If you want 24-hour care while in recovery for addiction or mental health issues, you can choose between residential and inpatient treatment. While they may sound similar and some people even refer to them interchangeably, they’re 2 distinct treatment options. And one may be a better fit for you depending on your unique circumstances.
Many residential treatment centers combine these approaches to meet your needs. And depending on your rehab, you’ll also be able to access many different forms of therapy including group therapy, individual therapy, or experiential therapy.
Some residential rehabs tailor their treatment programs to important parts of your identity:
With residential rehab, you typically get to choose where you receive treatment.
What Is Inpatient Rehab?
Like residential treatment centers, inpatient rehabs also provide 24-hour care. However, inpatient treatment is usually a more intensive program2 in a hospital setting. Medical professionals like physicians direct your care alongside addiction specialists, nurses, and therapists.
It’s a common option in emergency situations like overdoses or self-harm. Some patients enter into inpatient treatment as a result of going to the emergency room or having interactions with law enforcement.
Inpatient treatment is more medical in nature, which is why it requires the resources of a hospital. Because of that, it’s common to detox in inpatient care3 from substances like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines because of how serious withdrawal symptoms can be.
What Are the Differences Between Inpatient and Residential Rehab?
Inpatient and residential rehabs are similar in that you live at your treatment center. However, beyond that, your treatment will look different depending on which type of rehab you attend.
Inpatient treatment programs provide the highest level of care, which requires hospital services with medical supervision. It’s typically for patients experiencing severe addiction or mental health issues:
Because inpatient programming is for serious situations,5 it tends to be more intensive. The goal is to manage severe symptoms of withdrawal, overdose, or mental health conditions. Your treatment team will be focused on treating and stabilizing your condition.
Meanwhile, in residential rehab, the primary goal is sustained recovery, so you’ll learn relapse prevention and coping strategies, be able to process past trauma and develop healthier habits. And while it’s still an intensive healing experience for the patient, it’s usually less medically intensive.
When deciding on which type of treatment to attend, consider the level of care you may need. If you’re detoxing from alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, have a serious co-occurring disorder, or have not responded to treatment in the past, then an inpatient rehab may provide the higher level of care required.
You don’t have to make this decision on your own. Your therapist or primary care physician can help you make the best choice for your unique circumstances. And, you can call admissions teams at rehabs to find out what level of care they offer.
You can browse our list of rehabs to see reviews, pricing, insurance information, and more. To learn about RehabPath, including the latest announcements, visit us here.
If you’re looking for a naturally restorative place to start recovery, a rehab in Ireland could be the perfect fit. With a quiet countryside and history of relaxing recreation, Ireland offers a calm environment for care. And among its lush greenery, you can feel safe as you begin the challenging work of healing.
Peaceful Healing on the Emerald Isle
Preparing for rehab can be hectic at best. You’ve made a big decision, and your whole life is about to change. Even good changes can be disruptive, which is why many patients prefer to go to rehab in tranquil settings. And thanks to a few key features, Ireland is one of the most peaceful countries1 in the world.
Therapeutic Greenery
Ireland’s nickname, “The Emerald Isle,” perfectly describes its lush green surroundings. The refreshing air coming off of the Atlantic Ocean brings moderate weather year round. The rich landscape sits under gray skies, nourished by consistent rain and mist.
For many people, this climate is the perfect environment for healing. In fact, having a naturally beautiful view reduces pain2 and anxiety levels—even if you can only see it through a window. But in most of these programs, you can also explore the outdoors during your time in rehab.
Tee Up for Recovery Success
Ireland has a rich history of golf, with over 300 world-renowned golf courses. So if you’re an avid golfer looking to perfect your swing as you heal, some Irish rehabs, like RósGlas Recovery, offer tee times in addition to therapy sessions.
Finding Harmony
Ireland is known around the world for its spirited folk music. In that tradition, rehabs like RósGlas Recovery boast music therapy programs. And this treatment isn’t just for skilled musicians. You might even listen to music, instead of making it yourself. Music therapy lets you relax, express yourself, and appreciate the local culture. Irish folk music encourages you to celebrate who you are at your core—including your strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.
