Addiction Rehabilitation in Asia

The number of people who have addictions have been steadily rising in the past decade. The organization American Addiction Centers reports that according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 21.5 million American adults (12 years and older) had a substance use disorder in 2014.

The first (and most daunting) step to conquering such addiction (whether to drugs, alcohol, gambling, or any other thing or activity) is to acknowledge it. Once you’ve done so, it’s time to commit to changing yourself for the better: to reclaim your life and be free from addiction. Rehab centers can be extremely effective in helping you do so.

Rehabilitation centers in Asia provide you with more value for your money in the same way dental and medical tourism within the region offers visitors from other countries a more cost-effective option for health. Actually, people have noted that alcohol and drug rehab centers in Asia differ in terms of execution brought upon by cultural or even sociological differences between different countries from the “other” side of the world.

Asian or Eastern modern rehabilitation is a mix of clinical and psychological approaches (as opposed to the “mystical” approaches of the past) while most Western approaches are more clinical and drug-based. There’s also a level of luxury to be expected from addiction rehabilitation in Asia. It’s more relaxing there and addicts have an opportunity to find more positive outlets for their addictive personalities and tendencies that assist their physical and mental health.

World-class Facilities at a More Affordable Price

Because they also cater to international clients as well as local ones, many Asian addiction rehabilitation centers offer leisure activities and resort-like facilities at a cost that’s significantly less than treatment found in North America (the United States and Canada) and Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom). You should also know the following:

• Leading Rehabs in Asia Are Interconnected: Many drug rehabilitation centers – whether in Thailand, Singapore, etc. – connect with one another so that they can share their resources and knowledge for the betterment of the whole region rather than just a single country.
• Growing Network of Addiction Recovery Centers: There’s a growing network of addiction recovery centers and facilities in the Asian region. They serve as a collective addiction rehabilitation assistant with their executive and luxury quarters that provide Asians in Asian countries and their tourists the chance for a clean break against addiction in an environment that’s safe and supportive when push comes to shove.
• The Internet Makes the World Smaller: Thanks to the invention of the Internet, the world has become smaller and closer to one another, such that resources and maps to addiction rehab programs and centers in Asia are freely distributed online. You can check out sites to find information about individual treatment methods, accommodation, and site facilities, even before going to those centers in person.
• Specific Addictions and Rehab Specialists: ou can also search for rehab centers that treat specific addictions to prescription and illicit drugs. You can even get advice on how to pick the right help from drug and other addiction rehabilitation centers. All that info is right at your fingertips, especially when browsing treatment centers for drug and alcohol addiction that include in-house detox facilities and inpatient programs (like Alcoholics Anonymous). You can even find extended care and sober living home options.

Treatment Guide and Information

Here’s what you need to look for when it comes to considering availing of an Asian rehab center for addiction rehabilitation programs in Asia.

• Knowledge Is Power: Information is the key to picking the right rehab center in Asia. Many of the best Asian drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment centers have advanced knowledge when in comes to behavior, drug, and alcohol addiction treatment that’s different from even famous 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, which combine community rehab among fellow alcoholics with clinical rehab together.
• Changing Scenery for a Cleaner and More Sober Life: Sometimes a change in culture and scenery through inpatient rehab is just what you need in order to get back into your feet after dealing with enablers your entire life. Sobriety can be achieved with 28-or-more-day programs for addiction rehabilitation that give you the best chances for long-term recovery. You should also check out the rooms and how much they cost.
• Even the Locals Appreciate What They Have: Despite the firestorm of controversy surrounding how the government is handling drug rehabilitation in the Philippines, there are decent and non-heavy-handed alcohol rehabilitation centers that follow the lead of Alcoholics Anonymous and other western-based rehabs or exclusively local rehabilitation facilities that are funded by religious institutions. Meanwhile, there are alcohol rehabilitation centers that mix medical rehab with tourism even among its locals.
• Which Is the Best?: This is the most obvious question people will ask when seeking addiction treatment in centers in Asia or even within a country. The answer isn’t straightforward though; it depends on what sort of help you need, how bad your addiction is, if you’ve gone through other rehab centers before, if this is your first time, and other factors.
• Take Your Time in Deciding: Just like getting rehab in the West, it takes time to get rid of your addiction through a rehab center in Asia. So you should also take time and give careful consideration to which center to go to. Don’t choose an inpatient alcohol rehab center randomly. Use the info you can glean from the Internet using Google search or social media like Facebook and Twitter, and then make a short list of your top rehab centers in Asia.

