More Than a Ride: How Pura Vida’s Transportation Services Support Recovery

Smiling man driving a car with a cheerful woman in the passenger seat holding a smartphone.
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Many people assume that recovery is about attending therapy and refraining from drugs and alcohol, but it’s far more than this. Recovery is also about building consistency, accessing support, and removing barriers that get in the way of healing. Unfortunately, there are many barriers to recovery (both internal and external) that can complicate this process. Transportation is one of them.

At Pura Vida Recovery, we understand that reliable transportation can be the missing piece in someone’s journey toward lasting recovery. That’s why we proudly partner with Recovery Transportation Systems (RTS) to ensure our clients get where they need to go, safely, consistently, and with dignity.

Let’s learn more about how transportation can be a barrier for some individuals, why it’s an important part of the recovery process, and how Pura Vida Recovery is able to provide reliable and efficient transportation to clients.

The Transportation Crisis in Addiction Recovery

Believe it or not, roughly one-third of people in the U.S. don’t drive. This can be due to a number of factors, including disability, choice, or lack of access. It’s not uncommon for people just starting treatment to not drive. They’re coming off active use and may have struggled with:

  • Financial strain. Substance use can drain financial resources, making it difficult to afford a car, insurance, or gas. Individuals may also prioritize substance use over car maintenance, leading to repossession.
  • Legal issues. Individuals experiencing addiction may face DUI charges, traffic violations, or court-related issues that lead to a suspended or revoked license.
  • Unstable living conditions. Addiction can lead to housing instability or homelessness, with no fixed address. This makes it difficult to store or register a vehicle.

While having reliable transportation might not have been a priority during active use, it does become essential in recovery because it directly affects the ability to access critical services and support systems.

Why Transportation Is a Key Part of Recovery

Early recovery can feel overwhelming. Between therapy sessions, medical appointments, job interviews, court dates, and support group meetings, maintaining a routine is critical. However, not everyone has access to reliable transportation.

Without dependable rides, individuals in recovery may:

  • Miss out on critical care. It’s hard to attend all appointments and therapy sessions when you don’t have a vehicle to get you there. Missing appointments can hurt progress, and potentially even cause insurance to deny claims if too much is missed.
  • Struggle to stay accountable. Having a dependable car allows individuals to be independent and accountable. They can drive to work, appointments, and volunteer sessions, and handle errands on their own.
  • Experience isolation or disconnection. When you can’t drive to visit a friend, go out for lunch, or attend a therapy session, people are more likely to experience disconnection and isolation.
  • Fall into old patterns due to stress and instability. Recovery should embrace healthy activities like work, school, friends and family, exercise, and hobbies. If these support systems can’t be accessed, it’s easier to fall into old patterns.

Partnering with Recovery Transportation Systems

Pura Vida Recovery is proud to collaborate with Recovery Transportation Systems (RTS), a provider that understands the unique needs of individuals in treatment and recovery. With this support, we know our clients are more likely to succeed.

Working with RTS has many benefits. First, drivers who may be unlicensed, uninsured, or operating unregistered vehicles are taken off the roads, making them safer. At the same time, these individuals are still able to maintain their independence, boosting their self-esteem.

Second, the support services that help individuals maintain sobriety can schedule appointments with confidence, knowing their clients will show up regularly and on time. Even the court system is able to fulfill court mandated requirements and appearances when they know transportation isn’t an issue. Lastly, with coordinated pick-up and drop-off times, clients can also participate in sober living activities without interruption.

Supporting the Journey, One Ride at a Time

At Pura Vida Recovery, our mission is to walk alongside each client with the tools, resources, and support they need to build a better life. Most importantly, we show our clients that someone is showing up for them every day. Partnering with RTS allows us to extend our support beyond our facility walls, ensuring that recovery is practical and sustainable.

Whether you’re entering treatment, transitioning to sober living, or navigating outpatient care, transportation doesn’t have to be a barrier. Let Pura Vida Recovery and Recovery Transportation Systems help you stay connected to your goals, one ride at a time. Contact us today at (707) 879-8432 to learn more.