Discover Your Ideal Treatment Approach in Ireland
Ireland is more than just a peaceful place to start recovery. Its rehabs also offer a wide variety of therapies, including personalized treatment plans. Here, you can find a center that aligns with your values and recovery goals.
Private and Personalized Treatment Programs
To encourage recovery on your own terms, many Irish rehabs treat only small groups of clients. And some, like RósGlas Recovery, treat just one client at a time. With this approach, you’ll receive highly personalized care.
Individualized treatment and strict confidentiality go hand in hand. This type of rehab is a great fit for high-profile clients who need total privacy during recovery. From the safety of a protected environment, you can focus on what matters most: your own healing journey.
Irish Rehabs Address Co-occurring Disorders
Healing from co-occurring disorders is a dynamic process. And in a rehab that specializes in this type of treatment, you’ll find more sustainable success.
At rehabs like Smarmore Castle, for example, you’ll find comprehensive care for drug addiction, behavioral addiction, and mental health diagnoses. For example, you might attend therapy that addresses both shopping addiction and depression at the same time. Rather than treating these conditions separately, you’ll address the root cause of everything you’re going through.
When rehabs use 12-Step facilitation (TSF), their treatment program is structured around the 12 Steps. Most of the time, that means you’ll attend AA (or other 12-Step group) meetings as part of your schedule. And outside of those meetings, your other treatments will explore the same themes. For example, in 1:1 therapy, you might define your recovery goals based on the 12-Step framework.
Going to a 12-Step rehab can ease your transition to the next stage of recovery. Whether or not you stay in Ireland after treatment, AA and other 12-Step meetings are available all over the world. You can even attend them remotely. Regular meetings can help you maintain the same routine you developed in rehab, even when other parts of your life are in flux.
Getting There
If you’re traveling abroad to rehab in Ireland, your journey probably won’t be too complicated. You can find non-stop flights into Dublin from many major European and North American destinations. And if you’re coming from a different region, you can fly into London Heathrow and then travel to Ireland by plane, train, or boat.
Once you’re on the Emerald Isle, public transportation is widely available through rail travel and buses. Many Irish rehabs also offer private pickups from the airport to simplify your journey. But even if you make your own way there, it’s always best to have a travel companion on your way to rehab.
Settle Into Healing in Ireland
Recovery presents challenges, no matter where you go to rehab. But in Ireland, you can face them in a peaceful, supportive environment. With Ireland’s beautiful scenery, cozy weather, and culture of kindness, you’ll be able to take a deep breath—perhaps your first one in a while. To learn more about each program’s pricing, treatment approach, accommodations, and more, search our collection of rehabs in Ireland.
Rehab can be more than a clinical environment. In Europe, it’s also a joyous opportunity to take back control of your life. Picture yourself recovering amidst beautiful views, old architecture, and rich, accepting cultures. Add state-of-the-art treatment methods and a long list of fun ways to spend down time. If that sounds like the atmosphere you’re looking for in treatment, you might consider going to a rehab in Europe.
The Diverse Amenities of European Rehabs
Treatment is hard work. But when you’re in residential rehab, there’s more to life than attending therapy. In Europe’s restorative centers, clients can try new and engaging activities during treatment. Through these experiences, you’ll learn how to have fun in a healthy way.
Explore New Cultures From the Comfort of Rehab
European rehabs have access to some of the greatest cultural landmarks in the world. And many treatment centers take clients to visit local attractions. During treatment at Paracelsus Recovery, for example, you’ll live in a penthouse apartment in downtown Zurich. CEO Jan Gerber explains that nearby, you can find “an opera house, there are concert halls, there are world-renowned museums, and there are very good restaurants.” Exploring a vibrant city, or any new environment, can help you mark the start of this new chapter.
With vast forests, calm seas, and rugged mountains, you can also find any type of environment in Europe.1 If you’d like to hunker down in a cozy room with a view, you could go to rehab in Scandinavia. Or if you prefer the sunshine and warm breeze of the tropics, you might find healing easier in a place like Mykonos.
