This is all my own speculation -
The Going West podcast did an episode on Chelsea and it's the first time I've listened to the timeline from start to finish as opposed to following it as it was unfolding. MOO and absolutely no victim blaming intended - I wonder if Chelsea began using drugs while dating her ex who was a dealer. They broke up and she was turning over a new leaf and planned to stop using. She knew she had to be at the wedding at the end of the month. She either couldn't get on the plane due to the bearded dragon (it can be hard to find that kind of info online especially if you are in an unclear headspace) or couldn't get on the plane due to fears of not having access to substances, or fears of seeing her family when she was still possibly using.
Again, MOO - I think she decided to drive instead of flying with plans of giving herself a week to detox and get clean before seeing her family. People experiencing addiction can feel ashamed and hide what they are going through. She would have been having a tough time the first few days with symptoms hence the 3 day trip from CA to AZ. Then she asked her parents to check her into a wellness retreat at Canyon Ranch, a high end spa/wellness center that also offers addiction recovery services. She could have asked her parents to check her in here under the guise of it being a spa as a last attempt to get clean to make it to the wedding on time.
Detoxing can be so dangerous to do alone especially if you are camping without access to running water or regular food. My heart goes out to Chelsea and her family and friends and I hope she is found! And I hope I'm wrong about everything above and she is safe and healthy somewhere.
