Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
TABLE OF CONTENTS CHANGING THE ENVIROMENT 4 DIFFICULTIES ASSOCIATED WITH OBTAINING THE SUBSTANCE 7 ELIMINATING TEMPTATIONS FROM FRIENDS 8 TREATMENT OPTIONS 9 COMFORT LEVEL 11 AFTERCARE SERVICES 13 LOCAL ATTRACTIONS 15 LEARNING NEW WAYS TO HANDLE EMOTIONS AND STRESS 19 2 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
Traveling to a different state for addiction treatment and rehabilitation can be a smart decision. Although the decision to travel is an important part of reaching personal goals, the destination may also be an essential part of recovery. Traveling to Arizona can provide some benefits that are not available in other states, which makes it a good choice for individuals who are trying to recover or for loved ones who are supporting a family member throughout recovery. 3 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
CHANGING THE ENVIROMENT There are several reasons to consider addiction treatment in a different state or location. Going to Arizona can provide some benefits in relation to the weather conditions, but that is not the only factor that will change. According to Help Guide (1), the treatment that is most appropriate for any individual will depend on personal needs. There is no single treatment that works for every person. As a result, some individuals may respond well to a different environment and location when compared to treatment in a hometown. The factors that may change when an individual seeks treatment in Arizona include: The weather conditions and temperatures The perspective associated with the location Emotional health and general well-being The feeling of safety The entire environment 4 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
CHANGING THE ENVIROMENT Arizona is a desert environment, which means that the surroundings are significantly different than many other states and locations. That extreme change to current surroundings can help with recovery because an individual will not face as many situations that encourage substance abuse. For example, if cold weather results in a temptation to abuse alcohol, then the mild winter weather in Arizona can help reduce the risk of feeling tempted to abuse the substance. 5 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
CHANGING THE ENVIROMENT Current Results (2) states that many cities within Arizona have more days of sunny weather than days with cloudy skies. Depending on the exact location, the number of days with sunshine can vary slightly, but it can range from roughly 260 to 310 days of sunshine, explains Current Results (2). By making an extreme change to the surroundings, it is possible that an individual may feel safe or may gain a different perspective on the situation as a direct result of the alterations in his or her environment. Furthermore, the sights, smells and physical sensations that are associated with the location can change. For example, Arizona may have warm weather when another state is experiencing heavy rainfall or snow. Changing the sensations can help reduce the number of cravings for the substance that develop, which can make it easier to avoid the substance during the initial treatment. 85%- 71% 15%-29% 6 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
DIFFICULTIES ASSOCIATED WITH OBTAINING THE SUBSTANCE Traveling for rehabilitation can be a smart decision because it is no longer a familiar location. Individuals who may abuse a substance will find it more difficult in a location that is not familiar because they are no longer near their home. As a result, it can be hard to find and obtain the substance. Certain substances, particularly illicit substances, are not easy to find in an unfamiliar environment. That can be beneficial during the initial steps of treatment because the substance may not be easy to find. 7 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
ELIMINATING TEMPTATIONS FROM FRIENDS Certain friends or family members may encourage substance abuse or contribute to the use of drugs or alcohol. In some situations, loved ones may enable the individual who is seeking treatment to obtain the substance. In other cases, friends or family members may even provide the substance that is abused. A key reason to consider traveling for treatment is the ability to eliminate temptations that are related to loved ones. Removing a potential source of temptation or avoiding individuals who act as a trigger for cravings can help reduce the risk of abusing the substance in the future. It also ensures that it is possible to focus on treatment rather than focusing on the changes to personal relationships with individuals who are encouraging or enabling substance abuse. Psych Central (3) explains that the best program for any individual can depend on several factors. In some cases, that may mean it is necessary to avoid every friend and family member until after treatment has started or is completed. When an individual has been providing the substance or encouraging substance abuse, it may even be necessary to avoid the person completely. 8 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
TREATMENT OPTIONS Treatment plays a key role in recovery and the specific treatment options that are available depend on personal needs, but Arizona has the flexibility to offer more options. The reason is related to the weather conditions. When the weather is mild or comfortable, it is possible to enjoy more outdoor activities when compared to states that have extreme winters or very cold temperatures. Depending on the individual and his or her current situation, the treatment options that may be available can include: Exercise therapies or fitness training Yoga Cognitive or psychological treatments Group or individual counseling Family therapy Equine therapy Music therapy Art therapy Any other treatment that may be necessary for health 9 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