Many European rehabs take full advantage of their beautiful surroundings. Take Camino Recovery in Spain, for example. One week, you could hike in the Sierra de Tejeda. The next, you might sail and snorkel along the Mediterranean coast. These adventures are both fun and therapeutic. Connecting with nature can play an important role in treatment.
Gourmet Meals Can Nourish Your Body
Learning how to enjoy a healthy lifestyle is essential during recovery. For many people, that means eating delicious, nourishing food. And there are several specific, clinical ways that nutrition supports addiction recovery.
Eating balanced meals can boost your mood and improve your mental clarity. At centers like New Life Marbella in Málaga, Spain, personal chefs and nutritionists design gourmet menus to support your recovery—both physically and mentally.
If you’re coming from abroad, this can be an opportunity to sample the local cuisine. And because so many European dishes are famous around the world, you might already know what to expect. On the other hand, this could be a chance for you to learn about a new culture.
Choose a Rehab That Aligns With Your Values
If you’re not from Europe, traveling there for rehab can give you valuable insight into life back at home. Or, if you already live in the area, you can easily connect with programs in neighboring countries. Either way, clients can decide between a great variety of cultures, in a relatively small geographical area. And once you choose the environment that suits you best, addiction recovery becomes that much easier.
For those seeking premium options, luxury rehab treatment centers offer specialized services and amenities that enhance your recovery. These centers combine comfort, privacy, and personalized care to match your values and preferences.
Other ultra-private rehabs, like Switzerland’s NEOVIVA, offer confidential, boutique treatment for executives. Here, clients stay in a fully operational hotel, with no signage indicating that it’s also a treatment center. Every staff member, at both NEOVIVA and the hotel, works to maintain your privacy. Clients benefit from clinical care, enjoy hotel amenities, and rest assured that they’re safe from prying eyes.
Even if you require anonymity, you don’t have to heal in isolation. Countries along the Mediterranean, like Italy and Spain, have an especially strong focus on family2 and community. And those values shine through in some of the area’s rehabs.
At Solice, for example, clients offer each other emotional support. To Mark, a former client, Solice felt like “a home where people don’t judge, [but] care for each other.”3 Learning how to build healthy relationships can boost your self-esteem and support the process of recovery.4
This attitude can have a major impact on your treatment experience. For one thing, shame and stigma around drug use are often barriers to treatment.6 And decriminalization reduces the stigma of addiction.7 Because of this, rehabs in these countries may offer a unique type of emotional support. And in most areas, decriminalization efforts come with government funding. So these rehabs might have resources that are hard to come by in other places.
European Rehabs Provide High-Quality Care
In many parts of Europe, people see addiction as a health problem.8 If you’re working through stigma, this open-minded attitude can feel like a relief. It also opens the door to a number of treatment options you might not find elsewhere.
Combine Traditional and Alternative Therapies
Few of Europe’s rehabs ask you to choose between Western medicine and holistic treatment. Instead, you can work with your provider to find the therapies that fit your needs. And for some clients, that means combining several different methods.
For example, NEO Centrum, in Prague, is a 12-Step rehab center. But they also specialize in Vipassana meditation as an addiction treatment. While both methods relate to spirituality, they offer vastly different benefits. During 12-Step recovery, clients build community around a shared philosophy of healing. Vipassana, on the other hand, encourages you to accept your own feelings, making peace with your deepest self.
Meanwhile, in France, Maison Ila treats addiction and mental health issues through a variety of therapy methods. “You can immerse yourself deeply in nature, enjoy wild water bathing, practice restorative yoga and instinctive movement therapy, and receive esoteric, transformative treatments,” while also attending 12-Step meetings.9
European researchers are studying new ways to treat addiction using medication.11 Some of these methods, like methadone maintenance therapy, are also available in other countries. But others are only accessible in the EU. And others are legal in some European countries, but unavailable elsewhere in the region.
For example, Tabula Rasa Retreat is located in Portugal, where all substances are decriminalized. This program offers ibogaine therapy for people in addiction and mental health recovery. Meanwhile, in the U.S. and UK, ibogaine is a banned substance.12 Going to rehab in Europe could give you a wealth of treatment options, even if you’re not traveling far from home.
