Home > Blogs > 5 Best Rehab Destinations in the World Outside of the US 5 Best Rehab Destinations in the World Outside of the US Particularly since the pandemic, increasing numbers of people are looking overseas for potential rehab options, as a way of breaking free from the confines of the local environment where they have stayed for so long. In the spirit of looking outward, we have put together a list of countries where rehab centres are plentiful. The following guide to the best rehabs in the world is not exhaustive, and does not single out specific centres. Instead, it aims to highlight some excellent places to focus your attention. Of course, deciding on a rehab destination is never easy, given the number of variables involved. Rehab centres differ in terms of location, price, quality, atmosphere, surroundings, preferred treatment approaches, and more. With those factors in mind, we’ve narrowed our list down to five countries that make excellent destinations for rehab and recovery. It is worth noting that even though the US remains the most advanced market for rehab and addiction treatment, issues surrounding cost and overall experience can leave much to be desired. This article therefore provides an overview, highlights, and selling points of our top 5 destinations outside the US. Our top 5 rehab destinations include: ThailandIndonesiaSwitzerlandSpainSouth Africa A quick note on treatment variety In general, modern rehab centres draw from a set of common approaches to treatment. These include a 12-step/Minnesota model, non-12-step methods, a therapeutic community approach, or a more well-rounded holistic approach. Psychotherapy-based treatment is also standard at many centres, either through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or other models. Rehab centres may elect to use only one single treatment modality, or a combination of different approaches. Some adhere to a holistic approach, while others are more eclectic in nature. Some centres may focus on individual therapy, while others focus on group counselling. Further research is needed before selecting a precise rehab destination; see the bottom of this article for details.And now, on to the countries: Thailand With its serene natural beauty, excellent tourist infrastructure, and moderate level of economic development, Thailand offers a near-perfect balance of quality and affordability. The country is easy to reach by air, and a great many people do; Bangkok is the world’s most visited city. Thailand also has a wide selection of rehab centres, from quite affordable options to more luxurious facilities that have a ‘holiday rehab’ theme. Resort-style accommodation is available at very reasonable prices, and the treatment itself is fully up to international standards. Treatment approaches include a secular 12-step approach, non-12-step alternatives, as well as holistic therapy. Of course, Thai culture and tradition are also incorporated into the treatment experience. To refocus the mind, rehab centres in Thailand often supplement their treatment sessions with mindfulness and meditation practice. Clients often find that these methods of training the mind have great value when they are faced with the urges of addiction, and the stresses of everyday life. For these and other reasons, Thailand’s rehab centres have earned a strong enough reputation that several Western celebrities have come to the country for inpatient treatment in recent years. In terms of pure value, Thailand may be home to the best rehab centres in the world. As a bonus, Thailand has plenty of opportunities for sightseeing on your visit. Many clients take the opportunity to experience trekking in picturesque mountains, visiting elephant sanctuaries, exploring hidden temples in jungles, relaxing by the beach, or other interesting cultural and social activities in addition to their course of treatment. Best for: Affordable, out-of-the-box treatment in a luxury settingCost: Around $10,000+ per month Indonesia (Bali) Bali offers another beautiful, welcoming environment for people seeking to overcome addictions or other mental health issues. A medium-sized island within a major archipelago, Bali has long been a favourite destination among travellers to Southeast Asia, thanks to its stunning architecture, natural attractions, and laid-back culture. Just as in Thailand, clients coming to Bali can choose from a range of rehab options. While some Bali rehabs cater to budget-conscious clients, others provide tropical villa resort accommodation. Many combine their core psychological treatment programmes with other forms of wellness therapy, making them effective holistic retreats that aim to heal the mind, body, and spirit. Treatment itself generally occurs within a small group setting, where clients can connect with (and learn from) their peers even as they receive a high level of personal attention from their therapist. Boutique private treatment in Bali is also very much an option, and it may indeed be the best arrangement for those considering the island as their treatment destination. As we will see below, other countries also offer private care – but for a far bigger price tag, and without an island paradise setting. Although Bali itself has attracted large tourist numbers for decades, it is important to understand that its rehab sector is relatively new, and may undergo some changes as the market matures. It is best to check current information about rehab centres on the island before making your selection. Best for: Boutique private retreat in an island paradise settingCost: Around $15,000+ per month Switzerland Magnificent mountain scenery, ultra-luxury individual treatment, the gold standard in privacy and anonymity – Switzerland represents the pinnacle of care, offering what is very likely the best drug and alcohol rehab in the world. Mostly focused upon private, one-on-one treatment, the most notable rehab centres in Switzerland are designed to serve exclusive, high-profile individuals for an executive rehab experience that few other destinations can match. Excellent medical treatment is available in-house, when necessary for detox or other delicate moments during the recovery process. Furthermore, supplemental addiction treatment is typically provided via technology-based services that may not be available at most common rehab centres elsewhere. Switzerland is also home to a unique set of laws surrounding drug treatment, which emphasise harm reduction strategies rather than the criminalisation of drug addicts. Its