Traveling For Rehab: A Guide for Military Personnel and Their Loved Ones

Understanding the Need for Travel:

Military life often entails frequent moves and deployments, making it challenging to establish roots in a single location. Additionally, the unique stressors and traumas associated with military service can contribute to substance abuse issues. Traveling for rehab offers the opportunity to break free from familiar triggers and environments, providing a fresh start and a supportive setting for recovery. In short, traveling for treatment will remove you from the people, places and things that you associate with your substance use.

Examples of people places and things that may contribute to your substance abuse:

• Your local liquor store or bar. These are places that you associate with your drinking.
• Friends, family, work associates, boss. These are all people who may trigger your addiction. In many situations the people around you are the stressors that lead to drinking or using.
• Local drug dealer. Having your local drug dealer available will allow you to easily back slide on the days when things may get hard.

Getting away from the triggers and stressors that you associate with your addiction can give you a better chance of successfully completing a treatment program and achieving long-term recovery.

Benefits of Traveling for Rehab:

Access to Specialized Programs: Traveling for rehab allows military personnel to access specialized programs tailored to their unique needs, such as those addressing trauma or co-occurring mental health disorders common among service members. Considering programs across the nation gives you a better chance of finding a program that will truly fit your specific needs from a mental, physical, and spiritual perspective.

Confidentiality and Privacy: Seeking treatment away from one’s local area can provide a greater degree of confidentiality and privacy, minimizing concerns about stigma or reputational risk within military circles. Traveling for rehab will reduce the chances of someone you know seeing you going to or coming from the treatment center.

Focus on Recovery: By removing oneself from the distractions and obligations of everyday life, traveling for rehab enables individuals to focus entirely on their recovery journey, without the distractions or triggers present at home.

Supportive Environment: Many rehab facilities offer a supportive and understanding environment conducive to healing, where military personnel can connect with peers who share similar experiences and challenges. By attending a treatment program that is tailored to military members in recovery you will be able to build strong bonds and friendships with individuals like yourself.

Challenges to Consider:

Logistical Considerations: Traveling for rehab requires careful logistical planning, including arranging transportation, temporary accommodations for loved ones, and coordinating with military authorities regarding leave or deployment schedules. The good news is that most reputable treatment programs have case managers who will handle all of this for you. This means that you will have support each step of the way while overcoming any issues of getting into treatment.

Family Separation: For military personnel with families, traveling for rehab may entail temporary separation from loved ones, adding an additional layer of emotional complexity to the recovery process. Getting away from friends and family is often suggested when seeking treatment. By doing this you are able to focus on your recovery and getting better so that you can be 100% available to your loved ones in the future.

Reintegration Challenges: Returning to military duties or transitioning back to civilian life after rehab can pose challenges, as individuals must navigate the demands of their professional and personal responsibilities while maintaining their sobriety. Most reputable treatment programs have case managers that will set up an after-care plan for you when you graduate for rehab. This will chart out a plan for you after leaving treatment.

Tips for Military Personnel and Their Loved Ones:

Seek Support: Reach out today. Contact us and get connected with a treatment program that can help you overcome your struggle with addiction.

Communicate Openly: Maintain open and honest communication with loved ones throughout the rehab journey, addressing any concerns or challenges that arise.

Plan Ahead: Plan for the logistical aspects of traveling for rehab well in advance, considering factors such as leave schedules, childcare arrangements, and financial considerations.

Stay Connected: Stay connected with loved ones during rehab through regular phone calls, video chats, or written correspondence, to maintain a sense of connection and support.

Focus on Self-Care: Prioritize self-care and holistic wellness during the rehab process, engaging in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.