Traveling to and Around Europe
Almost a billion people travel to the EU annually.13 Because of that, it’s a very accessible place visit, especially from countries like the U.S. and Canada. But there are a few details to think about before you plan a trip to Europe.
Do You Need a Visa to Go to Rehab in Europe?
You may or may not need a visa to enter Europe. It depends on where you’re coming from, and how long you’re planning to stay. This can be hard to predict in advance, especially if you’re considering an aftercare program. Talk to the admissions team at your rehab before you book any travel plans, so they can help you make the right arrangements.
Flying into the EU is usually straightforward. Several international airports serve the region, and once you get there, you can quickly travel between European countries.
Once you’re in the region, you can use Europe’s robust train system to get around. Eurail is easy to navigate, and it lets you take in beautiful views en route.
Despite your many options for traveling to and around the region, it’s best to go with a support person. The transition into rehab can be overwhelming, and a traveling companion can keep you safe along the way. And even if you do spend part of the trip alone, talk to your rehab before making specific plans. Many centers offer free transportation from the nearest airport.
European Rehabs Bring Joy to Your Recovery
Wherever you’re traveling from, Europe’s rehabs invite you to come as you are. With its vast array of climates, cultures, and different types of therapy, this region has something for everyone. Recovery is hard, but it can also be inspiring. And finding happiness during treatment will set you up for even more success back home.
Visit our list of rehabs in Europe to learn about their different locations, amenities, and insurance options.
You might not realize that hypnosis has therapeutic applications. It can even help with addiction recovery. Some rehabs use hypnotherapy during inpatient treatment. Here’s how it works.
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy, or hypnosis, puts you into a brief trance-like state1 to help you relax and concentrate. And it’s not the way you’ve seen it on TV. In a lot of media, hypnosis makes people reveal their deepest secrets, or do things against their will. But in reality, you’ll be fully in control the whole time. For most people, hypnosis feels like a state of deep rest,2 but without falling asleep.
This treatment is no substitute for other, more traditional methods. However, combining hypnosis with talk therapy3 helps some people move past mental barriers. By facing your deeper thoughts and feelings, you can gain new insight. This helps some clients heal from serious mental health issues.
Find Your Inner Ability to Heal With the Ericksonian Technique
There are a few different types of hypnotherapy. The central idea of Ericksonian hypnosis4 is that everyone can solve their own problems. In treatment, your therapist tries to harness the natural creativity of your subconscious mind. Then, they’ll help you use that creativity to build a healthier outlook.
Erikson hypnosis uses a lot of guided imagery.5 While you’re in a trance, your therapist uses metaphors to talk about issues you’re currently facing. For example, they might ask you to imagine approaching a path with a fork. Each option represents a real life choice. By noting how you feel about each path, you’ll gain clarity about what you want to do outside of therapy.
This treatment invites you to look at your life in a new way. But researchers still need more information about it. Because this approach is so personal for each patient, it’s hard to study the effectiveness of Ericksonian treatment.6
Cognitive Hypnotherapy Combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Hypnosis
For a more evidence-based approach, you might consider cognitive hypnotherapy. This treatment uses traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) methods in combination with hypnosis.7 Rather than simply attending a CBT session, your therapist will first induce a hypnotic state. Then, once you’re in this focused frame of mind, they’ll guide you through traditional CBT exercises.
CBT teaches you to change your thought patterns8 and practice healthier coping strategies. When you’re in a hypnotic state, you’re more open to those suggestions to change. Much like the Ericksonian approach to hypnotherapy, experts are calling for more data about this type of treatment.
Self-Hypnosis Can Be Self-Care
In most hypnotherapy methods, a trained hypnotherapist acts as your guide. But if you’d like to use these methods outside of therapy sessions, you can learn self-hypnosis.
It’s important to learn this technique from an expert before you try it alone. First, your therapist will teach you how to safely enter a hypnotic state9 by yourself. They’ll also teach you what to do when you’re in hypnosis, and how to re-alert yourself out of the trance-state when you’re ready.
After you have this training, you can practice self-hypnosis on your own, whenever or wherever you need to. This coping strategy can empower you to take control of your own healing process.
