Deciding to get clean and sober is the first step of a powerful journey that will transform your whole life. It is a deeply personal decision and requires being honest with yourself. It can be hard to admit you need help; however, getting sober is always the best decision you can make.
Once you’ve decided to get sober, you have other choices ahead of you. Where will you go to treatment? How do you know which treatment center is right for you? Should you travel away from home for rehab or stay close to home?
Traveling away from home for drug treatment is a transformative decision, offering unique advantages that support long-term recovery. It’s certainly proving you’re committed to doing this for yourself. You’ll be able to put your recovery first as you begin treatment in a place that offers safety, compassion, and healing away from the complications of your everyday life.
The last several years have seen the rise of immersive recovery centers outside of North America that offer some great advantages to those who are willing to travel away from home to get sober. The treatment program that I am President of, Costa Rica Recovery, is one such program.
Distance from Triggers and Familiar Haunts
One of the most difficult, yet important, commitments we make to ourselves in recovery is putting our recovery first. This means that we begin to let go of our old lifestyle, including people, places and things that are associated with drug or alcohol use. But it also means changing patterns of behavior that may not be as obvious to you at the beginning of your change process.
Treatment away from home offers physical and emotional distance from the environments and people that may have contributed to substance use. If you have a codependent relationship with your spouse, they can’t enable you while you’re away in Costa Rica or otherwise abroad. Similarly, if you have a family member that you feel drives you to react and pick up a drink or a drug, you’ll be a safe distance from them. Distance can give you time and space to grow. In the meantime, you’ll learn better reactions or coping mechanisms for situations that typically trigger you to use.
Your new environment can help you catch your breath. It allows you to be more open-minded and concentrate fully on your healing journey without distractions. You’ll be able to create a strong foundation for lasting change.
Access to Personalized, Holistic Treatment Programs
Addiction affects every aspect of a person’s life, so why shouldn’t healing also focus on these areas? Many destination recovery centers, like Costa Rica Recovery take a holistic approach to addiction treatment, focusing on healing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Therapy, nutritious meals. and fun activities like exploring hot springs, volcanoes, waterfalls, hiking, and taking a trip to the beach, can help you become inspired to live a healthy lifestyle and build pride in your unique sobriety story.
Holistic programs often help people new to recovery rebuild their physical health as well as mental health. This means practicing mindfulness, getting sun and exercise, and seeing doctors to keep on top of any chronic conditions. Menus and meals are also tailored to healing and helping people get the nutrients they need for their bodies to rebuild.
Not everyone who gets clean and sober has the same nutritional needs. People with alcohol use disorder, for example, are often lacking B Vitamins or Vitamin D, which can cause problems with muscle pain and weakness (myopathy). Long-term stimulant users may suffer from malnutrition when they first get sober.
Healing From the Inside Out in an Uplifting Tropical Environment
Throughout treatment, emotional and psychological healing can be addressed through therapy, group support, and mindfulness practices. At most immersive recovery centers, clients are monitored and given support 24/7 to reduce the temptation to relapse.
Frequently, treatment center staff members are in recovery themselves, and, having been in the shoes of those who are in treatment, bond with those undergoing treatment and are a source of support. Usually, there will be clinical personnel with years of clinical experience. All will listen with empathy and compassion and do their best to help you on your journey.
A key focus of treatment is helping people in recovery learn to use new coping skills. Spiritual and personal growth are also encouraged, allowing participants to reconnect with themselves, nature, and the world in new ways. Program participants learn more about the disease of addiction, the way their own mind works, and how to live as a newly sober person in the world successfully.
Being in a tropical location like Costa Rica provides a peaceful and restorative environment, helping participants leave behind daily stressors and focus on recovery. This setting, combined with a supportive community and a well-rounded treatment plan, makes programs like Costa Rica Recovery unique in their ability to help individuals rebuild their lives in a balanced, sustainable way.
Many international treatment centers offer unique therapies and programs that may not be available (or would be cost prohibitive) in the United States or Canada. Costa Rica makes an ideal environment for restorative play and unique therapeutic activities such as exploring the Costa Rican mountains and streams. People in recovery can nourish their bodies and minds in the outdoors. They can take part in outdoor sports, like white water rafting, hiking, yoga, surfing, and other popular activities in this perfectly temperate climate.
Costa Rica is a Great Destination for Drug Treatment
Costa Rica, with its proximity to the U.S. and reputation for wellness, is an ideal location for drug treatment. The “Pura vida” culture is warm to newcomers, the abundant nature and wildlife create a peaceful environment conducive to healing. Costa Rica’s emphasis on mindfulness, simplicity, and connection to nature aligns perfectly with the principles of holistic recovery.
Costa Rica Recovery has become known for offering world-class addiction treatment at an affordable cost with a renowned locale, comfortable accommodations, and expert care.
During treatment, your days will be structured with therapy, education, and skill-building exercises. The goal is to break free from addiction, recognize personal triggers, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. While the road to sobriety presents new challenges, treatment offers the tools, compassion, and support necessary to navigate life without substances.
The journey is worth it! So is the destination. You deserve to live a substance-free life and to begin to rebuild. Take the first step and start researching treatment destinations today.
About the Author
In Scott Huseby’s previous career, he built his North Carolina company Huseby & Associates into one of the largest and most respected litigation support companies in the United States. But life had another calling waiting for him…
After finding the miracle of recovery himself, he took ownership of Costa Rica Recovery to help others on their journey to sobriety. Now, you can find Scott doing what he loves best – helping others recover in San José, Costa Rica.
Learn more about Scott and Costa Rica Recovery by calling 1(866) 804-1793.
