4 Reasons to Choose an Out-of-state Rehab for a Loved One

Substance use disorders can destroy a person’s free will, often wreaking havoc on their finances. As a result, it’s not uncommon for rehab patients to not be able to pay for their own treatment, simply because they no longer have the financial capacity to do so themselves.

In many cases, it’s the family members of the affected individual who cover rehab expenses. This also means that they get to call many of the shots, especially with the choices of programs and facilities.

Faced with this decision, the first instinct of family members is usually to choose a rehab facility in the place where they and their loved one already live. On the surface, this may seem to make a lot of sense. After all, this will allow more frequent visits, which can let them to monitor the individual’s progress more closely.

But while this does make sense and can a good choice, in many cases it may be better to send the loved one to a facility in a different state or even a different country. Below are some reasons you may want to consider a facility elsewhere. Check out this link to find the best drug rehabs in Boston.

1.) If local facilities cannot treat the patient’s co-morbidities

If your loved one has other medical conditions that local facilities couldn’t treat, it’s better to choose a facility that can, even if it’s in a different state.

Co-occurring conditions (also called dual diagnosis) are extremely common among people with drug and alcohol use disorder. People with these conditions are more likely than the general population to have disorders related to post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression, they are also more likely to have problems related to malnutrition and long-term substance misuse.

Unfortunately, not all rehab facilities are equipped to handle dual diagnosis cases, even when they are identified. The failure to treat these co-occurring disorders early on can have repercussions for the person’s long-term recovery.

For instance, many people with alcohol use disorder drink as a response to traumatic events they have experienced. If this trauma is not addressed, then the underlying cause of their drinking will remain, possibly leading to a relapse.

By choosing the facility that your loved one needs rather than one that’s just easier to get to, you not only ensure they have a better chance at recovery but you also make sure that your money is better spent.

2.) If the patient has problems committing to recovery

While choosing an out-of-state program will not guarantee that a patient will be unable to source drugs or free themselves from distractions, it will certainly be a better option for most than staying in their hometown.

Leaving one’s hometown for treatment can improve commitment in several ways. First, it’s much harder to source drugs in an unfamiliar place. Second, leaving one’s hometown can give the necessary space for self-reflection. Third, being away from home reduces the number of distractions that could derail the recovery process. Lastly, leaving home can effectively remove the patient from emotional triggers that lead to more substance misuse.

3.) If the family members also need to care for their mental health

Choosing a rehab facility that’s further away can be a better decision for both the patient and their family members’ mental health.

Family members often choose the nearest treatment center so that they can visit their loved one more often. However, visits from family members can distract the patient from focusing on their recovery, especially if they were enablers or have a strained relationship.

In any case, the patient’s family probably also needs a break, especially if they used to live in one household. Seeing the effects of drug and alcohol abuse firsthand can be traumatizing and the temporary absence of the recovering individual should be taken as an opportunity for everyone else to work on their own mental health.

4.) If the patient might do better in a different climate

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of mood disorder where people feel depressed or anxious during cold or hot months of the year. This rise in depression and anxiety can serve to trigger drug and alcohol use. SAD has been shown in studies to affect cravings, particularly for alcohol. If your loved one has SAD, choosing a facility in a warmer or cooler climate may help give them a much more comfortable time during recovery.

If you have the means, choosing a rehab program in another state might not just be a good way to help your loved one have a more comfortable recovery, it may also give you the distance you need to focus on your own mental health. Whether you choose a local or out-of-state rehab program for your loved one, always get advice from qualified mental health experts beforehand. Good luck!

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