Once you’ve made your decision, contact the centers that match your specific alcohol or drug addiction problems and needs. Preference in terms of their offered services can also play a role in your choice.

Inpatient/Residential Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers

If you’re an Asian local, an expatriate, or a tourist turned permanent resident of an Asian country, your best bet might be an inpatient or residential treatment center for your needs.

More and more of these centers have been popping up to help the increasing number of people with addictions. The best Asian rehab centers feel more like home rather than a clinic. The main appeals of this emerging industry are as follows:

• You’ll have access to trained residential or inpatient rehab experts with international training.
• They simulate being at home better than a clinic, so reintegrating yourself into society becomes easier. Addiction treatment centers are located in a peaceful area and are meticulously designed and maintained to make patients feel at home.
• Addiction recovery in a residential setup is much more affordable than hotel and resort rehab centers or rehab clinics full of nurses.
• Many health insurance providers are willing to shoulder the cost of going to a residential rehab center compared to the more expensive hospice care center.
• If you’re a foreigner going to Asia, this route is your best bet since it’s less expensive and you don’t have a permanent home available for home-based care.
• You’ll still get the popular 12-step program found in other rehab centers, but in a setting that doesn’t feel so alienated, sterilized, and clinical.
• You’ll get to meet recovering and ex-addicts like you as they share their experiences on how they overcame/they’re overcoming their addictive tendencies.

This industry has particularly grown in Thailand, becoming a new standard of care that’s comparable to what you can find in the United States and European countries.

Outpatient/Homecare Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers

In the hospital context, the outpatient department or clinic is the part of the hospital (usually on the ground floor) catering to patients with health problems that don’t require an expensive overnight stay. There also exist outpatient clinics that cater to one-day visits, diagnoses, and treatment of patients.

In the rehabilitation context, outpatient treatment is more about homecare or home-based rehab with an assigned caretaker. In the context of addiction rehabilitation in Asia, outpatient rehabilitation treatment is mostly available to locals, citizens, permanent residents, expatriates, or most anyone who have board and lodging covered already. It has the following benefits:

• Parking and travel are probably easier from home.
• You won’t feel like you’re in rehab boot camp and your treatment is definitely personalized.
• Your family, housemates, and neighbors are likely to be more involved in your rehabilitation.
• You won’t need to “force” yourself to make friends with fellow addicts and strangers in a facility.
• You will feel more in control and relaxed because you’re in your “castle” or home as you’re being treated for your dependency sickness.
• You won’t have to feel isolated or alienated when dealing with your rehab since it’s home-based.
• It’s more convenient since you’re being rehabbed at the comfort of your own/rented Asian home or apartment.
• You don’t need to follow the house rules of another homeowner or residential center since rehabilitation is going on in your house.
• It also has the non-intimidating homey feel of residential inpatient services, but without needing to pay for board and lodging to get that treatment.
• You only need to pay for the caretakers’ rehab fees (and take care of their food and sleeping quarters too) rather than pay for the services of a full staff.
• If you have any enablers in your family, their behavior will quickly be discouraged by the caretaker, thus taking care of one of the roots of your addiction problems.

Dealing with addiction and rehabilitation from home depends mostly on the competency and dependability of the regularly visiting homecare rehab specialist who can also live with you for good measure to track your progress 24/7, just like in a rehab center.

Inpatient versus Outpatient Services

As an American, I find that many addiction rehabilitation centers near me are rather expensive, especially for the majority of addicts who have already lost a huge deal of their savings due to their severe habit.

Therefore, I find addiction rehabilitation in Asia is a great option for my fellow countrymen who wish to conquer their addiction without having to go completely bankrupt. Even adding the cost of travel and lodging, getting rehab in Asia is still more affordable than elsewhere. Moreover, the quality of treatment provided in the best rehab centers in Asia is typically on par with those provided in the West.

