When a person who experiences addiction to drugs or alcohol decides to seek treatment or enter their post-primary treatment life, they often assume sticking close to home is the best decision. They fear the idea of leaving their city or state can be a stumbling block. However, many do not realize that it’s worth considering the idea of change and relocation in addiction recovery.
Why People Fear Change and Relocation in Addiction Recovery
Change can be scary, no matter what the subject or the goal may be for an individual. People get nervous when they are about to start a new school or a new job. Marriage or travel may can be an exciting new adventure, but also still free pretty scary. Many people feel that staying close to home offers the most security when considering detox or residential treatment programs. They want the familiarity of their city and those they know nearby.
Rehab programs are all about changing up many things in the life of someone with a substance use disorder. So it’s natural to want to keep some things exactly the same. A person may think that even if something isn’t working or has resulted in the same painful outcomes, at least they know what to expect. The idea of traveling to another area to seek treatment can make the idea of recovery seen even more intimidating.
The Importance of Considering Leaving Town for Addiction Recovery Treatment
While a person may naturally feel they only want to attend residential treatment in their immediate area, it may not be the best choice for them. While there are lots of treatment center options in the U.S., many small towns and rural areas do not have access to this sort of care. Even in areas with a host of centers to consider, an individual needs to choose one that best serves their needs. It’s important to consider facilities that are a good match for a person’s specific addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues they have. Many programs offer step-down care, such as sober living homes, that are nearby, giving prospective patients a chance to benefit from expanded care.
Think of it like a young adult getting ready to go off to college. It may be that an in-town campus offers a certain sense of safety, but it may not be the best fit for their academic needs. A college that offers the right degree, classes, and post-graduate possibilities, even if it’s a day’s drive or a flight away, often provides what the individual needs. The same can be said for treatment programs.
The Advantages of Change and Relocation in Addiction Recovery
Individuals who have suffered from addiction for a long time typically have a lot of toxic relationships in their lives. When they leave town for treatment, they leave behind people who make addiction the focal point of their lives. Toxic relationships like this can contribute to a person trying to stay in recovery relapsing. When a person receives treatment out of their area, these people and temptations will not factor into their recoveries.
A change of scenery can do anyone good, offering fresh perspective. A great deal of time in treatment is spent in things like therapy and support groups. But free time is usually built into the program, too. Someone who lives in a cold climate might receive a boost of inspiration by seeking treatment in a sunny region. Someone from a crowded cityscape might find an entirely new perspective being close to mountains and fresh air.
When a person struggles with a substance use disorder, their loved ones find themselves impacted by it, too. When the addicted person relocates to another area to receive treatment, it can provide an impactful and much-needed break for everyone. Families and their loved ones can all have some time away from the daily drama and discontent. Everyone can reassess and then work with their loved ones to establish new ways to communicate and establish boundaries.
Change and Relocation in Addiction Recovery After Treatment
Sometimes when a person has moved to another part of the country for their addiction treatment, they find they want to make the move permanent. The new lease on life that sobriety provides can translate into wanting to put down roots somewhere new. Before making permanent plans, carefully consider change and relocation in addiction recovery that involves not returning home.
Things to consider when moving include making sure aftercare treatment is in place. Loneliness may be problematic at first, making it important to make an effort to make new friends and enjoy activities outside the home. Support groups offer a chance to open up a social life with like-minded people also in recovery. It’s also important to make sure the move is about positive change rather than escaping responsibilities back home.
Addiction Treatment in Southern California
If you or someone you love struggles with addiction to drugs or alcohol, we know how difficult it can be to ask for help. Clear Behavioral Health in Southern California offers detox, residential, and outpatient treatment for people struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental illnesses.
If you would like to reach out and find out how we can help, contact us today. We are happy to answer any questions you have about our proven program.
