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The ancient temple located on the top of the hill in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Best Rehab in Thailand? Monastic, Budget or Holistic?

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When seeking an overseas rehab centre, Thailand has become the top destination among Australians, Brits, Europeans, and Americans. 

Rehabs in Thailand offer addiction and mental health treatment to people from every walk of life – and at a fraction of the cost of rehab centres in Australia, the USA, the UK, or Europe. Many former addicts attribute much of their success to extended stays in a Thailand rehab centre, and the industry is growing quickly. Thailand’s rehab options range from zero-frills vomit temples to world-class facilities with treatment standards on par with the very best rehab abroad around the world.

What Is the Best Rehab in Thailand?

When seeking rehab in Thailand, overseas patients can choose between the four primary types of rehab centres – Buddhist rehab temples, budget rehab centres, holistic rehab centres, and sober living houses. 

Buddhist Rehab Temples 

Thailand’s monastic rehab, Tham-Krabok

Buddhist rehab temples offer extreme treatment programs in spartan compounds surrounded by chain-link fences. At these so-called vomit temples, monks believe that only physical purging and self-exploration through meditation, spirituality, and existential reflection can lead to change and recovery.

Here at the best rehab in Thailand, the treatment approach is the same for everyone. Detoxification involves repeatedly ingesting a bitter, vomit-inducing brown liquid, carefully concocted from a closely guarded recipe by the master herbalist.

Patients also take a sacred vow of abstinence. No 12 Steps, no harm reduction. The vow is your 100% commitment to complete renunciation of drugs and alcohol from that day forward. In return, patients are rewarded with stronger willpower to succeed. The rest of the programme is chanting, silent meditation, herbal saunas, and simple chores. Thai rehab temple fees are by voluntary donation, making them the cheapest option of all.

Pros of Buddhist Rehab Temples:

Cons of Buddhist Rehab Temples:

Who Should Consider a Budget Rehab Centre?

Due to their extreme approach to rehab and strict conditions, Buddhist rehab centres are the most recommended for patients who have failed traditional rehab centres. They are also an option for patients seeking a life-changing, spiritual experience.

Budget Rehab Centres

Budget rehab centre in Thailand.

Budget rehabs in Thailand offer drug and alcohol addiction programmes in a supportive environment where shared or private accommodation is comfortable, and the treatment focus is on the essentials of addiction recovery.

This is in contrast to a more all-encompassing mental health treatment approach – which would require the treatment centres to retain therapists with more versatile skill sets and, therefore, higher salaries that would make their budget rehab business model unviable.

The programmes at these drug rehab Thailand centres follow the 12-Step model and combine therapy with massage, physical fitness, and art therapy. Most of the counsellors are trained only in addiction treatment, while dedicated support staff keep you on track and encourage you to stay if you feel like running away or returning to past negative behaviours. 

It is not unusual for people at some point in their rehab journey to feel that they don’t like their rehab, decide that they don’t need it for their recovery, or to become ambivalent about their successful completion of treatment. These reactions are often related to the challenges of breaking away from old habits and ending the cycle of addiction. Support staff are critical in helping to move you through these complicated feelings and stay on track with recovery. 

Unlike the lockdown environment of the rehabs in Australia or the UK, inpatient rehabs in Thailand enjoy culturally enriching excursions such as Thai cooking classes and sightseeing. Importantly, support does not end when you leave. Almost all rehabs in Thailand have online aftercare programmes.

Monthly rates at these budget rehabs in Thailand range from $3,000 to $10,000 USD.

Pros of Budget Rehab Centres:

Cons of Budget Rehab Centres:

Who Should Consider a Budget Rehab Centre?

These centres are best suited for individuals who seek basic rehabilitation at affordable pricing. If your addiction problem isn’t as severe, choosing a budget rehab centre should be enough to help you stand back on your feet.

Holistic Rehab Centres

There are many luxury rehab centres in Thailand.

Holistic rehab centres in Thailand offer the ability to address addiction or other mental health problems or a combination of both, also known as a co-occurring disorder. This type of rehab in Thailand is staffed with multidisciplinary therapists who are trained in addressing addiction as well as various mental health conditions, including trauma – which is at the root or a significant component of most addictions or mental health cases.  

The counselling team is supported by a medical team led by a psychiatrist, enabling the centres to offer medically-assisted treatment and professionally monitored detox. A support team also ensures you stay on track and make it to every appointment. Our The Dawn is the perfect example of a holistic rehab centre. 

Yet, despite these centres’ heavy investment in high-quality treatment services and more sophisticated treatment options, drug rehab Thailand costs are significantly cheaper than similar standard centres in Australia or the UK due to the overall lower cost of living in South East Asia. 

These rehabs also offer a better staff-to-patient ratio. Personalised treatment plans merge Western science with Eastern philosophy to heal the body and mind, also treating co-occurring disorders and mental health issues, including trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Accommodation standards are generally also higher, especially in a luxury rehab. Clients will get a private room with amenities like a fridge and hair dryer. Buffet lines use higher-quality ingredients, etc.

