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How Sober Transport Can Improve Your Treatment Experience

Transportation can be a challenge when you are completing your addiction treatment and trying to remain sober. Being able to get to and from treatment, as well as to and from other commitments in your life, is a critical piece of your recovery. There are many ways that sober transport can improve your treatment experience and help you stay on course.

Gap Between Needing Treatment and Receiving Care

People who are in need of addiction treatment are not always able to access care. One of the major reasons for this is a lack of reliable transportation. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has determined that over a 12-month period, 21.6 million people over the age of 12 in the US needed treatment for substance use disorders. However, only 2.3 million received care during that time period.

Not having access to transportation to treatment centers has created a barrier for millions of people who need the lifesaving care. Researchers point to transportation challenges, including the fact that the person who needs treatment for addiction to drugs and alcohol may have lost their license. Many people have no family members who can help them or cars available to provide them with transportation to their appointments.

Although public transportation can sometimes be a good option, many patients have reported that public transit can present them with relapse triggers. They may be approached by drugs dealers or witness drug activity while waiting for and riding the bus to and from addiction treatment. People who are unable to complete their treatment often cite a lack of access to reliable, affordable, and convenient transportation.

Sober Transport Improves Treatment Experience

NIDA reports that treatment for substance use disorder is a viable long-term solution for those addicted to drugs or alcohol. A minimum of three months of treatment is needed in order for the individual to be successful with reducing and then stopping harmful substance use. The longer the individual remains in treatment, the better the outcome and the lower their chance of relapse.

For example, the minimum treatment period for methadone maintenance is typically 12 months, according to NIDA. However, an effective treatment plan could take much longer as the program focuses on integrated delivery of mental health evaluations and therapy, education, counseling, medical care, and other interventions. All of this is inaccessible, unfortunately, for the individual who does not have reliable, sober transportation to appointments and interventions.

An example of patients taking advantage of sober transport can be found in Cleveland, where approximately 75% of the individuals in treatment for addiction and who use the available sober transport are successfully discharged from their intensive outpatient program. For those who do not use sober transport and who do not have access to other transportation options, only 25% are successful in completing their treatment for addiction.

Sober Companions

In addition to providing the sober transport that can improve your treatment experience, you may also need a sober companion. This is a person who stays with you and encourages you as you complete your addiction treatment. The companion may travel with you to family gatherings or other social or business events. Any time you are in a stressful situation with other people, a sober companion can help keep you on track.

These types of stressful events can be cause for relapse, particularly if you are new to your recovery process. A sober companion can help you remain grounded and focused on maintaining your sobriety throughout the stressful event, providing you with the emotional support and encouragement you need.

Sober Companion and Transport Services at Whitman Recovery

At Whitman Recovery Service, we understand the challenge that transportation can create for you in your addiction treatment. We want you to be able to get the help you need so you can continue on your road to recovery from your substance use disorder. In addition to addiction and mental health treatment at Whitman Recovery, we also provide sober companion and transport services when you are struggling with addiction.

We want to be sure you arrive at your destination safely, without worry. Sober transport can improve your treatment experience and make it possible for you to continue to get the help you need. A sober companion remains with you to help you with your transition and to help with any emergency personal issues that may arise.

Please call (210) 291-0278 if you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol or with a mental health issue. Our team has the expertise to help you begin the journey of recovery.