Heroin Assisted Treatment programme allows for the medically controlled injection of heroin to addicts, and has produced positive results. This method is used to safely reduce dosages for chronic, treatment-resistant heroin addicts who were not succeeding with orthodox oral methadone maintenance. Of course, this level of quality doesn’t come cheap. Switzerland is among the most expensive luxury rehab destinations, and should be placed at the top of the list only if money is no object. Best for: Ultra-luxury treatment and individualised attentionCost: Up to $200,000+ per month Spain More affordable, but still by no means the cheapest destination on the list, is sunny and warm Spain – which delivers a ‘summer holiday’ environment where traditional Western-style rehab programmes are provided in nice surroundings. For European clients, Spain may be a preferable country for treatment thanks to its convenient combination of reasonable prices and very accessible location. Culturally rich and blessed with a Mediterranean climate, Spain’s rehab centres deliver treatment that is grounded in traditional 12-step interventions or therapeutic community approaches, but may also include behavioural therapy and holistic techniques. In recent years, Spain has learned from other European countries’ more tolerant approaches towards harm reduction, rather than continuing to adhere to rigid abstinence as the only permissible recovery method. Substitution medicines have now been incorporated into rehab treatment methods where necessary, leading to safer and more effective treatment. These modern treatment methods are just part of the rehab experience in Spain. Besides the nice weather and good standards of care, the country’s other intangible qualities include an excellent cuisine, friendly people, and plenty of superb historical and architectural features. For clients with extra time to spend after primary treatment has been completed, a visit to its key cultural areas – and particularly the old towns at their centres – will be rewarding indeed. Best for: Traditional western-style rehab programmes in laid-back surroundingsCost: $20,000+ per month South Africa One of the world’s more fascinating travel destinations, South Africa combines just enough of the familiar, with just enough of the exotic, to make for an unforgettable experience. With breathtaking surroundings and one-of-a-kind activities, visitors to South Africa can see penguins on the beach, ride an ostrich, explore wildlife parks, and learn about very different cultures than exist elsewhere. At the same time, English is widely spoken all around the country, accommodation is unspectacular (usually a basic house, converted for sharing), and treatment follows traditional methods. These treatment methods tend to include the group-based 12-step process to recovery, in addition to cognitive behavioural therapy. For many types of people, South Africa’s natural landscapes – and particularly its wildlife – can be therapeutic in their own way. South Africa has a wide range of affordable rehab options, and although luxury centres and non-12-step treatment alternatives are also available, they are relatively few in number and are found at a higher price point. The more common type of South African treatment facility may not have the most luxurious amenities, but it generally provides very good value for money. For those seeking low-cost treatment, South Africa has plenty of excellent options to choose from. Best for: Low-cost treatment in one of the world’s best safari destinationsCost: Less than $10,000 per month Finding the best rehab centres in the world Rehab tourism is becoming an increasingly popular option for those who are willing to seek treatment overseas. When choosing a destination, budget will certainly need to play an important role – but other factors, such as location, climate, treatment philosophy (e.g. harm reduction strategies vs 12-step approaches), and overall interest in spending time in the destination country, should also influence your decision. Since every option has its own advantages, perhaps an objective search for the best drug rehab centres in the world will not yield a clear answer. Instead, choose the ideal destination for your specific needs. If privacy is paramount in your situation, a luxury rehab centre in Switzerland may be the solution. If you value beaches and tropical relaxation, then Thailand or Bali could provide the best match. Feel free to contact us – either about entire countries, or specific rehabs – and we’ll provide a complimentary consultation to help guide you toward the most sensible destination for your needs. Call us now, or fill out the contact form below. Author Cameron Brown Psychologist About the Author Brookbanks, Amy. James ‘Arg’ ARGENT Has Checked Himself into Retreat in Thailand to Recover from Two Drug ‘Overdoses’. 2 Jan. 2020, www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/10659007/james-argent-rehab-thailand/. “Pete Doherty Jets off to Rehab in Thailand.” London Evening Standard | Evening Standard, Evening Standard, 27 June 2012, www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/pete-doherty-jets-off-to-rehab-in-thailand-7892763.html. Uchtenhagen, Ambros. “Heroin-assisted treatment in Switzerland: a case study in policy change.” Addiction (Abingdon, England) vol. 105,1 (2010): 29-37. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02741.x European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (2014), Residential treatment for drug use in Europe, EMCDDA Papers, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. References Brookbanks, Amy. James ‘Arg’ ARGENT Has Checked Himself into Retreat in Thailand to Recover from Two Drug ‘Overdoses’. 2 Jan. 2020, www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/10659007/james-argent-rehab-thailand/. “Pete Doherty Jets off to Rehab in Thailand.” London Evening Standard | Evening Standard, Evening Standard, 27 June 2012, www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/pete-doherty-jets-off-to-rehab-in-thailand-7892763.html. Uchtenhagen, Ambros. “Heroin-assisted treatment in Switzerland: a case study in policy change.” Addiction (Abingdon, England) vol. 105,1 (2010): 29-37. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02741.x European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (2014), Residential treatment for drug use in Europe, EMCDDA Papers, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. get independent advice Enter your name and contact details to get started.
