Sobriety is a journey, but how far should you look to travel when considering rehab?
Martin Bloch, MD, medical director of The Ridge, a substance use recovery center in the Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network, says committing to a facility takes some homework and thought about what you want from care.
“Everyone’s sobriety journey is as unique as they are,” he says. “For the best chance at success, people need to find the place they feel most supported and comfortable.”
5 benefits of traveling for rehab
There are definite benefits from leaving familiar surroundings to seek recovery, Dr. Bloch says. Some positive aspects include:
- Finding space to heal. Being in a new geographic location gives you time and space to begin overcoming addiction.
- Enjoying a new beginning. Physically going to a new place gives you the sense that new life apart from addiction exists.
- Leaving old temptations behind. Many struggling with addiction find it harder to break bad habits around the people, places or things they associate with using.
- Avoiding home or work pressures. Being elsewhere helps minimize the risk that you’ll leave treatment early.
- Enjoying privacy. There’s still stigma around addiction, and going elsewhere for care can protect your reputation and privacy as you heal.
> Related: How to Pick the Right Addiction Treatment Program
What to look for in a rehab facility
There are several levels of treatment and various facilities to investigate when considering where you’ll work on sobriety, Dr. Bloch notes.
When looking at facilities, he suggests thinking about:
- Addiction treatment services and care level offered. Is there medically supervised detox? Do they offer partial hospitalization options and aftercare? Will you need or want that?
- Therapy options. Most facilities offer individual and group therapy sessions, but do you want more creative options?
- Accommodations. Some places offer private rooms and baths while others have communal living. How will you be most comfortable?
- Amenities. Activities like fitness classes and crafts can help you refocus during recovery. Access to nature and activities like outdoor yoga and hiking can also be beneficial, if available.
- Insurance coverage. Work with your insurance company to see what’s covered.
- Personal lifestyle. Think about environments in which you do well and activities that make you happy. Find a place that feeds those aspects of you.
- Individual needs. These can include special dietary considerations or the ability to be alone in a private room if desired.