Using Hypnotherapy in Mental Health Treatment
Therapists rarely use hypnotherapy by itself.10 More often, they’ll have you engage in other treatments while you’re in a hypnotic state. This strategy can help you stay open to other therapeutic techniques.
However, hypnosis can sometimes be triggering.15 You might even re-experience a traumatic memory during a trance state. Because of this risk, it’s important to work with a trained hypnotherapist, instead of trying self-hypnosis. They can help you work through painful experiences, and move past lingering triggers.
Managing Chronic Pain
Studies show that hypnotherapy decreases chronic pain.16 This method might be even more effective than physical therapy. This might be a viable treatment for people who developed an addiction due to chronic pain.17 By improving your physical symptoms, hypnosis might replace drug abuse as a healthier coping mechanism.
Hypnotherapy for Addiction Recovery
Some studies show that hypnosis can aid in addiction recovery. This treatment may increase patients’ self-esteem and lower their impulsivity, making it easier to stay sober. Experts have used hypnosis to treat several different types of addiction:
However, there’s significant controversy about hypnotherapy as a mental health treatment. Some authorities on addiction science, like the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), say that there is little to no evidence that hypnotherapy treats addiction.21 As research continues, this treatment may gain support from the medical community. But even now, there are ways you can safely incorporate hypnosis into your recovery.
If you want to try this therapy, it’s important to get your doctor’s opinion in advance. And if it turns out hypnosis is a good fit for you, there are a few ways it can support your recovery.
Recovery is a stressful process. And experiencing a lot of stress can increase your risk of relapse.25 You can use hypnotherapy to find deep relaxation26 during rehab. Even if it’s not a formal part of treatment, you might practice self-hypnosis to unwind at the end of the day. Over time, it can even become part of your self-care routine.
Hypnotherapy Can Support Long-Term Healing
Hypnotherapy is an adjunct treatment. In other words, it’s no replacement for rehab. But it can support other therapeutic methods. And as you prepare for life after treatment, you can use it as a coping strategy. Because you can practice it on your own, this approach can be empowering in every stage of recovery. Search for a rehab that offers hypnotherapy and learn about their treatment philosophies, complementary therapies, housing options, and more.
It’s no secret that exercise makes you feel good. These positive feelings are thanks to endorphins released during and after physical activity. It can also be an important part of healing your body from the effects of addiction, trauma, and stress.
Recovery is all about building a sustainable, healthy routine, and exercise can help you get there. Because of this, many addiction and mental health rehabs focus on fitness, and have amenities to help you stay active during your care.
Exercise reduces stress3 by lowering stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Rhythmic activities like walking clear the mind, helping you relax naturally.
An exercise physiologist designs individual exercise plans for each client at The Banyans in Brisbane, Australia.
Physical Fitness Helps Treat Depression
Studies show that exercising is effective in treating depression.5 On the flip side, not exercising is a risk factor for developing depression. When you work out, your brain releases serotonin, a hormone that improves your mood. (Antidepressants relieve depression by increasing serotonin levels.)
Even just a few minutes of physical activity per day can make a big difference in your mood. One study compared people who exercised with those who didn’t. Researchers found that 1.25 hours of walking per week lowered the risk of depression by 18%.6 This decreased by 25% with at least 2.5 hours per week.
Regular Exercise Reduces Anxiety
Research shows that physical activity is associated with less anxiety.7 It can help distract you from anxious thoughts. Instead, you’ll focus on something positive, like finishing a workout or achieving a goal—even if that’s just walking for 20 minutes.
Exercise Improves Your Overall Well Being
By trying new activities and overcoming challenges, your confidence will increase.8 You’ll start to feel better as your immunity, sleep, and energy levels improve. And your risk for disease and health complications goes down as your body repairs the damage caused by substances and prolonged stress. Drugs and alcohol aren’t kind to your body, but the good news is that damage is usually not permanent. Exercise can be the first step in working towards better health—and a better outlook on life.
People who exercise are less likely to use drugs.10 It’s likely that its ability to reduce stress, and therefore regulate emotions, is a factor. You can see the effects in animal studies, too: opioid-dependent rats took morphine less often when they swam consistently.11 Rodents dependent on cocaine were less likely to use the drug when they had access to an exercise wheel.12 A fitness routine adds structure to your day, allows you to explore new interests, helps you build community, and even overcome addiction.
