Is It Smart for My Child to Go to Treatment in Our Local Area or Out-Of-State?

Deciding where your child will go for treatment can feel daunting. Certainly, you want the best for them; therefore, the biggest question is whether you want them to attend in-state or out-of-state treatment. Both options have their pros and cons, and it is important to weigh each of them out to decide what works best for you and your child.

In-State Treatment

Attending treatment in-state can provide many benefits for you and your child. These programs are not only local; they may lend your child a sense of security knowing that they are still within their state.

Family Support

One of the many benefits of going to treatment in-state is that it allows your child to be close to you and the family. This can be beneficial because they will have a support system close to them. Being nearby might make it easier for you to visit them and participate in some of their treatment processes. This can be beneficial for strengthing your family as a whole, especially when your child returns home and you need to help them face the challenges of recovery.

Integrating Back Into Everyday Life

Another benefit of in-state treatment is that integrating back into everyday life can be easier when the treatment center is not far from where you live. It can be difficult to readjust to a new lifestyle during the recovery process. Therefore, trying to readjust after being away can add some unnecessary stress. Having treatment in-state provides your child with a familiar environment that they will not have to recalibrate to once they leave treatment.

Connection to Community

Choosing in-state treatment also offers a better connection to the sober community in your area. Some treatment centers will have speakers come in from local support groups, allowing your child to start making these supportive connections critical to long-term sobriety.

Out-Of-State Treatment

Perhaps being in-state is dangerous for your child at this time. Though it is a hard call, attending out of state might be the better option. They will be in a new environment and may feel a sense of independence and empowerment.

Removing Your Child From Toxic People and Places

When under the weight of substance use disorder, your child will likely be driven by only the substance; therefore, they will seek people and places to attain the substance. More than likely, these places are local. Having such places nearby might be distracting for your child. They may even just be biding time before they get back to these people and places.

When going to an out-of-state treatment program, your child will be removed from all toxic people and places. They will be in a new environment that does not allow them to fall back into old habits. Such an environment will also help distract them from thinking about these people and places. Therefore, attending out-of-state treatment can remove your child long enough to develop healthier relationships and return home more resilient and ready to navigate an environment that may be triggering.

Change of Scenery

Both treatment and recovery focus on change. If your child attends out-of-state treatment, they will have the opportunity to view things from a new perspective. Having new surroundings can send a positive message to their subconscious and open them up to more change. This can be especially beneficial because they will realize that the environment they left is not how things are everywhere else.

More Likely to Stay In Treatment

Having support from family is great; however, having this kind of safety net can work against your child. You may be too quick to want to bail them out when things become difficult. Successful treatment often takes having to endure difficult challenges. The temptation for your child to want to leave or you to want to help them leave will be much harder when they are out of state. Therefore, out-of-state treatment can help build resiliency when things get hard.

What Works Best For Your Child?

Understand that everyone has their own unique set of concerns and circumstances regarding treatment. Deciding where to send your child for treatment is no exception, and it will depend on what they need most. Talk to your child, and try to understand their situation:

  • Is their current environment toxic and therefore too distracting?
  • Do they need support from nearby family?

Whatever you decide, it should be about what is best for your child, not what suits your personal needs. You should even consult their healthcare provider to ask questions. A health care provider can give you more insight into making a better-informed decision. Once you are ready to decide, make sure you inform your child in a safe and secure environment.

Deciding whether your child should attend in-state or out-of-state treatment is challenging. You want to choose a place that meets your child's needs and sets them up for a successful recovery, and NorthStar Transitions can help. Our integrated approach to care will ensure that both children and their families get the education and support they need to manage mental health and substance use disorder. We are also here for you and your child when making the hard decisions. Our qualified staff can provide guidance on what steps you and your child should take to receive care. We understand that this is a difficult period in life, and we want to help. If your child is in need of treatment, don't wait to get them help; act today. To learn more about our programs, reach out to us and call (303) 558-6400.

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