TREATMENT OPTIONS By taking a holistic approach to treatment, it is possible for some individuals to regain their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. The goal of treatment is the find the underlying causes of addiction and encourage individuals to recover with a treatment plan that is designed for their personal goals and situations. Since the specific factors that contribute to addiction can vary significantly, some individuals may benefit from the sunny weather conditions. For example, individuals who have been diagnosed with depression may benefit from regular exercise, outdoor activities and the sunlight that is available in Arizona. The treatment plans are designed to address personal concerns and problems, so a holistic plan can be a useful way to encourage healing and recovery. 10 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
COMFORT LEVEL A treatment facility should offer comfortable surroundings that encourage individuals to focus on their treatment and personal needs. By enjoying a pristine destination that is in the heart of the desert, the location can provide a serene and quiet environment. Comfort levels can vary based on personal standards, but a residential program that is designed to meet the needs of individuals who are traveling to Arizona from other states and locations will offer a high level of comfort when compared to other options. Factors that may impact comfort levels include: The treatment options that are available The foods that are served in the facility Feelings of safety associated with the destination Surroundings within the facility The staff members 11 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
COMFORT LEVEL Since safety is an essential part of treatment, it is important to select a treatment program that feels safe and comfortable. Help Guide (4) suggests that individuals consider any licensing credentials or certifications that a treatment program has available to determine the level of safety. When a program has several doctors, nurses and professionals working within the program and facility, it can feel safe, inviting and comfortable. Treatment should not only focus on the physical aspects of recovery; however, there are potential concerns related to physical pain, discomfort or health that can impact an individual s treatment plan. It is possible to feel comfortable and safe when there are medical staff members who can handle any emergency situation that may arise. Medical staff is particularly important for comfort levels when addiction treatment relates to a medical health condition or physical pain because of the potential risks associated with the situation. 12 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
AFTERCARE SERVICES Long-term recovery can be complicated, especially when a treatment program occurs in a different state. According to Help Guide (4), aftercare services can help prevent a relapse from occurring and can be an essential part of recovery. Even though a program may provide treatment to individuals who travel to Arizona, that does not mean aftercare is ignored or limited.generally, an aftercare program will be available based on the needs of an individual and the current situation that the individual faces. For example, it may be possible to set up counseling sessions over the phone or with an online service for individuals who live in a different state. Otherwise, transitional services and programs to help individuals who plan to move to the area may be a good choice. 13 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
AFTERCARE SERVICES In some cases, aftercare can combine conversations with professional staff members on the phone and other programs that are available in an individual s home state. For example, the program may contact a 12-step program or an outpatient program to help with recovery based on the progress of the individual and the risks associated with recovery. For some individuals, long-term care and treatment may be available or recommended. The long-term treatment is useful when individuals have been addicted to a substance for an extended period of time or when there are concerns about a relapse due to the behavior of the individual. 14 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Along with the treatment options that are available, going to Arizona for treatment provides the chance to explore some of the local attractions. Visitors and family members can enjoy the attractions that are available in the area when they come to family therapy or visit during the treatment program. After completing the treatment or when transitioning into a local aftercare program, it may also be possible to enjoy some of the attractions that are unique to the state. Outdoor attractions that may be appropriate for individuals who enjoy adventures or who prefer natural settings include: Cave Creek Outfitters McDowell Sonoran Preserve Taliesin West Pinnacle Peak Park Troon North Golf Club Tom s Thumb Trail 15 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Although the exact attractions that are available can vary significantly based on the region and the cities that are nearby, there are some places that encourage happy memories that can help with the recovery process. Trip Advisor (5) recommends several outdoor and indoor attractions that can make a visit to the area or a longterm program that includes exploration and adventure therapy more interesting. The outdoor attractions focus on trails, tours of local preserves and interesting places for individuals who enjoy outdoor activities. Since certain activities, like sports and walking trails, can help with recovery, it may be useful to include an exploration of certain attractions in a treatment program. Horseback riding, golf or even walking on a trail can encourage better fitness habits and can improve overall health and well-being. 