Making the decision to seek addiction treatment is a huge step, and for many, it’s the first moment they finally start on the path to freedom. But choosing to seek help and finding that help aren’t always as simple.
For many, choosing where to seek rehab comes with two options: stay local and seek treatment near family and friends, or find a rehab out of state where you can remove any potential triggers or obstacles.
Avoiding those people and places that may cause a relapse is the main reason many are looking outside their home state for treatment. Whether they are looking for privacy, better treatment options, or simply a new environment to grow in, putting distance between themselves and their past has become increasingly popular.
Here at Genesis House, we’ve helped clients from across the country find the peace and distance to focus on their recovery. But is seeking rehab out of state right for you?
What Does “Rehab Out of State” Mean?
When you hear “rehab out of state”, it means just that: seeking a rehabilitation treatment option that takes you outside of your home state.
Rather than choosing a local option, many choose to go out of state to find the best possible care.
Making this choice often comes with a powerful commitment to change. The act of leaving an old life behind can represent a physical manifestation of the decision one has made to improve their lives.
What are the Benefits of Choosing Rehab Out of State?
As you can imagine, there are a number of benefits that come with deciding to seek rehab treatment far away from your home:
1. You Gain Separation from Triggers and Enablers
Those struggling with addiction often find that their environment plays a role in keeping them in their current predicament.
Recovery can be difficult when you are still connected to a familiar street corner, bar, or group of people that are associated with your substance use, which can make recovery more challenging.
Removing yourself from these environmental cues gives you the mental space to focus on your healing.
2. You Get a Fresh Environment for a Fresh Start
It’s psychologically powerful to be in a new place.
Unfamiliar surroundings can be scary or overwhelming, but that same feeling has the power to help your brain break free from established routines. A “mental reset” has been found to make clients more receptive to treatment and more willing to embrace change.
3. You Can Spend More Time Focused on Recovery
Being close to home also keeps you close to family drama, work emergencies, or social problems, even while you’re currently in treatment. Putting distance between you and your past life can create a buffer for focusing only on your recovery.
Greater Privacy and Anonymity
You’ll quickly find that not all treatment centers are created equal. Those local options might be limited or lacking in specific programs you need.
When you consider out-of-state rehab options, you’ll often find better treatment possibilities, many with luxury facilities and specialized treatments.
Plus, despite the growing awareness about addiction, stigma still unfortunately exists. Choosing rehab out of state offers a level of privacy that can be hard to find locally.
What to Consider Before Going to Rehab Out of State
Research the Cost and Insurance Coverage
As you start looking at out-of-state treatment, do your due diligence on cost. The good news is that many insurance plans cover addiction treatment regardless of location.
At Genesis House, our admissions team works with you to determine your insurance verification and any benefits and out-of-pocket costs. We’ll work directly with your insurance company to maximize your coverage.
Look at the Travel Logistics
While getting away from home can help boost your recovery chances, the process of getting there shouldn’t create another obstacle. Look for out of state rehab programs that can assist you in finding travel arrangements and take steps to get you the help you need fast.
Ask About Family Involvement
Local rehab is often picked because family is just a short drive away. However, distance doesn’t have to mean disconnection!
Many out of state rehab facilities offer virtual family therapy sessions, regular phone calls, and scheduled check-ins to keep families close. Many find that the physical distance actually improves communication by helping everyone stay on the same, focused recovery page.
Look into Out of State Rehab Aftercare Planning
What happens after rehab is just as important as the treatment itself.
When you attend out-of-state rehab, your care team must be ready to coordinate with providers near your home for continued rehab aftercare. This includes setting up outpatient therapy and finding local support groups.
Think About How You’ll Manage Legal and Work Obligations
If you need help managing court requirements, FMLA paperwork, or employment, you’ll want to make sure that your rehab is ready to help manage those specifics. Here at Genesis House, we go above and beyond to help our clients manage their obligations so that they can focus on recovery.
How Genesis House Supports Out-of-State Clients
We know that recovery can mean travel, which is why we’ve built our program with out-of-state clients in mind.
Our residential facility in South Florida provides an incredible environment to help you relax and recover. Our compassionate care team is trained and experienced in helping individuals from all corners of the country feel welcomed and cared for, whether you’ve traveled 50 miles or 500.
We also maintain relationships with treatment providers nationwide, helping us to coordinate your personalized aftercare transitions.
The distance that might seem scary at first often becomes one of the most valuable aspects of treatment. Many of our clients tell us that leaving their home state for treatment was the best decision they ever made, as the distance helps bring a sense of clarity and commitment you may not find locally.
If you’re considering rehab but feeling limited by local options or concerned about privacy and triggers at home, remember that help is available beyond your state lines. Recovery doesn’t have to happen in your backyard.
Sometimes, the journey to wellness begins with a journey to somewhere new.