A New, Healthy Hobby
Physical activity can become a new way to spend time outside of substance abuse. It can even become a new hobby. You might realize that you love spending time at the gym or running outside. Or, you may return to an old interest: maybe you used to shoot hoops for hours or play volleyball every weekend with your friends.
Regardless of the role fitness has in your life, it’s important to find activities you enjoy doing while sober. These can replace the time that you used to spend using drugs. Remember that recovery can—and should be—fun.
Physical fitness can give you a way to connect with new people, both in rehab and after you leave. During rehab, you can bond with people over similar interests in a specific activity, like rock climbing or dancing. These new relationships can be instrumental in your recovery process: it’s important to have people to talk to when you’re feeling down. It’s especially helpful to surround yourself with others that have had similar experiences. They can empathize with, and truly understand, what you’re going through.
Exercise Rewires Your Brain
Exercise releases dopamine in your brain. This hormone is responsible for “good” feelings, and can even have pleasurable effects similar to those you get from drugs. This is because exercise and substances activate some of the same reward pathways.
Exercise also prevents further brain damage from substance use13 and promotes cell regeneration. And forming a new habit can actually change your brain. “Neuroplasticity” is the brain’s ability to create new connections. You can use this to your advantage by introducing exercise into your own routine. If you continue to exercise consistently in a way that’s fun and sustainable, it can become a healthy habit that you genuinely enjoy.
Luxury Rehab Fitness Amenities
You’ll have an array of fitness options at different luxury facilities, from fun activities to personal trainers. Remember that it’s important to choose something you like doing. Studies show that you’re more likely to stick with an exercise routine14 if you enjoy it. So if you already love yoga, you can choose a center like Veritas Detox that offers classes. Or if you’ve always thought that boxing looked fun, you can check out a facility like SOBA New Jersey.
Social support is an important factor in sticking to an exercise routine.15 Team sports are a great way to foster new relationships. Futures Recovery Healthcare is an ideal facility for sports lovers. Challenge another client to a game of tennis, basketball, or volleyball on one of their many courts.
Rehab Facilities for Athletes
If you’re an athlete, you may want (or need) to continue training while in treatment. All Points North’s specialty program for athletes was created by professional athletes. Their center provides top-tier amenities to support your needs, like an indoor lap pool and personal trainer.
Recreating in nature provides many benefits—and some rehab facilities offer adventure therapy activities, like hiking and biking. For example, Lions Gate Recovery provides recreational outings to the nearby Zion National Park. Colorado is world-renowned for its outdoor opportunities, and All Points North Lodge in Vail is no exception. Clients can hike, paddleboard, or mountain bike in the summer, and go snowshoeing, snowboarding, or skiing in the winter.
Spending time in nature positively affects mental health.16 For example, researchers found that people who were outside for at least 2 hours per week had better overall well-being. This averages out to just 15 to 20 minutes per day. When you combine this with exercise, the effects are twofold: you reap the benefits from both physical activity and time in green spaces.
Find Joy on the Other Side of Healing
No matter your age or ability, even small amounts of exercise provide important mental and physical benefits. While physical activity is only part of your recovery journey, it plays an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for years to come. See our curated list of rehabs with exercise programs to view fitness amenities, activity options, compare prices, and more.
When you go to rehab in New England, you’ll have easy access to beautiful nature and cutting edge treatment. These programs offer access to the outdoors, metropolitan areas, and some of the best universities in the U.S. From the Berkshires to Boston, you can choose the setting that suits your needs. But you won’t have to choose between a beautiful setting and top-notch care.
At the Heart of Addiction Research
Rehabs in this region can connect their clients with some of the best research universities in the U.S.1 Many of these schools have renowned addiction research centers. Some of them also partner with nearby rehabs to offer clinical care.
For example, McLean Hospital is a Harvard Medical School affiliate in the suburbs of Boston. Their clinicians teach at the university, and pioneer state-of-the-art addiction treatments. In Connecticut, Yale New Haven Health and the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine team up to run The Steward House at Silver Hill. In this executive rehab, you’ll get treatment from Yale’s renowned professors.
