Relocating for Inpatient Addiction Treatment and Rehab

10 Benefits of Temporary or Permanent Relocation for Rehab

Relocating for drug rehab and addiction treatment might seem daunting at first, but many benefits come with temporary or permanent relocation that can make the change worthwhile. Moving to a new town or state can make a huge difference in achieving lasting recovery from addiction. 

The top 10 benefits of moving for rehab include:

1. Distancing Yourself from Negative Influences
2. Interrupting Old Routines and Habits
3. Substances are No Longer Readily Available
4. Fewer distractions 
5. More Privacy and Confidentiality
6. Build New Friendships With Sober Peers
7. Find a Peaceful & Therapeutic Setting
8. Opportunity to Start Over in a New Place
9. Create New Habits & Hobbies
10. Access to Comprehensive Aftercare

1. Distancing Yourself from Negative Influences

One of the most significant benefits of relocation for alcohol or drug rehab is that being in a new environment is like a fresh start—you’ll be away from your old environment where your addiction took hold and substances are easy to find. Reducing daily triggers by permanent or temporary relocation might make your recovery journey easier. 

Negative influences that might make recovery difficult include: 

• Exposure to triggers and environmental cues, like being around a friend who also uses drugs, or coming into contact with a setting that you associate with drugs and alcohol
• Interpersonal problems, like conflict with family and friends; relocation can offer a physical barrier and distance to help lessen those problems and help recovery
• Lack of social support, which could be improved by going to a drug and alcohol rehab that has a strong sense of community and a connected network of sober peers and alumni

2. Interrupting Old Routines and Habits

Relocating interrupts old habits and routines, forcing you to create new, healthier ones with support from your rehab program and fellow sober peers. 

While starting over in a new place can sometimes be challenging, temporary or permanent relocation for drug rehab offers the opportunity to restructure your life and create new habits by ending the old destructive ones. If you attend rehab in a new city or state, the staff and programming at the rehab often offer guidance on creating new routines and habits after your old ones have been interrupted. 

3. Substances are No Longer Readily Available

A big part of relapse is often tied to the ease of access to substances. When you relocate to a rehab in a new city, not only will you be given the tools to recover, but you will also be in unfamiliar territory, which means the connections to any substances will be hard to come by. 

4. Fewer Distractions

A new location offers a unique opportunity: solely focusing on recovery. At a rehab treatment center in a different state, you’ll be able to commit to your recovery without the distraction of old connections, negative influences, family pressure, job

Distractions can impede the success of rehab because they mean that you’re less likely to absorb and retain any info that will help you stay sober. 

5. More Privacy and Confidentiality

Many individuals choose to go to rehab away from where they live because of the privacy and confidentiality aspect. Attending rehab in a different state makes it easier to limit the people who know about the treatment you are receiving. 

6. Build New Friendships With Sober Peers

Peer support and sober friendships are a great way to remain steadfast in your recovery journey. Creating new friendships will contribute to lasting recovery and make your time in rehab easier and happier. 

Many studies and research have shown that having a trustworthy network of sober peers can help reduce relapse rates. Because of this, many rehab centers work hard to build a connected network of sober peers and rehab treatment alumni. This network of people is always accessible so that you can get the support you need when you need it. 

7. Find a Peaceful & Therapeutic Setting

Another benefit of relocating to get drug or alcohol treatment is the opportunity to be in a peaceful and therapeutic setting that is conducive to healing. Out-of-state rehabs offer tranquil and therapeutic features for recovery, including: 

• Yoga classes
• Meditation rooms
• Easy access to trained and licensed therapists
• Proximity to beaches and natural preserves 

8. Opportunity to Start Over in a New Place

Starting over can contribute to lasting happiness. Novelty can help enhance feelings of happiness because it activates the dopamine system directly. In fact, studies have shown that a positive sense of newness can lead to increased creativity when encountering stress, lower perceived stress, less anxiety, and less depression.

9. Create New Habits & Hobbies

When you relocate to a new state for rehab, you’ll have more time to focus on your healing with fewer distractions. This means you’ll be able to explore different creative outlets to form new hobbies, passions, and habits. Many recovery and rehab centers offer programs to help you create these new hobbies, like surfing, art therapy, or music classes. 

10. Access to Comprehensive Aftercare

One of the most important things in lasting sobriety is having easy access to aftercare and an alumni network of sober peers you can communicate with. Don’t limit yourself by going to a local rehab. Instead, research the best rehabs in the country that can offer you support for your entire recovery journey, from detox to comprehensive aftercare. Consider relocating to one of these rehab centers that offer comprehensive aftercare.

Prime Locations for Relocation Success in California

When it comes to rehab, California is a popular destination for folks looking to take the first step in their recovery journey. 

California is a prime location for successful addiction recovery because of its proximity to fun, sober-friendly activities like:

• Beaches
• National parks
• Wellness programs
• Excellent dining & shopping
• & More

Most importantly, California has some of the largest sober communities in the country, which means it will be easier to connect with sober peers and build lasting friendships. 

What to Consider Before Relocating for Rehab

Temporary or permanent relocation for drug rehab or alcohol addiction treatment is a big deal, and moving for recovery should always be given serious thought. Here are some things to consider before relocating for rehab: 

Pros:

• Rehab could be easier because relocating for rehab can reduce daily triggers.
• A fresh start could help increase dopamine levels and distance an individual from a past that is associated with addiction.
• Relocation offers the opportunity to meet new people, which means you can forge new friendships that will become lasting pillars in your recovery support system. 

Cons:

• Coordinating a move with work, school, and family in mind can be complex. However, there are resources available like FMLA leave, and admissions counselors at Gratitude Lodge can help walk you through the process. 
• For some people, the best support system is the one at home. If you have access to a good therapist and family or friends who make a positive impact on your life, then relocation may not be for you.

Get Expert Support for Relocating for Rehab

Don’t navigate rehab relocation alone—talk to our friendly team at Gratitude Lodge for guidance on relocation for rehab and resources. 

We’re available 24/7 to guide you through the admissions process, help you get FMLA leave for work, and offer assistance with anything else you may need. Many of our admissions reps have had successful relocation experiences themselves, so they know what you’re going through and just how to help you.