Monthly rates at holistic rehab centres in Thailand range from $10,000 to $16,000 USD.

Pros of Holistic Rehab Centres:

Cons of Holistic Rehab Centres:

Who Should Consider a Holistic Rehab Centre?

Holistic rehab centres, like The Dawn, are the best choice for patients seeking comprehensive and immersive addiction treatment while enjoying luxury and peaceful accommodation.

Sober Living Houses

a woman attends social activity during her sober living programme in Thailand.

Commonly known as halfway houses, experts regard sober living houses (SLHs) as the next step after rehabilitation programmes and an essential element of successful addiction recovery. 

SLHs cultivate balanced living in a safe, supported environment. It is a time to find new interests and revive old dreams. Residents go to counselling, volunteer, meditate, learn Thai, or try out new things like Muay Thai boxing, climbing, or art.

Monthly rates for sober living houses or halfway houses in Thailand start at $1,000 USD.

Pros of Sober Living Houses:

Cons of Sober Living Houses:

Who Should Consider a Sober Living Houses?

Sober living homes provide recovering addicts with help and support during their road to full recovery. They offer an easier transition to one’s mainstream life while mitigating the risk of relapse.

Why Choose Rehab?

Rehab typically requires a commitment of both time and money for those who enter it, which may raise questions initially about whether rehab is worth it. Because addiction is a chronic, progressive disease, the decision to go to rehab will always be a choice made in the best interest of one’s long-term physical and mental health. Rehab helps ensure a successful recovery, with 85-95% of those finishing a treatment programme reporting continued sobriety nine months after the programme ends. 

Choosing rehab as part of your recovery also means taking a step towards avoiding a relapse. Relapse can be disappointing and frightening but is a relatively common part of recovery, with some estimates showing around 40-85% of people relapse at some point in their recovery process. Treatment programmes will help you learn how to prevent relapse, identify signs of an impending relapse, and what steps to take if a relapse occurs.

When you decide to go to rehab, you also choose to give yourself the gift of a concentrated, structured period of time to detox, learn about your addiction, understand its root causes, and acquire tools to manage it. Three months of rehab is generally considered to be the minimum time needed for treatment to be successful, with longer stints being useful in giving the person more time to practice new skills and further develop thoughts and behaviour outside of the cycle of addiction.

Meditation session at The Dawn

Benefits of Going to Rehab in Thailand

With more and more people opting for rehab in Thailand, you might be wondering: why? What makes Thailand such a popular destination for people seeking help with their addiction? 

The one reason is definitely the wide range of various rehab centres. As we’ve already covered, you can choose between Buddhist rehab temples, budget rehab centres, holistic rehab facilities, and sober living homes. That provides overseas patients with flexibility regarding how they want to approach their treatment. 

However, there are many more reasons why international patients seek help in Thailand. The most significant benefits of international rehab include:

  • Lower rehab costs. Thai rehab centres provide the same, if not better, quality of treatment for a fraction of the amount you’d have to pay for rehab in a facility in the UK or Australia. 
  • Complete removal from triggers. Overseas rehab facilities provide patients with protection from everyday triggers, allowing them to focus on their recovery in more peaceful surroundings.
  • Protection of one’s privacy. By travelling to Thailand for rehabilitation, you can put distance between you and your hometown. This way, you can focus on your treatment and recovery without worrying it might affect your social status and career. 
  • Chance to receive a longer-term treatment. Thanks to the lower costs of rehab in Thailand, patients can extend their treatment period and take advantage of recovery programmes to enhance their chances of full recovery. 

When to Seek Rehab in Thailand?

Many people struggling with addiction treat going to rehab as a last resort. They either insist they don’t have any problem or believe they can battle it themselves. That approach can only lead to more severe consequences. 

The sad reality of treating addiction is that seeking professional help is not just another option. It’s a necessity. And when it comes to treating addiction, the sooner you react, the higher your chances of faster recovery. 

As said, finding a rehab centre in Thailand is the best option, offering you better value for money, privacy, and access to the best addiction professionals. The question is when to seek their help. If you suspect you or your loved one may benefit from going to rehab in Thailand, pay attention to the following signs:

  • Your addiction starts interfering with your social and professional life;
  • You put yourself in dangerous situations under the influence or to satisfy your addiction cravings;
  • You can’t quit despite trying;
  • You experience severe withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, shivers, or cold sweats;
  • You feel strong, constant cravings during withdrawal periods;
  • You experience frequent mood swings.

Of course, these symptoms heavily depend on one’s addiction. Nevertheless, if you start noticing you or your loved one shows signs of potential addiction, it’s vital to act immediately. Luckily, signing up for rehab in Thailand isn’t complicated.

How to Find the Best Rehab in Thailand?

