These days, Australian addicts seeking recovery are going to Thailand for private drug rehabilitation centre. Thailand is a hugely popular tourist destination for Australians, 582,000 Australians travelled to Thailand in 2017. And now they are going for drug and alcohol addiction treatment, medical detox and wellness.
With long waiting lists in Australia, many people find booking a stay at an inpatient treatment centre in Thailand to be an excellent alternative. Not only is it cost effective, but due to Thailand’s tourist friendly visa guidelines, booking a ticket and receiving a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival makes it an easy option for addiction treatment. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to go to rehab in paradise? If you have to go to addiction rehab, why not make it in Thailand.
Medical Tourism in Thailand
Take a trip to paradise, experience the sunshine, eat delicious food, visit Buddhist temples and get your medical needs taken care of. Vacation and hospitalisation are usually opposites that don’t go together, however Thailand encompasses both. Medical tourism in Thailand has been on the rise since the early 2000s and Thailand is now the medical tourist hub of Southeast Asia.
The Thailand medical tourism industry has been growing as a result of the quality hospitals in Thailand that are staffed by qualified doctors and equipped with state of the art treatment options. The country has earned a reputation for quality, affordable services, including massage centres, spas and wellness retreats, as well as surgical procedures. It is so popular in Thailand because of the Thai health care system. It’s advanced and affordable, which are the two most important criteria for potential medical tourists.
Thailand’s high standards and healthcare expertise make it a world leader in medical tourism. Additionally, the options for a post-medical treatment holiday are some of the best in the world. Foreign companies like Canadian based Global Healthcare Connects, Inc., an agency that arranges patient travel to Asia, agrees that their clients choose to go to Thailand for healthcare due to the reputation for high quality and lower cost.
The bottom line is cost and that is where Thailand really excels. Over 900,000 people are expected to take advantage of the low cost and seek medical care in Thailand this year. No doubt these numbers will continue to increase as people from across the globe experience Thai hospitals and clinics first-hand. In the Middle East, Thailand’s reputation for world class health care is well known. Treatment costs are 30-50% less expensive than in Australia, the US, Europe or the Middle East.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Australia
Australia currently has one of the world’s most serious drug problems caused by amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis and opioids. It has been reported that Australia has the highest proportion of recreational drug users in the world and treatment centres in Australia are up to capacity. Due to a rise in ice addiction, demands for drug rehabilitation centres are skyrocketing
Cost is definitely a deciding factor for anyone seeking addiction treatment. There are many free charity run rehab centres in Australia, but they have extremely long wait lists. Other than the free rehabs, going to private rehab in Australia is usually quite expensive, an addict might expect to pay an average of $30,000 for a month long stay in a private treatment facility. Waiting periods are excessive and can be up to 6 months. Obviously with a free rehab, cost is not the issue, but the wait time certainly is. Since addiction can be a life or death situation, the best time to get help is when the addict hits bottom. It is vitally important that they get into treatment as soon as possible.
Thai Rehab: World’s Top Rehab Destination
Thailand in recent years has become one of the world’s top rehab destinations because costs are low. When going abroad for addiction treatment, the experience is more like a vacation. Luxury rehabs in Thailand are very much like hotels in that they are just as comfortable, with one exception – no minibar. In addition, these resort style rehabs are typically located far away from the bars and nightlife for which Thailand is famous.
Despite the comfort and serenity associated with high-end Thai rehabs, they are significantly cheaper than those in Australia and other Western countries. Although prices vary, on average a one month stay at a rehab centre in Thailand will cost around $14,000 depending on the length of stay and services needed. They are usually located in remote idyllic settings, have better facilities, and high staff to patient ratios. Above all, the treatment programmes and methodologies employed by some of the leading rehabs are recognised as being among the best in the world usually utilising both Eastern and Western philosophies.
Being in a foreign country away from all the triggers of home can be exactly what is needed to provide a clean break from an unhealthy lifestyle. There is also a strong recovery community in Thailand which includes sober living and a multitude of support groups. Not to mention, going on a weekend jungle excursion with elephants or a hike to a mountaintop Thai temple is not something that a weekend pass from a rehab in Australia will provide. It’s exotic, exciting and spiritual.
Benefits of Going to a Rehab Centre in Thailand
- Confidential and private. No one has to know you are going to rehab; call it a vacation.
- Cost is far less expensive, yet very high quality.
- Daily flights that are fairly inexpensive.
- Easily acquire a visa – 30-day tourist visas are issued upon arrival.
- Fusion of Eastern and Western treatment philosophies.
- Highly experienced clinical staff trained abroad.
- Insurance companies may cover treatment costs.
- Little to no wait times.
- Memorable experiences with people from all over the world.