Not every rehab in New England is connected to a research center. But clients throughout the region benefit from the cultural emphasis on evidence-based treatment. Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, is home to The New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center. And their mission is to make evidence-based treatment more available to local rehabs.
New England is famous for its great thinkers, but there’s more to recovery than research. This region combines academic prowess with beautiful natural scenery. Quinn Tremblay, Admissions Coordinator at McLean Fernside, says that going to rehab in New England can help you, “stay mindful and keep yourself in a serene mode.”
Experience the Best of All 4 Seasons
This area has 4 distinct seasons, and you can look forward to different activities in each of them. Summer in New England is warm with cooler nights.2 Clients at McLean Borden Cottage can enjoy the season by hiking, sailing, and spending time at the beach.
Autumn is especially popular in New England, thanks to its famous fall foliage. You could have a front-row seat to watch the leaves put on a show. Leaf peeping season starts as early as September in Maine and New Hampshire.
Winters are cold in this area, and the mountainous regions get a lot of snow. If you dislike harsh weather, this might be the wrong time of year for you to visit New England. But if you enjoy snow sports, it’s perfect! In programs like Turnbridge, clients can go skiing and snowboarding during treatment.
In the spring, the gray winter skies melt into a cheery blue. At Brattleboro Retreat, you can spend this season gardening. Watching a seed you’ve planted sprout and bloom can give you a sense of achievement. And at every time of year, spending time in nature can help you heal.
“Breathe a Little Easier” in New England’s Rural Areas
Plus, being able to get away from the demands of urban life can give you space to heal. Katie, a former patient of Spring Lake Ranch in Vermont, explains that being in rural New England helped her recover. “As soon as I got up here, I felt like I could breathe a little easier. No more traffic, no more rushing, no more people everywhere. It was exactly what I needed.”
And you can do more than just looking out of the window. For example, at Spruce Mountain Inn, in Plainfield, Vermont, patients can go hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and canoeing. And if these rural activities aren’t for you, there are other ways to heal. Many of New England’s rehabs are located in urban areas, if you’d prefer a less secluded treatment program.
Stay Connected to Urban Life During Recovery
Rehabs in bigger cities offer some unique amenities. Because New England is home to Boston, Providence, and Hartford, as well as many rural areas, this beautiful region offers the best of both worlds.
As Dr. Frederick Goggans, the Medical Director at McLean Borden Cottage, puts it, “There’s many amenities that you would have in more urban areas, but at the same time, you have that peacefulness and sanctuary setting, which is pretty rare in today’s modern world.” For example, rehabs in New England offer some of these interesting day trips:
Affinity One offers sightseeing trips to historic sites.
These trips immerse clients in local culture. If you’re from nearby, this might help you feel at ease. And if you’re traveling for treatment, connecting with New England’s unique spirit can give you important insight into your own values.
New England gives you space to be yourself.5 Its people are known for being friendly, down-to-earth, and accepting. But they know how to respect boundaries. In one report on Vermont’s culture, experts note that individuality is “at the heart of the character” of the region.6
As a result, many local rehabs offer personalized treatment. This makes them a great fit for clients of certain demographics. If you’re looking for an LGBTQ+ affirming rehab, for instance, Clearbrook Treatment Center might be a good fit. New England is also an excellent place to find rehab programs for executives. Whatever you’re looking for, this open-minded region welcomes people with diverse backgrounds.
Although it’s easy to reach this area, it’s better to travel with a support person. Starting rehab is a big decision, and the journey there can be hard. If you can, ask a friend or loved one to come along and help you with logistics. Or, you can ask your admissions team about other options. Some rehabs even offer complimentary pickups within a certain radius.
New England Offers Safety and Freedom
Early recovery is a tumultuous time. And that can make it hard to choose a treatment program. In New England, you can have the best of both worlds. Enjoy the tranquility of nature, and trust the knowledge of world-renowned researchers. Climb a mountain peak one day, and explore an urban center the next. These rehabs offer plenty of support, while you define what freedom means to you. Reach out to one of New England’s rehab centers to learn about their exact locations, amenities, and types of treatment.
