Once you’ve made the decision to get help for a drug or alcohol addiction, the next step is deciding which recovery center to attend. Although there are various drug rehabs in India, each is unique in its living environment, therapies offered, types of addiction treated, and more factors that may be important to you when taking into consideration possible options. However, there are pros and cons associated with both attending a local or traveling out-of-state rehab in India but either decision can be vital in assisting one’s transition from life as an addict to life as someone who has found lasting sobriety!
It is important to find a rehab centre in India that specializes in the specific addiction you are experiencing, as well as therapies and treatment programs suited specifically to your needs.
Whether you're a celebrity or just a regular person, addiction treatment typically involves a similar series of steps which correspond with maintenance, outpatient, and inpatient sessions. [1]
Benefits of Traveling for Rehab
Perhaps you or a loved one are still struggling with drug addiction, or perhaps you're dealing with a severe mental health issue. In any case, if you choose to seek treatment outside of your local area, there is no doubt that many more opportunities await you. We want to remind you that not all rehabs are the same - in fact, some facilities may not be up to par and can cause even more harm than good to those who are already dealing with such issues. Having so many options available to you, however, does offer you the freedom of choice as well! Not only do we want to help find the best rehab centre in India for your needs but we also want to make sure that it's as easy for our valued users as possible by providing the most comprehensive, exhaustive list of rehabilitation centres in India, so whether it be best rehab centres in India or luxury rehabilitation centre in India, we have them covered!
Taking a journey for your rehabilitation not only puts you in the mindset of moving toward recovery but allows you to begin afresh in a new environment that can provide a fresh start in life.
While it’s true that you can remake your life, thoughts, and decision-making process from anywhere in the world, it can be much harder to do so when you are continually exposed to the same environment in which you used to abuse drugs and alcohol. There are numerous studies that have shown that travel is healthy for you. For many travel addicts, putting distance between themselves and their triggers helps reduce the desire to use again. Furthermore, traveling for a quality rehab increases your chances of long-term sobriety rather than simply settling for a less expensive program that is near your hometown. Studies have shown that there's something about traveling for a quality treatment program as opposed to just going somewhere cheaper (which may be tempting when everything else is on hold) that contributes more toward long-term recovery. [2]
Studies have shown that being around drugs or other substance-related triggers can often lead those struggling with addiction to wanting to use again. Those who travel far away from their normal routine may feel like they're breaking free from their addiction, and this could strengthen their commitment to sobriety while they are also committed to their treatment plan.
In most cases, admission to alcohol rehab in India is voluntary - which means the person has the ability to leave at any time if they choose. Being far away from home deters some of the temptations one might encounter back home and increases one’s chance of completing the program.
Treatment centers try and make it as comfortable for individuals struggling with addiction as possible. One-way medical professionals do this is by ensuring that clients have no choice but to go against their impulses when they feel like leaving treatment unnecessarily. Why would someone in rehab choose to leave? It's usually because they're beginning to feel an array of emotions they haven't experienced before in many years. When a client is confronted with negative thoughts or feelings, the individual must be able to cope by experiencing them then processing them rather than using substances to numb their pain. Traveling for rehab ensures that the client does not leave the program prematurely. [3]
Research shows that most addicted individuals need at least a minimum of 3 months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use and that the best outcomes occur with longer durations of treatment. Because patients often leave treatment prematurely, programs should include strategies to help engage and keep them in treatment for as long as possible. [4]
Some people also worry about the professional and social impact of drug and alcohol addiction. Many worries that if anyone finds out they sought treatment for alcoholism, they will be looked at differently. If they tell their manager that they are leaving for treatment, they are afraid of office gossip and the perception other people will have. For this reason, privacy is critical when seeking help for an alcohol or drug problem. Traveling to a different city or state can reduce the chance of being recognized while in rehab. When choosing a rehab centre in India it's vital that one chooses one that provides complete confidentiality so you can get the care you need without worrying about what might happen as a result at work or elsewhere!
