Deciding to attend rehab for addiction is a big step, and it can feel daunting trying to figure out which treatment center is the right fit for your needs. Depending on where you live, you may also find that there aren’t as many high-quality treatment options nearby. Rehab out of state can help open up better care options when that’s the case.
There can be several benefits to out-of-state rehab, and many who choose to travel for addiction treatment find it’s a welcome change. It offers an opportunity to heal and recover outside your local scenery.
If you’re wondering, “Should I go to rehab out of state?” this article will provide an overview of what you should know and how we can make the process seamless at United Recovery Project.
What Does “Rehab Out of State” Mean?
The term “rehab out of state” refers to traveling outside your home state to attend a residential or inpatient treatment facility. Traveling for rehab is usually a deliberate choice. Many who do so are looking for:
- Better treatment than what’s available in their local area
- More privacy and confidentiality than is available in their home state
- An escape from local triggers that remind them of drug use
Our treatment center at United Recovery Project is based in Florida, and we accept clients nationwide. Many of our out-of-state clients find warm and sunny Florida and our luxury treatment facility a great escape that allows them to focus on healing.
Benefits of Attending Rehab Out of State
There are several benefits of out-of-state rehab, including:
Separation from Triggers
People, places, or routines in your local area can all act as reminders of drug or alcohol use. For example, someone driving past a liquor store they used to shop at could suddenly trigger cravings for alcohol.
Studies on relapse prevention planning show that learning to manage triggers is a key component of successful recovery. Addiction treatment out of state can provide you with the therapy, skill development, and strategies needed to know how to manage triggers so you feel more prepared before facing them in your local area.
It Provides a Fresh Environment
Some people feel they simply need a mental “reset” to encourage openness to recovery and healing. Traveling to a different state can provide that.
Inpatient rehab in another state will help you get into a new environment and routine. During that time, you can escape any stress and learn positive habits that help you return home feeling refreshed.
Those who attend rehab out of state may even feel like being outside their usual environment helps them open up during treatment and feel more comfortable sharing what they’ve been going through. There can be less pressure when you’re away from people and places you’re familiar with.
It Can Increase Focus
Being in your local area could cause a lot of distractions. Work, family, or local drama can all make it harder to focus on recovery. Going to a different state can provide a relaxing escape while preparing you for how to cope with life’s daily stresses in positive ways when you return home.
Greater Privacy and Anonymity
The chances of running into someone you know at an out-of-state treatment facility are much lower. Many studies show that social stigma is a significant barrier to entry for substance abuse treatment, so reducing the fear of judgment from others when entering treatment can help.
Gain Access to Higher-Quality Care
Some cities and states have fewer addiction treatment options available. For example, a study from the Journal of Substance Use and Misuse showed that many people who live in rural cities or states cite a lack of local resources as a significant barrier to entry. Traveling opens up better programs to ensure quality care is achieved.
Things to Consider Before Going to Rehab Out of State
Before committing to travel out of state for treatment, it’s important to consider a few key things. Those include:
- Cost and insurance: Can you afford treatment at the facility, and does your insurance cover it? Many high-quality treatment centers do accept out-of-state insurance, but it’s still important to check beforehand. We can help verify benefits at United Recovery Project.
- Travel logistics: How much will flying or driving to the facility cost? It’s important to plan for travel needs carefully. We can help arrange transportation if needed when you choose to work with us at United Recovery Project.
- Family involvement: How do you feel about being away from your family during treatment? Many treatment facilities can help keep your family involved, such as arranging virtual family therapy and regular check-ins.
- Aftercare planning: Recovery doesn’t stop once your treatment program ends and you leave the facility. Make sure the facility you attend can help coordinate things like outpatient programs, sober living options, or direct you to therapy and support group options near home after treatment.
- Legal or work obligations: Make sure you can take time off from work to travel out of state for rehab. Labor laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act may provide legal support for those who need time off. Additionally, if you’re facing legal trouble, you must check to see if you’re allowed to leave the state.
How United Recovery Project Supports Out-of-State Clients
Our team at United Recovery Project has experience working with clients across the U.S. and can personalize the admissions process to your needs.
You can start with a free consultation before you decide to travel, during which we can answer any questions and verify whether we take your insurance.
Then, if you feel like our facility is the right fit, we can help you arrange travel and even offer same-day or next-day intake when you need immediate assistance.
Our facility is in a warm, sunny, and quiet environment in beautiful South Florida, making it the perfect opportunity for healing. Plus, our friendly and knowledgeable treatment staff will be here to support you each step of the way.
Conclusion
You don’t have to settle for what’s local if it isn’t working. Traveling out of state for rehab can open up treatment options that better suit your needs and offer a change of scenery that facilitates healing.
Recovery from addiction is possible with the right resources. If you’re ready for a fresh start and a personalized experience, United Recovery Project is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.
References
- Guenzel, Nicholas, and Dennis McChargue. “Addiction Relapse Prevention.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 21 July 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551500/
- Samer El Hayek, et al. “Stigma toward Substance Use Disorders: A Multinational Perspective and Call for Action.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 15, 1 Feb. 2024, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1295818. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1295818/full
- Pullen, Erin, and Carrie Oser. “Barriers to Substance Abuse Treatment in Rural and Urban Communities: Counselor Perspectives.” Substance Use & Misuse, vol. 49, no. 7, 10 Mar. 2019, pp. 891–901, doi:10.3109/10826084.2014.891615. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3995852/
- “Elaws – Family and Medical Leave Act Advisor.” U.S. Department of Labor, https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/whd/fmla/10c9.aspx
