High standards in addiction care
Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food and warm and friendly people. Another fast-growing sector of the Thai economy is another type of tourism: medical. Many Westerners are pleasantly surprised to discover that Thailand offers Western health care at a fraction of the cost at home; this couldn't be more true when exploring the world of addiction recovery.
Why go to rehab in Thailand?Not only does Thailand offer traditional addiction recovery facilities that use 12-step techniques and have knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the country also offers an environment steeped in Buddhism and mindfulness…all with a stunning natural backdrop. Truly, Thailand is a place to find peace mentally and spiritually.
To help you navigate this growing list of treatment centers, we've researched each center in detail to give you the information you may need to help you decide which center is right for your needs. These top 8 drug rehabilitation centers in Thailand cater to international clients and are among the most reputable drug rehabilitation centers in the country.
The most popular addiction treatment center in Thailand
hope to restore Thailand– Ideal for those looking for a warm and familiar environment with full service at an affordable price.
history:Hope was founded in December 2013 by Simon Mott and Alon Kumsawad. Simon has gained a wealth of personal experience on his own journey of recovery and is now director of the Hope Project. Alon brings his experience in mindfulness, Buddhism, nutrition and dance to provide Hope with a holistic approach.
Treatment Programs:Hope focuses on one-month and long-term treatments (60-90 days or more) and offers a completely holistic approach with 12 steps, CBT, mindfulness, and an emphasis on fitness. The guidance team is experienced and consists of people who have gone through their personal recovery journeys, as well as those trained in traditional healing. As a result, Hope has a wealth of personal and theoretical experience that enables them to provide the right care and advice to their clients.
Most clients choose to stay longer than a month, and some move into their sobriety homes, where they can continue their recovery in a community setting with the optimal balance of freedom and structure.
Facilities and accommodation:A large and diverse facility located on a hill overlooking the sea and Koh Sichang. The accommodations feature 24 individual private bathrooms and are fitted with traditional Thai furnishings and handicrafts. The site consists of several buildings spread over seven hectares, including traditional Thai wooden buildings used for meditation and group work. The grounds are also a quirky secondary "transport museum" with planes, tuk-tuks, boats and soon trains.
Location and how to get there:An hour's drive from Bangkok International Airport and the coastal town of Si Racha
cost:$6,900 for the 30-day plan with discounts on the second and third months.
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Thamkrabok Monastery- For those just looking for a cheap detox, no frills, happy to share a basic dorm, cold showers.
history:Founded in 1957, Thamkrabok can be described as an 'authentic' Thai revival. Built on Buddhist principles, it has been heralded as “the toughest drug recovery treatment in the world.” Also known as "Temple of Vomiting".
Treatment Programs:Thamkrabok provides detoxification through a secret herbal blend that induces vomiting to rid your body of toxins. After a 5-day detox ritual, the next step is a meditation practice. There is no individual consultation or group work. It requires high motivation and is a strict regimen of Buddhist monks that you must renounce to use.
Facilities and accommodation:It is a large temple complex built mainly by monks. There are 100 monks and 15 nuns in the residence. There is no separate room and the dormitory has no air conditioning or hot water.
Location and how to get there:– Wat Thamkrabok is just a few hours drive from Bangkok, near the Saraburi province in central Thailand.
cost:contribution
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New Life Foundation– Only for those who have completed an initial detox and are looking for an inexpensive, supportive and peaceful environment to continue their recovery. Scholarships can be provided on an individual basis.
history:New Life is a community in the second phase. It was originally established in 2010 as a place for people to go after they have ended their lives in Thambrabok (see above), but over the following years it has grown into a mindfulness center for recovering addicts and everyone else. Provides a place for people to seek respite from their pain, whether it be addiction, depression, anxiety or burnout. They typically have about 20% of recovering addicts complete treatment at Hope Rehab Thailand.
Treatment Programs:New Life does not offer a detox program, but can be considered a secondary recovery center. All clients must be drug free for at least 30 days prior to arrival and all clients will be drug tested upon arrival. The treatment plan is based on daily mindfulness meditation, bi-weekly life coaching, and an emphasis on community living. All clients also participate in daily work meditation.