If you decide to go to rehab in Thailand, you need to find the best facility to suit your rehabilitation needs. As covered, you have multiple options here; not all may suit your specific requirements, though. The best idea is to consider the following factors:

  • Addiction treatment options. Does the rehab centre specialise in treating your addiction? If not, look elsewhere. For example, The Dawn’s treatment programmes include alcohol addiction treatment, drug addiction programmes (e.g., cocaine, amphetamine, ketamine, marijuana, and prescription drug addiction), and behavioural addiction treatment (e.g., food, gambling, sex, and internet addiction). 
  • Your budget. One of the most significant advantages of Thai rehab centres is their lower costs. However, as you’ve learned, various types of rehab facilities offer different pricing. If you don’t have the budget to undergo holistic treatment, a Buddhist or budget rehab centre may be a better option if you’re willing to sacrifice accommodation quality and comfort. 
  • Accommodation & amenities. If you value convenience, seeking a rehab centre with luxurious facilities offers an unbelievable experience. The Dawn, for instance, is a resort-style facility with a plethora of amenities, such as therapy rooms, a gym, a swimming pool, and a yoga studio. Additionally, each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, balcony, and king-size bed. 

Besides these key factors, you should also think about licensing and staff qualifications. That’s not something you initially think about when selecting a rehab centre, but these have a significant impact on your treatment’s results. 

At The Dawn, we proudly hold a license for Psychiatric and Behavioural Health Services from the American Accreditation Commission International (ACCI). We also hire experienced, knowledgeable, and renowned medical and clinical professionals, ensuring our patients receive the best possible care 24/7. 

How to Apply for Rehab in Thailand?

Once you find the best Thai rehab centre that suits your needs, you must apply for it. Fortunately, as mentioned, applying for rehab in Thailand is straightforward and shouldn’t take more than a few days. That is, of course, the case for The Dawn. 

We wanted to create an admission process that is as straightforward, transparent, and convenient as possible. That way, we can ensure our future patients receive immediate help. Here’s what our application process looks like:

  1. Initial contact. Everything begins with a potential patient or their family contacting The Dawn’s staff via email or phone. We then assess their details and history, as well as provide you with an overview of how our rehab centre works. 
  2. Follow-up call. After the first contact, one of our clinical staff contacts the patient to perform a clinical assessment of their medical history and mental health. 
  3. Payment. Once the client’s mental health and medical history are assessed, the patient needs to pay an initial deposit to secure their accommodation and space on their treatment programme.  
  4. Travelling to Thailand. With everything ready, we help our patients arrange their trip to Thailand, including booking the flight, visa support, and airport transfers.  

Once you arrive at our holistic rehab centre in Chiang Mai, we will perform a comprehensive medical check-up and lead you to a medically supervised detox. From there, you will proceed with your personalised treatment programme.

Looking for the Best Drug Rehab in Thailand? Choose The Dawn

The Dawn is the best rehab in Thailand for inpatient treatment for both mental health and addiction.

The Dawn is a holistic rehab centre for those seeking affordable treatment services of the highest quality in a serene riverside setting in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Through our unique approach to addiction treatment, we want to inspire change. We achieve that by treating addiction and mental health disorders with individualised non-religious programmes and dedicated aftercare.

Our unique Twin Pillars approach tackles addiction from all angles, empowering clients with effective tools to stop the negative behaviour and promoting wellness with holistic therapy, massage, physical exercise, and a wholesome diet.

Individualised attention is unsurpassed with an exceptional 1:1 staff-to-client ratio. Our cohesive team of Australia-, UK- and USA-trained licensed professionals have extensive experience, and they all share one goal: your successful recovery. They are there to help you every single step of the way.

Contact us to speak confidentially with one of our admissions managers and get started on your journey to recovery.

Q: How much does rehab cost for 3 months?

A: Thai rehab temple fees are by voluntary donation, making them the cheapest option of all. Monthly rates at budget rehabs in Thailand range from $3,000 to $10,000 USD. Monthly rates at holistic rehab centres in Thailand range from $10,000 to $16,000 USD. Monthly rates for sober living houses or halfway houses in Thailand start at $1,000 USD.

Q: What is the success rate of people who go to rehab?

A: Because addiction is a chronic, progressive disease, the decision to go to rehab will always be a choice made in the best interest of one’s long-term physical and mental health. Rehab helps ensure a successful recovery, with 85-95% of those finishing a treatment programme reporting continued sobriety nine months after the programme ends.

Q: Why do people run away from rehab?

A: It is not unusual for people at some point in their rehab journey to feel that they don’t like their rehab, decide that they don’t need it for their recovery, or to become ambivalent about their successful completion of treatment. These reactions are often related to the challenges of breaking away from old habits and ending the cycle of addiction. At The Dawn, we provide our patients with 24/7 care, decreasing their risk of running away. 

Q: How many months does it take to rehab?

A: Three months of rehab is generally considered to be the minimum time needed for treatment to be successful, with longer stints being useful in giving the person more time to practice new skills and further develop thoughts and behaviour outside of the cycle of addiction. However, the exact treatment period depends on each individual case. 

Q: What percentage of users relapse after rehab?

A: Relapse can be disappointing and frightening but is a relatively common part of recovery, with some estimates showing around 40-85% of people relapse at some point in their recovery process. Rehab programmes will help you learn how to prevent relapse, identify signs of an impending relapse, and what steps to take if a relapse occurs.

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