According to a 2023 report, around 48.5 million people in the United States struggled with substance abuse in the previous year. Beating addiction can be a huge challenge, and many individuals find that traveling to an alcohol rehab in Florida offers them a chance to “get away from it all” and focus on recovery in a stress-free environment. Traveling for rehab can seem like an unusual choice at first glance, but there are many benefits to doing so, as we explain in this article.
Is It Normal to Travel for Addiction or Mental Health Treatment?
Traveling for addiction or mental health treatment isn’t the default option, but it’s not an unusual one. There are many reasons a person might choose to travel for their care. For example, someone living in a relatively rural area might go to a rehab center in Florida because there isn’t a center in their area that specializes in the kind of care they need.
Another reason a person might travel is that the quality of rehabs in Florida might be better than the local choices, or they simply want to stay in a warm climate, away from stress and distraction. Financial constraints and insurance requirements can also influence the choice of a rehab facility. Finally, if a person is worried about their professional or even social reputation, going out of state to a drug rehab in Florida might offer them privacy and peace of mind during their recovery.
Benefits of Getting Away From a Triggering Environment
Recovering from drug or alcohol addiction involves beating the physical and mental aspects of that addiction. Depending on the substance in question, the physical aspects of rehab could involve a medically assisted detox. This process can be challenging, but once it’s completed, the battle is far from over. To reduce the likelihood of a relapse once a person leaves rehab, they must address the issues that led to them falling into a pattern of substance abuse in the first place.
It’s estimated that around 50% of people relapse within 12 weeks of leaving a rehab facility, and many require several stays to achieve sobriety. People who live or work in an environment where substance abuse is common are at an increased risk of relapse, making an extended stay in a treatment facility that focuses on life skills and healthy coping mechanisms for long-term recovery particularly important.
Individuals who are in an abusive relationship or whose loved ones are also drug users might benefit from going to an out-of-town rehab where they can focus on recovery without distractions from unsupportive visitors. This is something the counselors and therapists discuss as a part of the admission process.
How Distance Can Support Focus and Commitment to Recovery
The simple act of traveling to a rehab center can help focus the mind. It symbolizes the first step in a recovery journey and helps the person in recovery feel a sense of a fresh start. Staying in an inpatient facility in a different city or state helps eliminate old triggers and can make it easier to break counterproductive habits while simultaneously building new ones.
Some rehab facilities are designed to be retreats, creating an environment where a person can spend time in quiet reflection and focus on personal growth. These retreats are tranquil, supportive environments where residents have their day-to-day needs taken care of. Since they’re away from home, they benefit from anonymity, plus they have a safe space to talk to people going through the same challenges.
For someone wary of seeking help because of the stigma surrounding addiction, visiting a rehab facility in Florida is a way to overcome the stigma. They don’t have to worry about being seen by anyone they know or having reminders of their time in rehab when they return to their daily life.
Accessing Higher Quality or Specialized Care at a Drug or Alcohol Rehab in Florida
Overcoming addiction isn’t easy, and if someone has failed to achieve sobriety by seeking treatment at a local facility, they might feel that trying a different approach would give them a better chance of success. Some facilities focus on detox only or offer limited options for therapy and counseling. Specialized drug rehabs might be able to provide a medically assisted detox or take a holistic approach to recovery that increases the chances of long-term success.
Common Concerns About Traveling for Treatment (and How to Overcome Them)
Some common fears people have when considering traveling for rehab include:
- Lack of visitors. Being away from friends and family can be an intimidating prospect for some people. However, spending time alone during the recovery process can be beneficial. In addition, if a person wants to have contact with their loved ones, visits may still be possible, and the facility may also facilitate video calls.
- Work commitments. Some people worry about having to take time off work to go to rehab. Outpatient treatment can be useful for some forms of addiction, but if a person is attempting to stop using drugs that have intense withdrawal symptoms, they may need to take time off work anyway. Maximizing the benefits of that time off by traveling to a rehab center with a good reputation is a good idea.
- Fear of the unknown. If the prospect of attending an out-of-town rehab seems scary, talk to the admissions team about this. It may be possible to arrange a tour before finalizing admission.
- Expense. The cost of rehab can be a barrier for some individuals. The admissions team can verify insurance coverage and explain any available financial aid options.
Why It’s Worth Traveling for the Right Help
Substance abuse can have a lasting negative impact on a person’s life and the lives of their loved ones. If you or someone you care for has reached the point of wanting to seek help for addiction, it makes sense to look for the best help available. To learn more about the areas we have treatment facilities in and how we can help you with your addiction, contact us today to speak to an admissions advisor.
