Drug and alcohol addiction can be an extremely difficult disease to overcome. The truth is, addiction is not a disease that can be cured (although treated). Many of the more than 21 million Americans who are addicted to drugs or alcohol have made more than one attempt to get sober, but have been unable to do so. This is unfortunately common for those wanting to end their substance use disorder, especially when they attempt to get sober independent of any professional care. But, when the time comes and an individual wants to get sober and reaches out for professional treatment, some things they might want to consider are change and relocation in addiction recovery.

Pros and Cons of Change and Relocation in Addiction Recovery

Relocating to get sober means exactly what you are probably thinking — moving somewhere else to attend addiction treatment. For some people, the idea of getting out of dodge and starting fresh somewhere else is exciting and much needed. For others, however, change and relocating to get sober feels overwhelming and even unwanted. Regardless of how you may feel about the idea of leaving your town or state to get help, it can be highly beneficial to consider the pros and cons of change and relocation in addiction recovery. 

Pros 

For some people, relocating for addiction recovery can produce a number of benefits for them. Some of the most common benefits people can experience when making this decision for their recovery can include the following:

• More treatment options – There are thousands of addiction treatment centers throughout the United States, but the one that is best for you may not be in your area. You may find that there is a program that suits your treatment needs in another part of the country. Relocating to an area with a program that is most beneficial to your needs is beneficial in itself.
• Affordable programming – Despite there being several addiction treatment facilities available, not all of them are the most affordable. Some treatment facilities might not accept insurance or have no financing options, while others may take insurance and be more financially flexible. While addiction treatment is a life-saving service and should be viewed as an investment in your health and wellbeing, no one wants to pay an arm and a leg for care. Looking outside of your neighborhood and surrounding communities opens up several affordable options for care so that you can get sober without draining you or your family’s funds.
• Positive environment – It is very common for individuals abusing drugs or alcohol to be living in a negative environment and/or spending time around bad influences (such as peers or places).  When you change and relocate for treatment, you are effectively taking yourself out of that environment and away from those influences. Instead, you will be surrounding yourself with a positive support system and be living in an environment that encourages recovery rather than trying to get sober in a place where the odds are stacked against you.

Cons

Change and relocation in addiction recovery is not an ideal option for everyone. Some people benefit more from attending a treatment program that is within their community or close-by. Therefore, relocating for rehab can be detrimental to their recovery in the following ways: 

• Removed from your support system – Your friends and family may serve as your biggest support system in your recovery. In the event that these individuals are on board and are positive influences in your life, staying close to home to obtain that support at this vulnerable time can be ideal.
• Children can suffer – There is no doubt that children with parents who are addicts or alcoholics are likely to suffer more emotionally than other children. But, they can also face adversity if they are unable to see or interact with their parent who is in recovery. Many treatment programs offer visiting hours, so in the event that you have children but need recovery, you can still get care while also being close to home.
• Inability to make community connections – A major part of recovery is leaning on the individuals in the community who can be of support and encouragement. If you are attending treatment in a place other than where you live, you run the risk of building connections to people who you will unfortunately not be around in the future. This can be frustrating, especially if you return home and have not established community connections there. 

Deciding on whether to relocate for addiction recovery or not is a big decision to make. The best thing you can do is discuss pros and cons with your support system of friends and family, as well as your mental health provider. 

Addiction Treatment in Denver, CO

If you are struggling with a substance use disorder and need help, reach out to us right now. Not only do we offer several programming options, but we also welcome individuals from different parts of the country into our recovery family. 

Do not wait any longer. Call Continuum Recovery Center of Colorado today.