For some, outpatient programs offer the best solution in terms of getting the help you need to begin addiction recovery. However, outpatient treatment requires being able to make your appointments on time each day. If you don’t have a vehicle, you may feel as though getting to your therapy sessions on time will pose a problem. While it can be challenging, there are many options at your disposal. It will be up to you to determine which methods of transportation will work best in your situation. Your ability to get to your outpatient treatment sessions is something to consider even before committing to a program. If transportation may be a concern, it may help you to find a treatment facility as close to your home as possible. If you live far from town, consider finding a facility that’s close to your place of employment. In either case, a centrally located treatment center offers you the best opportunity for getting to each session on time. If possible, try to organize a schedule that allows you to go to treatment right after work, so transportation won’t become a challenge.
Ask Your Treatment Provider About Transportation Options
It may help to discuss your transportation difficulties with the counselors at your outpatient treatment facility. Some rehab centers offer transportation to recovering addicts who live in rural areas and find it difficult to obtain a ride to the treatment facility. If you live in a larger rural area, there may be other addicts in a similar situation. This would make it feasible for the treatment facility to operate a small bus as a means of getting everyone to treatment and back home. Alternatively, the caregivers at your treatment facility may know of other community resources. A growing number of elderly and disabled people living in rural areas rely on public transportation to help them get to various locations in the nearest town. There may be a few options for helping to get rural residents to town and back home.
Ask For a Ride
If you have loved ones or friends who drive, consider asking for a ride to and from your appointments. They may be willing to provide the transportation you need, especially if they’re concerned about your recovery process. Your close family members may be eager to help you, knowing they can do something useful to assist with your addiction recovery. You may feel like less of an imposition by offering a few dollars for gas each day, or you might offer baked goods or a home cooked meal in exchange for the rides. Some recovering addicts don’t have family to turn to in their time of need. If this is your situation, you don’t have to feel alone. There are a few charitable organizations around town that may help. You can start by talking to your local parish priest, or another religious leader, for ideas about getting to your rehab appointments. Your priest may even offer to drive you himself, or may suggest other options you had not considered.
Consider Non-Traditional Options
In smaller rural areas, your options may be more limited. Some people turn to ride sharing apps, but they may not be available in your area. Alternatively, the distance between your home and the treatment facility may make this option too costly. In this case, you may be able to obtain a cheaper ride by posting an ad in the classified section of the newspaper, or posting an online ad. You may be able to get a high school student to drive you to your appointments for a lower fee, especially if they need the driving experience. Suppose you have tried all of these suggestions and you still haven’t found a way of getting to your rehab appointments that will work over a longer period of time. Keep in mind that you’ll need transportation several days per week over the span of three months or more. One more option to consider is online rehab counseling. This can sometimes be the only choice for people confined to rural homes, or for those who are disabled and unable to travel every day. While you may still have to make your way to the treatment facility for drug tests and physical exams, many addiction counseling sessions can be conducted online. Whatever your situation, there are many addiction treatment options. Our counselors can discuss your options with you when you call 800-411-8019. We’re available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and help you find the recovery program that’s right for you.