16 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Although the outdoor attractions are a good choice for individuals who want to explore the desert environment, indoor attractions can be better during hot weather or when personal interests do not include certain activities. Indoor attractions that are available in the local area include: The Butterfly Wonderland The ipic Theaters The Penske Racing Museum Old Town Scottsdale and the local stores The Comedy Spot Scottsdale Center for the Arts 17 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Arizona has interesting attractions and activities for any individual. Since the attractions are not limited to specific activities or areas of interest, it is a good area to consider for addiction treatment. After completing a treatment program or when the program transitions into an outpatient treatment plan, it may help to include activities and tours of attractions that are related to personal hobbies or areas of interest. Help Guide (1) explains that treatment for addiction should include more than just programs that focus on the physical aspects of the problem. Emotional changes and a loss of interest in hobbies can develop during an addiction. By incorporating attractions or interesting activities in a treatment program, it is possible to rekindle personal interests and hobbies so that it is possible to start moving forward and recovering. 18 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
LEARNING NEW WAYS TO HANDLE EMOTIONS AND STRESS Help Guide (1) states that stress and emotional factors can impact addiction and recovery. When treatment programs in a local area have not been helpful, it may be possible that a new perspective will be an important part of recovery. The professionals who offer treatment and assistance throughout the process of recovery can have different tools and methods of handling stress and emotional factors that contribute to addiction and substance abuse. In some cases, traveling for rehabilitation can be a smart way to learn new methods of handling emotional problems or stress that may contribute to the addiction. 19 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
LEARNING NEW WAYS TO HANDLE EMOTIONS AND STRESS Since the emotional factors that may contribute to addiction can vary between individuals and situations, it may be helpful to travel for treatment. Every professional will offer different approaches to healing and recovery. Generally, a holistic treatment program is a good choice for recovery since it focuses on several factors that may contribute to substance abuse. Creating a comprehensive plan can require several different types of professionals and some individuals may not have access to the professionals who are most appropriate for their treatment goals or needs. Emotional factors that may contribute to addiction can include: Poor anger management skills High stress environments or a high stress career Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety Poor stress management skills Feeling worried or feelings of doom Grief that persists beyond a reasonable amount of time Traumatic experiences 20 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
Traveling to Arizona for treatment in a program that focuses on comprehensive and holistic healing needs can make it easier to find the appropriate professional for the individual. A small town or a state with fewer resources may not have the appropriate options to treat the needs of every individual. There are a variety of reasons to consider a treatment program in Arizona. Since the state has excellent weather conditions and a sunny environment throughout the year, it can be helpful in certain situations, particularly in relation to mental health conditions like depression. Along with the extreme alteration of the environment, seeking treatment that is away from home can provide more opportunities to find the best professional for personal goals and to avoid individuals who may contribute to addiction or substance abuse. It is not necessary to relapse several times or put up with limited treatment options. Traveling for treatment and working the the best professionals in the field can make it possible to recover and maintain personal goals for a lifetime. 21 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab
SOURCES: (1) OVERCOMING DRUG ADDICTION (2) DAYS OF SUNSHINE PER YEAR IN ARIZONA (3) DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OUTPATIENT AND INPATIENT TREATMENT PROGRAMS (4) CHOOSING A DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAM (5) THINGS TO DO IN SCOTTSDALE Our facility is designed with an environment that focuses on healing. We provide your loved one with all the comforts and amenities that they are accustomed to. From basic needs to spa-like amenities, our facility has everything your loved one needs to stay comfortable so they can focus on their treatment. Our professional team is ready to answer any questions you may have. (855) 976-9719 Why You Should Travel to Arizona for Rehab