- Strong recovery community.
- Top treatment centres with luxury accommodation.
- Recover in an exotic location surrounded by natural beauty.
- Remove yourself from unhealthy people, places, things.
- Restorative-completely disconnect from stresses at home.
Fear of Seeking Treatment Abroad
Experiencing fear of going to treatment abroad is quite normal. However, going to a rehab centre in Thailand for treatment is much easier than one might think.
Distance
Of course, there are things to consider when deciding if you want to go abroad for treatment. Some people worry about the prospect of flying thousands of miles while in need of detox. However, many treatment centres have medical detox facilities onsite. Clients will often make a choice to go to treatment and start the detox process after arriving at the treatment centre. However, this is decided by the client, doctor and treatment centre and done only under a doctor’s care. Don’t attempt this without consulting with your physician and make sure that the detox facility is expecting you. Treatment centres are experts at helping with all the details and coordination, including travel arrangements. Airport pick-ups are always provided.
Quality
There could be concerns that the treatment centres abroad cannot provide the same level of care or quality treatment offerings. Actually, most treatment centres have staff that were trained and certified abroad in Australia, the US, Canada, the UK and Europe. Plus, the customer service in Thailand is unparalleled. The staff tend to be much more attentive and compassionate than in Western countries, partially due to the low client to staff ratio, but also the culture. Thai Culture is welcoming and friendly.
Language
Some may be worried about cultural differences and the language barrier for countries where the first language is not English. All treatment centres are made up of staff members that speak English as their first language. Most staff members are multi-lingual and make strong efforts to provide a Western style experience while embracing local customs.
Food
Definitely no need to worry about the food because it’s amazing. Fresh ingredients prepared by top notch Thai chefs. Thai food tends to be healthier than Western food and treatment centres source locally grown produce. Food is always delicious and nutritious. People come from all over the world to learn Thai cooking. Some treatment centres even provide optional cooking lessons.
Being Away from Family and Friends
Another concern is being away from family and friends during treatment, but this is actually very necessary to start fresh. Most rehab centres have family programmes where family members can come and visit or participate in counselling sessions. With consent, family members can be part of your treatment plan. New lasting connections and friendships will be made as well. And your family might want to take a Thai vacation while you go to treatment.
The Dawn Rehab in Chiang Mai, Thailand
The Dawn is a private drug rehabilitation centre located in Northern Thailand, and offer high-quality affordable treatment programmes in a safe and caring environment. While The Dawn might feel like a resort, it’s more comparable to a boutique wellness centre than a luxury hotel. We offer a small client to staff ratio and have only 20 beds. Specialising in providing treatment for substance abuse, behavioural addiction, dual diagnosis and underlying psychological issues, such as depression and anxiety, our recovery programme is intended for those who wish to break free of their addiction or mental health challenges and rediscover life again.
Structured Healing
Every day is structured with psychotherapy and wellness activities like group sessions, yoga, exercise, massage therapy, wholesome meals or one-on-one counselling sessions. Building new healthy habits are essential for successful recovery and the clients are kept quite busy. Contact with the outside world is limited, including phone and computer. However, clients have the option to go to meetings and participate in weekend activities like cooking classes, treks in the jungle, a visit to an elephant sanctuary or local organic coffee farm. You will experience a well-planned combination of work and relaxation.
Our Treatment Approach
The Dawn is committed to helping clients improve their quality of life and make sustainable changes by providing highly individualised clinical care. We offer a Twin Pillars approach, which is our own unique method of treatment specifically designed to focus on mindful counselling as well as holistic therapies. We provide a highly effective combination of Eastern and Western methods to ensure that our clients get all the tools necessary to live a happier and healthier life.
Addiction and Mental Health Experts
Our Internationally trained counselling and medical team has a wealth of experience in addiction and mental health treatment and is supported by a large network of addiction and mental health professionals worldwide. We also offer medical treatments and have an onsite drug and alcohol detox centre for clients who need more care.
Ongoing Support
Online aftercare programme is available up to eight weeks for participants upon completion of a treatment programme with additional support given to family members. In addition, we offer sober living care for those who are interested in continuing their recovery in Thailand.
Our Commitment
We offer a Relapse Assurance Guarantee. Our guarantee insures that a client who has completed our full programme, can come back to The Dawn for 28 days if they relapse for any reason at no additional cost. During the month-long programme, we will help clients identify the reasons for the relapse and get back on the right track of recovery.
Contact The Dawn Rehab Thailand
Contact us today to find out more about our programmes and our Relapse Assurance Guarantee. We have counsellors ready to answer your call and address any questions that you may have. We will be happy to explain what we offer and find out how we can help. Contact us now for assistance from one of our specialists.