Some Disadvantages of Traveling for Rehab
Likewise, there are disadvantages to traveling for rehab. It can be difficult to leave your home and friends behind and travel elsewhere to get better. Some people may not have the funds necessary or just don't want to leave town like this, but it's important to remember that a change of scenery can be good for the soul from time to time as long as a person knows where he/she is going and has plans for what he/she will be doing when he/she arrives in his/her destination so as not to become too bored. Below are more details regarding some cons of traveling for rehabilitation:
It can be difficult for loved ones to visit or have an active role during the initial treatment process. It will be more challenging for the rehab’s representatives to set up an aftercare plan in your hometown, as they are in another city. There may not be a local support system in recovery, as most people you will meet are not from the state your home detox center is located in. Finances can vary greatly on this decision.
Going to a Local Rehab
Going to rehab in another city or state could potentially be more expensive than if you choose a local center because the cost of airfare, gas, and hotel stays could add up quickly and make the price go higher. If you’re planning on traveling for treatment anyway it might not be a bad idea to research the best-rated local rehabilitation centers in your area so you’ll have an easier time getting there and back while saving money.
Going to a local rehabilitation center is ideal in many ways. Patients typically benefit tremendously from being able to decompress in their own comfort zone with the support of friends and family. Many top rehab centers offer visiting hours for loved ones, which is almost essential if you consider how much stress detoxing can place on your body and mind.
Another plus is that a local drug rehab’s administration will be familiar with the area and its resources, making it easier for them to develop an aftercare plan for you.
While some people may argue that alcohol rehab centres in your local area are good enough and "right under your nose", there are many other options to take into consideration. Some disadvantages of staying local for treatment could be that you might feel the need to go back home too soon, or friends and family living close by can actually become a distraction or a hindrance on your path to a sober life, simply because they are so accessible to you. You could also be settling for lower-quality care without thinking about what's available elsewhere.
The decision is yours to make and there are many ways of doing so. Well-informed treatment providers are available that can help you by learning how they might be able to help. Deciding on a place for rehab isn't just about location. The choice should be based on how effective the program will be for you. The stakes are high and your recovery is worth more as an investment in your future happiness and health. This is the first step toward a new, sober life for you!
- 1. Sine, Richard. (2019). Rehab’s Role in Treating Addiction. Retrieved on 30 March 2022 from
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/features/addiction-treatment-rehabs-role#1
- 2. Hilliard Jenna. (2019). Traveling for rehab. Retrieved on 30 March 2022 from
https://www.rehabspot.com/treatment/before-begins/traveling-for-rehab/
- 3. Jeffrey Juergens. (2021). Should I Travel For Rehab? Retrieved on 30 March 2022 from
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/3-reasons-traveling-to-drug-rehab-works-best
- 4. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). Retrieved on 30 March 2022 from
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/acknowledgments
AUTHOR- Dr. Niharika Singh (MBBS, MD Psychiatry, MIPS)
Dr. Niharika Singh received her MBBS degree from Kurukshetra University, following which she went on to complete MD Psychiatry from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore. During her residency program, she pursued her thesis on psychosocial factors and the personality profiles of early and late-onset alcohol dependence syndrome. With a view to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of mental health, she then continued to train regularly with premier institutes such as Harvard Medical School - McLean Hospital (USA) in Mind-Body Medicine, Beck Institute (USA) in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, NIMHANS (Bangalore) in Addiction Psychiatry, Behaviour Medicine, Clinical Neurophysiology and Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and has completed Fellowship in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation from Duke University (USA). After post-graduation, she decided to pursue her passion for writing and has a mission to inform the public about addiction issues. Her primary goal is to help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.
REVIEWED BY- Sudipta Rath (M. Phil in Clinical Psychology)
Sudipta Rath has completed her MPhil in clinical psychology from Utkal University in Odisha (India) in 2020 and is currently practicing in New Delhi as a clinical psychologist at a dual diagnosis facility. She is a licensed RCI practitioner specializing in all forms of psychotherapy. Addiction and mental health are personal subjects for her, and her goal is that she can give a helping hand to those seeking healthy and lasting recovery.