The decision to enter rehab and take control of your life is a huge one. Once you take the first step towards recovery, though, the choices can be overwhelming.
There are many rehab centers throughout the world, and most people don’t know where even to start. Should you stay in America or try an international rehab? Stay local or choose a destination spot? What kind of treatment should you receive?
California, and Orange County, in particular, has long been the epicenter for recovery from addiction. The first AA meeting took place in California back in 1939, and California was also the first state to recognize addiction medicine as a specialty for doctors.
Since then, Orange County continues to provide the perfect environment for people who are ready to begin their journey to recovery and their loved ones. There are approximately 1,500 licensed treatment facilities and over 1,000 sober living residencies in California, and many are based in Orange County.
There are so many people coming here for treatment because it provides the ideal environment for detox and recovery from addiction. Just some of the reasons you should consider Orange County for rehab and recovery include:
Perfect Weather
Few places can compete with Orange County’s temperate weather. The coastal temperature makes it ideal for visiting year-around. In Costa Mesa, for example, the highest temperature reaches a mere 81°F in the summer, and the lowest is 47°F at night in the winter. Depending on where you live, especially if you come from a place with extreme weather, it might help you to choose Orange County for your treatment.
Great weather does more than feel good. It can be a significant help to your recovery process. The initial days of recovery can be turbulent and have an impact on your mood. With consistent sunshine, you can avoid SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder, or the ‘winter blues’) that can become a severe problem in recovery.
SAD and depression are common co-occurring disorders for people who struggle with addiction. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have depression. The mood-boosting effects of sunlight can help regulate hormones and improve mood, which will make recovery more comfortable.
In addition to the uplifting effects of sunshine that are critical for recovery, the temperate weather also makes healthy habits more enjoyable. Exercising outdoors, getting fresh air, and time outdoors is difficult if the weather is too hot or cold. Instead, you can cultivate healthy coping techniques and lifestyle changes in great weather year-around in Orange County.
The Beach
There are few things more calming than watching a sunset, wiggling your toes in the sand, or taking a refreshing dip in the ocean. Recovery is hard work, and you deserve to treat yourself during this transformational time. A short trip to the beach is the perfect opportunity to do that.
Most of Orange County is just miles from the beach so you can experience the cool refreshment of the ocean throughout your stay. Many rehab facilities in Orange County do take regular trips to the beach, so you’ll be able to experience nature during recovery.
Time outside in nature is critical for your wellbeing, which boosts your recovery process. A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that people who spent at least 120 minutes a week outdoors reported a greater sense of wellbeing than people who spent no time outdoors.
You don’t want to break your addiction. You want to live a happy and fulfilled life. Spending time at the beach can help you do that!
Change of Scenery
A problem that people with addiction issues run into again and again is falling back into the same patterns when they try to achieve sobriety. Whether it’s dysfunctional family patterns, unhealthy friendships, triggers in the old environment, or the stress of everyday life, some feel as though they need a clean break.
Especially during the early days of recovery, you might need to get away. Orange County can give you the perfect opportunity to create some distance from your life and get a proper perspective. You can break the old thoughts and behaviors that led to addiction. Completely changing your surroundings will force you to take your mind off of autopilot and start living with intention.
Statistically, traveling for rehab makes recovery more successful. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 12% of people who receive treatment out of state have better outcomes.
Also, addiction doesn’t happen alone. Friends and family suffer as well when their loved one is struggling with addiction. Traveling away from home gives everyone a chance to process their emotions and start to recover from the effects that addiction has had in their lives.
Time away can help both the person struggling with addiction and their loved ones’ great perspective into any unhealthy relationship patterns and give them both the time they need to heal separately.
Whether you live in another part of California or another state, Orange County can provide you with the perfect getaway to start healing.
Professionals Who Care
Many areas don’t have adequate facilities to give you the full support you need. Many small towns and rural neighborhoods lack the resources and understanding that a person that struggles with addiction needs. With the lack of proper support and home nearby, some people who try to seek help end up giving up and going home.
You might be severely limited if you only consider going to a rehab nearby your home. Instead, consider broadening your search to find the facility that works best for you.
Orange County, on the other hand, offers professional facilities that can provide you with the support you need on your journey to sobriety. You can find the perfect facility for your needs with some of the most respected professionals in the world.
Don’t leave your treatment up to chance and hope that it works out for the best. Get treatment from professionals that have helped hundreds of others like you. You need those who can provide you with the support, understanding, and empathy you need as you take the steep path to sobriety.
Wide Variety of Treatment Options
No two people are exactly the same. Their treatments shouldn’t be either.
People who attend rehab in Orange County will often find a higher number of facilities that offer holistic options that can be effective alongside conventional treatment. Holistic treatment seeks to treat the whole person, which includes the psychological, social, physical, and spiritual elements that led to their addiction.
Whether you would like completely conventional treatment or a facility that offers alternative therapies as well, Orange County has what you need to recover.
Insurance Coverage
One of the biggest reasons that individuals choose not to enter rehab is the cost. They worry about whether they can afford it or don’t want to put that burden on their families. However, most insurances cover the cost of rehabilitation for you.
If you are insured, cost shouldn’t be a reason to avoid a professional facility. You can call your insurance provider or one of our counselors, and someone will be happy to walk you through the process of having your treatment covered.
How to Prepare for Recovery in Orange County.
If you’re from out of town, you might be at a loss as to what to bring with you to rehab. Although the facility will let you know the specifics of what to bring or not bring, some things you might want to consider traveling to Orange County:
- Comfortable Clothing. Leave your heavy snow coat at home! Temperatures are mild year around, so expect to wear shorts and shirts during the summer, and pants and sweaters in the winter.
- Exercise Clothes. Experts highly recommend exercise for most people during treatment. Bring clothes you can move in, including shorts, shirts, and sneakers.
- You’ll likely get the chance to use it with balmy coastal Orange County weather.
- Although the extra sun can boost your mood, it’s tough on your skin. The sun burns year-around, so be prepared with sunscreen.
Get the Treatment You Deserve
Once you’ve decided to break free from addiction and get your life back, you have so many options. However, you can find the treatment you want and need in Orange County. Take advantage of its great weather, beaches, and caring professionals to be successful on your road to recovery. Depending on your insurance, you might not even have to pay anything for treatment!