Facilities and accommodation:New Life is located on a large farmland with its own rice and vegetable fields. Accommodation is single room with fan.
Location and how to get there:New Life is headquartered in northern Thailand, 20 kilometers from Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai. Airport and bus.
cost:$1300 for a month stay.
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cabin group– For those looking for a luxurious healing experience.
history:The Cabin was founded in 2009 by a group of expatriate British businessmen. It has grown steadily from 9 beds to its current 80 beds in various locations, making it the largest rehabilitation facility in the West.
Treatment Programs:The Cabin offers a modern clinical program including a "Recovery Zone" that combines CBT, 12-step and mindfulness.
Facilities and accommodation:Thailand's largest rehabilitation center with luxurious resort-style facilities, located on the Ping River in Chiang Mai, with 80 beds.
Location and how to get there:The Cabin is located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Chiang Mai has a domestic airport.
cost:$14,000 for 28 days.
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Lanna is recovering well– For those looking for luxury and a more intimate atmosphere.
history:Lanna is the latest addition to the rehabilitation center in Thailand, which opened in 2016.
Treatment Programs:Treatment plans are tailored to the individual. They provide dual diagnosis treatment for concurrent illnesses. They also use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They have a psychiatry team at their main location. They said, "We wanted to create a luxury rehab center where you never feel like you're in a therapy center."
Facilities and accommodation:A luxury rehabilitation center with 20 private suites.
Location and how to get there:The head office is located in the suburbs of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Chiang Mai has its own airport.
cost:$10,000 for 28 days.
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Serenity Rehabilitation Thailand– Ideal for those looking for a small and inexpensive installation.
history:Serenity was founded in 2014.
Treatment Programs:They use the Minnesota Model, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness training, individual and group counseling.
Facilities and accommodation:A small facility with a total of 10 rooms. Their motto is "the smaller the better".
Location and how to get there:Chiang Rai in northern Thailand. Chiang Rai has an airport.
cost:Share $5900 per month
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Dara's Alcohol Rehab Center– For those looking for a medium to large range.
history:The oldest western rehabilitation center in Thailand, established in the early 21st century.
Treatment Programs:The Koh Chang facility uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exclusively, while the Chanthaburi facility uses all 12 steps.
Facilities and accommodation:80 bed resort or resort style with low cost treatments. Accommodation varies between single rooms and shared rooms.
Location and how to get there:Located in two locations in Chanthaburi and Koh Chang. Both are served by local airports.
cost:From $6,995 per month (shared), with additional charges depending on accommodation type.
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dawn recovery– Ideal for those looking for a luxurious healing experience at an affordable price
history: The Dawn was founded in 2016 by two Thai brothers who brought together an international team of counselors and therapists to create a center that focuses on addiction and mental health.
Treatment programs: The program includes various treatment methods, including TMS, CBT, DBT and 12-step programs. The emphasis is on mindfulness counseling and holistic therapies. The Dawn offers dual diagnosis treatment.
Facilities and accommodation: This is a small rehabilitation center with 20 private rooms and a detached villa for those looking for more privacy. It is designed as a wellness center with a swimming pool and spa facilities. The small size allows for individual therapy and plenty of face-to-face time with a counselor.
location and how to get there: The Dawn is located in rural Chiang Mai along the Ping River, about a 40-minute drive from the international airport.
cost:4 weeks (private room) $12,000.
Over by author
Lee Webb
Lee Webbis a published author, medical author, and woman in long-term recovery from drug addiction. his last book,The definitive guide to addiction interventionIt will be in university bookstores in early 2019.
Label: Addiction Costs of addiction care Addiction treatment program alcohol rehab center destination rehabilitation Find a rehabilitation center
FAQs
Which country has best rehabilitation? ›
Norway's focus on rehabilitation and restorative justice is certainly radical, but there is no doubt that it has had a positive impact on the country's crime rate and its economy. The most profound benefit: Norway has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the world.
