rehab transportation servicesOne of the hidden dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic that swept the globe in early 2020 relates to addiction treatment services. Facilities, offices and even public transportation shut down, at least temporarily, in many areas, leaving at-risk people in various stages of recovery without critical support networks.

But this isn’t a danger that’s limited to a pandemic or other emergency event. Many people who need rehab services or recovery support don’t get them — and didn’t get them long before COVID-19 — because of a lack of transportation.

Lack of Transportation Keeps Many From Addiction Treatment

Transportation is a barrier for many people who would otherwise seek substance use counseling, intensive outpatient rehab or other addiction-related services. Here are just a few reasons something seemingly simple, like transportation, can be an obstacle.

  • In general, not everyone has transportation or can drive. Regardless of the reason someone doesn’t drive, it can leave them at the mercy of rides from friends and family or public transportation to get to medical appointments, including addiction treatment.
  • Someone who is struggling with addiction has a higher likelihood of not having the ability to drive. They may have lost their license or had it suspended due to driving while intoxicated, for example.
  • Substance abuse can lead to personal financial problems, which may result in someone losing their car even if they do still have a license.

But no matter why someone can’t drive themselves to rehab or recovery services, this lack of transportation shouldn’t stop them from getting the help they need.

The Benefits of Drug Rehab Transportation Services

Rehab, particularly in the early weeks and months, leans heavily on structure to create an environment of security. This is vital to supporting someone who is trying to make major changes in their life while also learning about addiction and working through the mental, emotional and physical aspects of recovery.

Not having a way to get to rehab, counseling or group support sessions breaks that routine and can leave someone vulnerable to their addiction. They may:

  • Face a struggle they can’t overcome alone and return to addiction
  • Be hesitant to ask others for help with transportation because they already feel they’re burdening those they love
  • Deal with a longer road to recovery than they might otherwise because transportation issues keep them from achieving momentum

On Demand Counseling Offers Drug Rehab Transportation Options

On Demand Counseling’s answer to this issue is to offer transportation services to its patients. Services include picking the patient up from their home and dropping them off at the intensive outpatient program — and a return trip at the end of the program time for that day. On Demand Counseling also provides patients using this service with lunch, so they don’t need to worry about any of the basics and can concentrate on recovery.