Here are some additional reminders for foreigners who wish to avail of addiction rehab programs in Asia: To wit:

• Traveling to Asia for Rehab: If you’re planning to travel to Asia (or if you’ve already arrived there) from the West for the purpose of overcoming your addiction, you’re likely to avail of a treatment program from residential addiction rehabilitation centers. Medical tourism also covers rehab tourism that has special packages available for those who wish to stay in another country to treat their “demons”.
• After all, inpatient rehabilitation in western countries from North America or Europe is rather expensive. It’s probably close or cheaper for them to avail of inpatient services in South America or Africa in order to save on travel costs for drug and alcohol rehabilitation in Asia. If you’re looking for board and lodging when you get there, the inpatient option is for you.
• Residents Availing of Inpatient Asian Rehab: Those who are already living in Asia (whether they’re born there or foreigners who’ve settled there), your best bet is a local outpatient addiction treatment center that’s either funded by the government or is an NGO. You can get better deals and discounts on their fees that way since they’re nonprofits or government services for citizens.
• Non-citizens might have trouble availing of their services though. If you can afford it, you can even avail of Asian rehab homecare (since many a local want to get those addiction rehabilitation assistant jobs with relatively high hourly payments). It’s more convenient, you’ll save travel costs, but you’ll pay the caretaker more of your money for his or her services in your own residence.

In a nutshell, if you’re already living in Asia or you have your own home or apartment you’re renting, it might be more affordable for you to go the outpatient route with a homecare provider that fulfills all necessary addiction rehabilitation assistant requirements.

If you’re a foreigner going to Asia for the purpose of rehab and you don’t have a residence in the rehab country of your choice, going to an inpatient facility for your addiction rehabilitation makes more sense. A single residential inpatient center in Asia would already take care of your food, lodging, and addiction rehab.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rehabs in Asia

Should I join a rehab with a detox program?

Yes. You need a medically supervised detox in case your body has a strong physical dependence to alcohol and drugs. This will keep you from succumbing to withdrawal symptoms. Ask about your prospective rehab facility’s detox program if any is available.

What sorts of addictions should be treated at the rehab?

There are rehab centers that treat a whole range of addictions in general. There are also those that specialize and treat specific addictions, like alcohol addiction, heroin addiction, cocaine addiction, meth addiction, and so forth as well as behavioral issues like eating disorders, gambling addiction, and sex addiction.

What’s the treatment plan used at Asian rehab centers?

You should search for an Asian treatment plan that’s evidence-based. Your addiction rehabilitation center in Asia should have a mix of individual counseling plus group therapy if it’s in an inpatient center or the like. For outpatient homecare services, it should be more personalized and include the family in your treatment plans.

Can family members be involved with my treatment?

A lot of inpatient rehab centers frown upon family involvement and serve as more of a boot camp or retreat for addicts when they go about their addiction recovery activities. However, in the past few years, there are an increasing number of services and centers that offer family programs and interventions. Such educate enablers in a patient’s family of their effects and encourage them to stop what they’re doing and become a better support system (this is especially the case with outpatient rehab programs in Asia). Some inpatient centers even allow families to join the addict inside the facility.

Asian Rehabilitation versus Rehab Elsewhere in the World

Addiction rehab in Asia is a viable option despite distance and travel cost due to its cost-effectiveness and international standards to accommodate a Western audience of medical tourists searching specifically for effective addiction rehabilitation. Often, the cheaper travel costs in other continents with inpatient services don’t compare to the overall package of Asian rehab.

Many rehab centers in Asia offer a high standard of care comparable to their Western counterparts exactly because they don’t only cater to locals but also tourists and vacationers from other countries wishing to avail of medical tourism advantages. When dealing with gambling, alcohol, and drug addiction rehabilitation in Asia, you can get more value for your money in a relaxing, comfortable environment and be assured of high quality of service thanks to well-trained specialists and caring staff.

If you’re looking for a luxurious, but affordable addiction rehab in Thailand, visit LANNA Rehab.