What is the world's toughest rehab? ›This 60 minute documentary takes an unflinching look at the "World's Toughest Rehab" - Thamkrabok Monastery in Thailand. It is a gritty and eye-opening real-life account of the unique drug rehabilitation program undertaken by addicts and overseen by the Thai Buddhist Monks.
What is the success rate of Thamkrabok monastery? ›Since 1959 Wat Thamkrabok, a Buddhist monastery in Thailand, has been conducting a drug addiction rehabilitation program which claims a 70% success rate.
What percent of people are successful in rehab? ›Success Rates of Treating Addiction
According to the Butler Center for Research at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, nearly 89% of all those completing alcohol treatment remain sober for the first month after rehab. Rehab success rates for those who enter detox before treatment is 68%.
Norway has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the world; in 2016, only 20% of inmates re-offended within 2 years. The country also has one of the lowest overall crime rates on Earth. Norway's prison system houses approximately three thousand offenders.
Who is the most important person in rehabilitation? ›The patient and family are the most important members of the rehabilitation team. Physiatrist. A healthcare provider who evaluates and treats rehabilitation patients. The physiatrist is usually the team leader.
What is the most common type of rehab? ›The three main types of rehabilitation therapy are occupational, physical and speech. Each form of rehabilitation serves a unique purpose in helping a person reach full recovery, but all share the ultimate goal of helping the patient return to a healthy and active lifestyle.
Is it ever too late for rehab? ›Whether you are a teenager, adult or senior, it's never too late to seek treatment for a substance use disorder and start the journey to recovery.
Is there such a thing as too much rehab? ›Signs your physical rehab program may be overdoing it include: Muscle failure while trying to tone and strengthen your body. Muscle soreness two days after a workout or rehab session. Excessive or “therapeutic” bruising from a deep tissue massage.
Does it cost money to stay at a monastery? ›You may save money.
Free monastery stays, however, are rare, unless your purpose is spiritual. That said, some monastery rooms for rent charge by donation only and if you're not financially flush, it can cost you very little. To rent a room in a convent or monastery might just be a great budget option!
Can anyone go to a monastery? ›
Anyone can stay in a monastery, regardless of religion. Should you want to participate in religious activities (e.g. mass), simply ask one of the friendly brothers or sisters and they will be happy to guide you further.
Can you stay at a monk monastery? ›For centuries, monasteries have hosted weary pilgrims and travelers all over the world. These days, you don't need to be on a religious quest to stay the night at a monastery. Regular backpackers and vacationers are also welcome. Accommodation in a monastery usually means simple rooms, shared facilities, and a curfew.
What does 2 percent tattoo mean? ›2% as a Symbol of Recovery
While some people may associate the 1% with the richest members of our society (or with outlaw motorcycle clubs) the recovery community has begun to claim the 2 percent recovery tattoo meaning (and the symbolism behind the number) as its own.
Approximately 18% of recovering alcoholics achieved low-risk drinking after a year. About 18% of recovering alcoholics were able to abstain from drinking completely one year later. Recovery rates are less than 36% for people with a severe or lifetime alcohol dependence.
What is the average length of sobriety in AA? ›13 percent of AA members stay sober between 5 and 10 years. 14 percent of AA members stay sober between 10 and 20 years. 22 percent of AA members stay sober 20 or more years. The average length of AA member sobriety is nearly 10 years.
Which country has the highest reoffending rate? ›The U.S. has one of the highest: 76.6% of prisoners are rearrested within five years. Among Norway's prison population that was unemployed prior to their arrests, they saw a 40% increase in their employment rates once released.
What country has the harshest prisons? ›Russia, Black Dolphin Prison
Russia is a country that's known for its brutal and rough prison system. You know it's borderline bad when it gets its reputation for one of being the worst prisons in the world. Black Dolphin is near the Kazakhstan border and it houses the country's most hardened and dangerous criminals.
Delray Beach, Florida: Recovery Capital of the USA.
Who gets treated the worst in jail? ›The most disliked of all prisoners are those who harmed children or the elderly; especially, those who sexually or physically abused a child. Sex offenders are frowned upon as a matter of principle, but certain ones may get bummed rapped (persecuted unjustly).