A turning point for any person struggling with drug and alcohol abuse is finding the right treatment center. When facing that decision, many addicts struggle with choosing an in-state or out-of-state rehab facility. On the one hand, in-state rehab means you can stay close to your family and friends. On the other hand, out-of-state rehab offers a change of scenery and environment that can be beneficial for your recovery.
Today, we’re sharing another one of our recovery success stories. While their names remain anonymous, we hope their stories help you choose the right treatment plan.
The Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Journey
When it comes to drug and alcohol rehab, I’m an expert. You see, in the past 35 years, I’ve been to 9 of them. I know people who have been to the dentist fewer times than I have been in rehab. The first time I went to a drug and alcohol rehab program, I went out of state.
Being located at a drug and alcohol rehab that was 4 hours away took running away from the picture, and it kept my parents pretty far away. They couldn’t run to see me every time I cried, and boy did I cry.
I wanted drugs, I needed to drink, but all I could see outside those doors in Pennsylvania was black bears and trees. So the drug and alcohol rehab must have worked. Must I have found an excellent substance abuse treatment, right? Wrong.
Substance Abuse Rehabilitation is Challenging Close or Far Away from Home
Here’s what happened next, I went right back home and found all the drugs and alcohol were right where I left them. In the crack houses and liquor stores, I knew so well.
Before my addiction got worse, my mom dragged me out the door again to another drug and alcohol rehab in another state this time, Minnesota. Then Utah. Thinking being close to home would be better, my parents chose a facility 5 minutes away from their house—two more states later, and nothing.
The truth was, my home wasn’t the problem. The problem was my addiction. No matter where I went, my bad habits followed suit. After many failed attempts, I started thinking rehab wasn’t for me.
Choosing Between In-State and Out-of-State Rehab
In the end, the choice is very personal. Both rehab treatment options have their benefits and their consequences. Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear guide that tells you precisely what you should do. The road to addiction recovery is a bumpy one, filled with many ups and downs, as well as missed turns and dead ends.
These are some of the pros and cons of choosing in-state treatment versus out-of-state rehab centers for your substance use disorder.
If You’re Thinking About In-State
Staying close to home can be very rewarding if you have the right support system by your side. Whether you enroll in an inpatient treatment facility or opt for outpatient programs, knowing those you love are close is uplifting.
However, in-state rehab means once you complete your program, everything that was there during your addiction is still there. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, relapse rates for people in drug addiction clinics are 40-60% Your toxic relationships are waiting for you by the exit door with their negative influences, especially for your mental health in recovery. The allies, local liquor stores, dealers, and everyone that fueled your addiction are still there.
While you do develop healthy coping mechanisms while in treatment, addiction can be a tough monster to beat. Having these triggers so close to home can elevate your risk of relapse. Ask whether or not you think you’ll be able to handle this pressure.
If You’re thinking Out-of-State
Running away for rehab, as some people say, can be quite beneficial. Many experts believe a change of scenery and environment can help recovering addicts on their path to sobriety.
Choosing out-of-state can signify a fresh start for many. It means no one knows who you are, or your story, almost like a second chance of redemption. Being forced out of your element can also help break harmful patterns and bad habits that lead to addiction in the first place.
Many people who choose out-of-state rehab find themselves staying at these new out-of-state locations. Often, their newfound sober support system gives them hope for long-term recovery.
Your Journey & Your Choice
At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we help people from all over the United States. With South Florida known as the capital for drug rehab, our doors see recovering addicts from New York, Chicago, New Jersey, and many other states.
If you or a loved one are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, seek help today. Our comprehensive treatment programs help you live a sober life and provide you with the best skills to maintain your sobriety even after leaving our premises. We can also help you find out if your insurance company will cover treatment in Florida. If you’re looking for a drug addiction treatment center, contact us today.
