Content Overview

Recovery isn’t a one size fits all solution to problems caused by substance use disorders, your journey to sobriety needs a tailor-made treatment programme. Therefore it is crucial that you pick the right rehabilitation facility for your needs and don’t just base your choice on proximity.

Deciding to enter a rehabilitation facility to receive treatment is a big step, and at this point, you or a loved one may be researching facilities that offer addiction treatment, to find the right fit for you, the geographic location may need to be increased and the pro’s and con’s of treatment away from your home considered.

Pros for Rehab Away From Home

Addiction is about more than the substance of choice, there are many factors involved, some stemming from childhood trauma, family dynamics and even repeat exposure, from friends or loved ones that also partake in substance abuse.

It is therefore important to look at what you require to begin your sober journey:

Privacy – There is a social stigma attached to substance use disorders in society, you may fear that your reputation, employment and social standing may be compromised by entering rehab.
Chances are you wont run into anyone you know if you are in rehab far from your community.

Licenses – Any reputable rehab facility should be licenced by the Care Quality Commission, there are quality control procedures in place to ensure that your treatment is handled with the utmost respect.

Location – Shame is a large part of addiction, being in a new environment where you are not constantly facing reminders of your addiction and the lengths you went to access your substance of choice will provide you with a chance at a fresh start.

Focus – A private rehab offers a refuge where you can focus entirely on yourself. This respite from the challenges of your daily life will help break your cycle of habitual use so new behaviours can be formed.

Mental health support – If you use more than one substance or have any existing mental health issues, a centre that can treat you as a whole may not be just down the road from home.

Medical emergency – Some substance withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and even risky if not supervised and monitored closely during detox.

Affordability – Are the costs covered by health insurance? Most residents use private funding for residential rehab, the NHS offers certain free treatment options but these are generally on an outpatient basis and there are long waiting lists.

Availability – Making the decision to stop using drugs or alcohol needs to be acted on as quickly as possible. A residential facility outside of your area may have space to admit you within 24hours.

Payments – You may be able to spread the payments over a set amount of time with final payment on discharge.

Aftercare – Will you have access to counselling after rehab? Most private rehabilitation facilities offer ongoing counselling either as an outpatient or via skype. You may also receive referrals to Sober Management Services in your area or private therapists.

Looking for the Right Environment

Your treatment programme needs to be structured around you as a whole, having a team of experienced highly trained and supportive counsellors able to finee tune and adjust your programme as needed is important. The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and social care in England, you can check how they rate any facility you are considering.Your treatment needs need credible programmes that should offer a wide selection of evidence-based therapy options to find the right mix for you. The more options, the better your chance at success. Behavioural therapies, including individual, family, or group counseling,are the most commonly used forms of substance abuse treatment. Your treatment also needs to have some ‘fun’ therapies to break the intensity and will encourage your involvement and commitment to your recovery.

Even during detox, counselling is vital. Entering a rehabilitation facility that offers supervised and safe detox whilst in rehab will give you a safe space with minimal disruption, and focused therapy to address issues you may encounter as your mind and body adjust to being substance-free. But this is not everything that will improve or worsen the environment within the rehab centre for you. An obsession with the substance you are addicted to can lead to a compulsion, where cravings are triggered by familiar places, friends that use and other life stressors. Being around these triggers can make it difficult to establish a strong foundation for your recovery. (The measurement of drug craving)

And now we arrive at one of the essential elements of a good rehab treatment: Safety. If your substance abuse includes involvement with criminals, your protection is important and a facility that is confidential and in another area will offer that protection. Many rehab facilities include walks into town and being far from home, chances are you will be able to do this without fear of recognition. Your safety depends also on the safety of those around you, so keep in mind to ask about the measures in place.

Support Groups

Are there support groups available in your area is another key element to choosing a rehab for your next step in treating addictions.

support for addiction

Most areas have support groups available such as:

  1. Alcoholics Anonymous UK (Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain)
  2. Narcotics Anonymous UK (UKNA | Narcotics Anonymous in the UK)
  3. Participating in other twelve-step groups, or non-twelve-step recovery programs such as SMART Recovery. (Self-Help Addiction Recovery | UK Smart Recovery)

Cons for Rehab Away From Home

Staying close to home may feel more comfortable, other factors that you may be considering may include:

  • Need for the family unit -There is benefit to whole family involvement for addiction treatment. If your loved ones live near your chosen facility, it makes it more convenient for visits and counselling sessions.
  • Accessible support systems – Receiving aftercare with counselors, support groups, and other resources available for accountability, guidance, and reinforcement of healthy choices and as a continuation of your treatment and recovery may seem easier if your therapy network is already established
  • Employment responsibilities – Depending on your employer, you may not be able to take an extended time away from work. A shorter stay in rehab locally followed by outpatient treatment may be the option you require.
  • Insurance coverage. Your health insurance coverage may not cover out of area stays in rehab without substantial out-of-pocket expense. The NHS treatment programmes are free, but they are limited and have long waiting lists

No matter the geographic location of the facility you choose, there will be some level of discomfort, because you’re dealing with a complete and total reset of your body, mind and spirit.

Look for the Support Workers Who Understand You

You are more likely to stick out your rehabilitation stay if you are at a facility far from home, having to arrange transport, plane ticket or bus ride will give you a chance to think your impulse decision through.

Substance use disorders are diseases that may have affected you or a loved one for years or even decades, and new coping skills aren’t going to replace your desire to drink or use them overnight. That can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even hopelessness which at the moment, can lead you to a decision to leave treatment early. These feelings will all pass as your treatment continues, especially with the support and encouragement understanding of your therapy team. (https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/treatment-centers/choose-leave-rehab)

Should I Choose a Drug or Alcohol Rehab Near Me?

When the Residential Rehab Facility in question is the best fit for your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs, the answer is unequivocal: Yes, because doing so may be the reset you need to stop drinking or using drugs and find a new way to live. Success stories from previous clients should paint a picture of how the facility treats their clients and what their long-term recovery rate is.

Jason Sheirs
Author / Jason Shiers / Dip. Psych MBACP
Jason Shiers is a Certified Transformative Coach & Certified Psychotherapist who is a specialist in addiction, trauma and eating disorders. He has been working in the field of addiction for 25 years now.