Drug Detox in Thailand
Get Clean in Serene Southeast Asia

The only CARF accredited centre in Asia

Many people who want to quit using substances soon find out that it’s a more complicated process than they bargained for. When you use drugs heavily or for an extended period of time, your central nervous system adjusts to their presence in your body. And when that’s suddenly taken away, you can experience a number of withdrawal symptoms – making it all too tempting to start using again and gain some temporary relief. Not only is this approach unlikely to lead to long-term sobriety, but it can also be dangerous for your health.

Physical dependence develops as your brain and body build tolerance to substances, particularly with medications like benzodiazepines (including alprazolam and diazepam) and opioids (such as prescription painkillers and heroin). Due to these significant health risks, professional medical supervision is essential for a safe and successful detox journey, which is why at The Dawn, we provide personalised detox treatment as part of our specially designed Treatment Roadmap. As a CARF-accredited rehabilitation centre, we adhere to their strict safety protocols to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the process.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of a drug detox?

Withdrawal affects everyone differently, but commonly includes mood changes, sleep disruption, exhaustion, and intense cravings. The severity largely depends on the substance used, with alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids typically causing the most challenging symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of drug withdrawal include:

Anxiety
Panic attacks
Tremors
Insomnia
Nausea

Vomiting
Headaches
Muscle pains
Confusion
Cognitive impairment

Flu-like sickness
Muscle aches and spasms
Nausea and vomiting
Sweating

A particularly serious concern is severe dehydration from prolonged vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to dangerous sodium imbalances affecting heart function. However, there’s no need to face these challenges alone. Through a professionally managed detox programme, we provide:

Personalised tapering schedule prescribed by a psychiatrist
24/7 medical supervision

Our approach ensures your detoxification journey is as comfortable and safe as possible, while significantly reducing both withdrawal severity and relapse risk. With the right support, you can navigate this crucial first step of recovery with confidence.

GET DRUG DETOX HELP THAILAND

Why The Dawn is Your Best Choice for Drug Detox in Thailand

Asia's only CARF-accredited rehab, on par with the best rehabs in the USA
Medically-assisted onsite drug detox, as needed
Customised treatment programmes guided by our Treatment Roadmap to ensure you can cope with your triggers and cravings before we address the root cause of your drug addiction
Integration of evidence-based therapies with wellness practices

Focus on developing essential and practical coping skills for lasting recovery
Step Down Programme for gradual reintegration into daily life
Free Lifetime Aftercare Support - bi-weekly online group sessions to help you stay sober
1/2 the price compared to Western facilities, allowing for longer treatment

What to expect during a medically supervised drug detox in Thailand

At The Dawn, your recovery starts with a comprehensive assessment by our expert clinical team. We carefully assess your unique situation, including medical history, substance use patterns, and any co-occurring conditions. Blood testing helps us determine precise chemical dependency levels, ensuring we create a personalised detoxification plan that prioritises both your safety and comfort.

How is a medically induced drug detox treatment administered?

The first phase of detox focuses on stabilising your body as it begins the natural cleansing process. The Dawn’s medical team administers prescribed medications from our psychiatrist to help manage withdrawal symptoms, while continuously monitoring your vital signs. The specific medications and dosages are tailored to your unique needs, substance history, and withdrawal severity.

During this stage, you may experience withdrawal symptoms that typically peak within the first 48-72 hours. At The Dawn, our certified nurses monitor you around the clock to ensure immediate response to any changes in your condition. We employ a gradual tapering approach when necessary, slowly reducing medication dosages to minimise discomfort. Throughout your detox, our team:

Conducts regular medical assessments
Adjusts treatment protocols as needed
Prescribes medications to alleviate specific symptoms
Ensures optimal sleep patterns
Manages any co-occurring medical conditions

This comprehensive approach helps ensure your detox journey is as safe and comfortable as possible, creating a strong foundation to follow on with addiction therapy.

The Dawn’s Drug-Specific Detox Approaches

While withdrawal symptoms can overlap between substances, each drug requires a specific detoxification approach for optimal safety and comfort. Here’s how we manage detox for commonly used substances:

Opioids (Heroin, Prescription Painkillers)

Physical withdrawal from opioids, while rarely life-threatening, can be intensely uncomfortable. Our medical team often utilises medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, gradually tapering doses to minimise discomfort. This controlled approach helps manage the severe cramping, nausea, and anxiety typically associated with opioid withdrawal.

Stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamine)

Unlike opioids, stimulant detox doesn’t typically require replacement medications. However, the psychological withdrawal can be intense, often featuring severe depression and fatigue. Our approach focuses on close monitoring of mood and vital signs, with appropriate medications provided to manage specific symptoms like anxiety or sleep disturbances.

Benzodiazepines

Detoxing from benzodiazepines requires particularly careful medical supervision due to the risk of severe complications. We implement a gradual tapering schedule, sometimes using longer-acting benzodiazepines to ensure a smoother withdrawal process. This methodical approach helps prevent dangerous symptoms while ensuring comfort and safety.

Ketamine

While ketamine withdrawal is primarily psychological, it can involve intense cravings and emotional disturbance. Our team provides supportive care focused on managing these psychological symptoms, along with any physical discomfort that may arise during the detox process.

Cannabis

Though marijuana withdrawal is generally less severe than other substances, it can still cause significant discomfort, including irritability, sleep problems, and appetite changes. We provide supportive care and comfort medications as needed, while addressing any underlying anxiety or mood issues that may emerge during detox.This personalised, substance-specific approach ensures that each client receives the most appropriate care for their particular situation, maximising comfort and safety throughout the detox process.

*Visit this page if you’re looking to learn more about alcohol detox.

How long does it take to detox from drugs?

The duration of drug detox typically takes 1 to 2 weeks but it varies significantly depending on several key factors:

Type of substance used
Length and intensity of use
Individual medical history

Presence of multiple substances
Overall physical health
Metabolism and age

It’s crucial to understand that detox is just the first step in recovery. It can take days to weeks, but true stabilisation requires longer. Psychological cravings often persist, so support through CBT, fitness, and Eastern practices like meditation helps build lasting recovery. This combined approach targets both body and mind. Remember, rushing through detox can increase risk of complications and relapse. We focus on providing the time needed for proper healing, setting a strong foundation for your long-term recovery journey.

Thailand Drug Detox Facility:
Relax Into Recovery In A Restful Space

Because detox can be challenging, it is important to do it in a setting that makes your experience as low-stress as possible and far away from triggers or access to substances. Our Thailand drug detox centre is located in the rustic and serene countryside of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, surrounded by rice fields and traditional villages. The peaceful atmosphere and friendly community at The Dawn provide just the change of scenery you need to get started on your new life in sobriety.

FAQS

Q. How do you detox from drugs?

A: Detoxing from drugs requires medical supervision where you can be monitored and given necessary medications, while in other cases it can be managed without medication. The process involved relies on many factors including the type of substance your body has become accustomed to and the severity of dependence. The process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, though this can vary based on individual circumstances.

Q. How much is detox treatment?

A: The cost of detox treatment varies significantly worldwide. In countries with universal healthcare, government facilities and hospitals often provide medically supported, free or low-cost treatment, though waiting lists are common. Private treatment costs differ dramatically by region - Asian facilities charge US$ 1,500-5,000 monthly, whilst Western centres typically range from US$ 7,000-20,000. However, successful recovery extends beyond detoxification alone. Inpatient rehabilitation centres that address co-occurring mental health issues (like depression, anxiety, or trauma) alongside psychological addiction prove more cost-effective than multiple detox attempts. These comprehensive programmes, though initially more expensive, offer better long-term outcomes by treating the root causes of addiction.

Q. How much does a detox cost in Thailand?

A: In Thailand, detox treatment costs are generally lower than in Western countries. Basic detox programmes typically range from US$ 200 to US$ 500 per week at Thai hospitals. Many rehabs in Thailand offer onsite detox combined with addiction treatment programmes. Costs can vary based on location and the quality of services, with centres in tourist areas like Phuket or Koh Samui often charging more. At The Dawn Rehab in Thailand, all our addiction treatment programmes are inclusive of detox and select medications. Additional prescriptions come at extra costs.

A Day at The Dawn Drug Detox Centre in Thailand

Here’s an example of what a typical day looks like at The Dawn:

07:00:	Group Exercise
08:00:	Breakfast
09:30:	Process Group
11:00:	Group Therapy
12:00:	Lunch
13:00:	Focus Group
14:30:	Individual Counselling, Massage, Fitness Training, Mindfulness Meditation or TMS (optional)
18:00:	Dinner
19:00:	Group Activity, Offsite NA / AA meeting
20:30:	Rest & Relaxation
22:00:	Bedtime

Learn more about:

Featured image for article: Alcohol and Drug Detox: Why it is Unwise to Go Cold Turkey

Jan 14, 2021

Drug Detox in Thailand
Get Clean in Serene Southeast Asia