equally as exciting. Moving gives you the perfect chance to reinvent yourself and truly focus on your health.
Another reason people travel away is if they want to be away from anyone they may run into. This can mean anything from people you work with, to attending rehab with someone who may know you. For some people, this causes a lot of stress. Thus, moving away ensures you won’t run into someone you know or vice versa.
Cons of Traveling Away
When traveling away, it can be more difficult for rehab to create an aftercare program for you in your hometown. Local rehab centers will be more aware and knowledgeable of resources in your area. Traveling away will make it more difficult for your center of choice to create an aftercare plan. If you plan on staying in your new place long-term, then this may not apply to you.
Another con is being away from friends and family. If their support is something you depend on, then traveling away for rehab will have some challenges. As mentioned above, everyone’s situation is different. Some people prioritize having their home-base around, while others find it more helpful to travel somewhere else for a fresh start.
There is no right answer. It truly depends on what you need and what would benefit you the most. It helps to ask yourself: What are my values? Do I prioritize comfort and security? Does being in a foreign environment motivate and encourage me?
How to Make the Most Out of Rehab – Regardless of Where You Are
Regardless of where you choose to go, your mindset is what matters most. The way you perceive your struggles and rehab itself will make all the difference. It helps to set clear intentions and read up on some tips before attending rehab. Those who experienced it already can give you valuable advice based on a true level of understanding.
1. Remember your why.
Why do you want to get clean? How will being sober change your life for the better? When faced with challenges during rehab, it’s important to come back to these questions. It may not always be easy, but it’s important to understand that the outcome will be worth it.
2. Feel free to ask a lot of questions.
If you have questions about why something is structured the way it is, then don’t hesitate to ask why respectfully! Our staff is there for you every step of the way. We understand that this journey can be overwhelming. It’s important to be upfront about your emotions so that you can get the most out of the experience.
3. Be present.
Take the time to appreciate the moment you’re in. Try not to overthink about the past or worry about the future. Life sucker-punches you in the face sometimes. That’s okay. Take what you learned and move forward. Appreciate your journey and be patient with yourself.
4. Follow the rules (even if you don’t like them).
It’s important to understand that sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do. Having discipline is a crucial trait for anyone to develop when it comes to bettering yourself. The rules set in rehab are made to help you and set you up for future success.
5. Be patient.
There’s no finish line in addiction recovery. It takes time for your body to adjust to a substance-free life. Just as importantly, it takes time to heal emotionally. The journey builds your character in incredible ways. Take these lessons with you and be patient with your progress. Even tiny incremental changes every day end up making a huge difference in the long run.
6. Commit to treatment.
Be willing to make changes in your life and within yourself. Once you begin your road recovery, do everything you can to stay on it. Make sure to follow the treatment regime.
7. Make time for yourself.
We recommend bringing a journal with you. Journaling is a great way to alleviate stress and emotional pain. Take 5, 15, or 30 minutes to journal or reflect on your day, your feelings, and your progress. This will help you process your emotions and can keep track of your progress. If you don’t write down how you feel, it’ll be easy to push it aside and forget. Use this time to better yourself and develop healthy habits.
8. Adapt to an open mindset.
Your therapist may offer some suggestions as may other participants — all to help you through your recovery journey. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but be willing to listen. Listening to what others have to say with a judgment-free mindset is a powerful tool in and outside of rehab.
We’re Waiting For Your Call
At Coastal Detox, we offer a variety of amenities and services to ensure your safety and comfort. We believe in personalizing treatment for each patient and taking the time to get to the root of substance abuse. Addiction can be a scary challenge to tackle. That’s why it’s crucial to treat the person as a whole, not just the disease.
Our trained medical staff will attend to your needs and help give you the tools for long-lasting sober life. With the right support and treatment, your entire life can change. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to give us a call. You can contact us here or call us at (844) 387-1286 to begin your recovery journey today.