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The climb out of addiction is much more challenging than the slide into it. Very often, people try to break the cycle of use and abuse through pure self-discipline – and then lose their footing, having to start again from the very beginning. There is another way. If you are addicted to heroin, cocaine, or prescription painkillers, attending drug rehab is the safest and most effective way to achieve long-lasting recovery.

Substance abuse disorder can range from mild, moderate, to severe. The term is used to describe people who misuse substances (drug abuse) as well as people who feel the urge to constantly seek and use drugs (drug addiction).

Addiction is defined as "a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain."

NIDA

drug addiction & mental health

Research shows strong links between mental illness and drug addiction. People who suffer from mental health conditions such as depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have an increased risk of becoming substance abusers. Similarly, drug addicts have an increased risk of developing mental health conditions.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology also found that 50 per cent of PTSD sufferers also battled drug addiction. Moreover, higher rates of relapse occur amongst drug users who go through detox without seeking professional support for their addiction and mental health issues.

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what is drug rehab?

Drug rehabilitation involves far more than just detoxification – it’s about working on all areas of your life. A comprehensive drug rehab centre will assess your family dynamics, substance-use history, as well as any underlying mental health issues, and create a tailored treatment plan specifically for you. This programme typically employs a wide range of established techniques including psychosocial interventions, behavioural therapy, one-on-one counselling, coping skills training, relapse prevention, and detoxification to help you live a meaningful life without drugs.

Some drug rehab clinics specialise in certain substances, while others cater to all types of addiction. The distinction is important, as different drugs tend to have widely different chemical components and physiological effects – even during the abstinence and recovery period. Withdrawal symptoms from certain drugs can be much more severe than others, and therefore are more complicated to handle in detox. It is very important to verify if your rehab of choice is capable of handling your unique situation before enrolling in a programme.

Drug rehab clinics offer treatment for a variety of substance addictions. Their recovery programmes are designed to facilitate:

In all cases, however, the treatment goal of rehabilitation is to help you abstain from any future drug abuse, so that you can live a healthy life once again.

type of drug rehab clinics

Drug rehab clinics are commonly divided into two different settings: outpatient and inpatient. Each of these has its own benefits and can be appropriate depending on the needs of each individual. Generally, the fees for inpatient drug rehab are significantly higher than outpatient programmes, since the treatment package includes accommodation, all meals, and additional activities.

Outpatient drug rehab

Outpatient drug rehab involves scheduled therapy sessions, without any additional accommodation component. This approach may be better suited for people who are experiencing a less severe drug addiction, have a stable support system at home, have other social, familial, or job-related obligations, and have no other mental health issues.

Examples of outpatient programmes include scheduled detoxification at a medical clinic, drug counselling with a psychologist, and participation in support groups. The cost of outpatient treatment is low when compared to inpatient programmes, but nevertheless varies depending on the type and frequency of treatment that you decide to undergo.

Inpatient drug rehab

Inpatient drug rehab delivers a far more comprehensive form of care, including 24-hour medical support within a self-contained residential environment. This approach is ideal for people suffering from more extreme forms of addiction, as well as for those who lack a consistent social support network, or the personal discipline needed to stay off drugs in the absence of additional supervision.

When you attend inpatient drug rehab, you will be carefully monitored within a specialised centre which eliminates all access to substances that are harmful for your body. Inpatient treatment programmes require a stay of at least 30 days, but can be extended for up to three months or longer depending on individual needs.

Signs you should attend inpatient drug rehab

The signs and symptoms of drug addiction can vary depending on the type of drug you are abusing, the quantity and frequency of use, as well as your unique situation. However, according to the DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders, the presence of six or more of the following suggests that you, or someone you know, may be struggling with a severe form of drug addiction and would benefit from inpatient drug rehab:

You are taking a substance in larger amounts and more frequently
When you stop using, you experience physical and mental withdrawal symptoms
You are using the drug in larger quantities to achieve the desired effects
You are unable to keep up with work, family, and social obligations
You are spending a lot of time sourcing, abusing, and recovering from drug use
You have intense cravings for the drug, to the point that you can’t focus on anything else
You have no control over your drug use
Your drug use has a negative impact on your relationships with loved ones
You have no interests in other hobbies, activities, or social gatherings
You engage in risky and dangerous behaviours e.g. driving under the influence
You continue drug use despite negative effects on physical and emotional health

Whether you are using an illegal substance such as cocaine or meth, or a prescription drug such as Xanax or codeine, the bottom line is the same: If you can’t resist the urge to take that drug, or if you continue to use the drug despite negative consequences, you may need to attend inpatient drug rehab to help break your habit.

What happens in residential drug rehab

At the start of your stay in residential drug rehab, you’ll undergo a comprehensive assessment that takes into account your physical and mental health. If you are a heavy drug user, the rehab centre may require you to undergo a detox phase prior to commencing your rehabilitation programme. Depending on the type of drug you have been using, the detox phase can involve moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. Medical support can assist you during this time, to ameliorate these symptoms and have you feeling as safe and comfortable as possible.

After you have gone through detox, drug rehab will address any behavioural, social, or mental health issues related to your drug addiction. Depending on the rehab centre, this process is accomplished through a number of treatment modalities such as professional counselling, group therapy, individual therapies, 12-step facilitation therapy, and mindfulness training.

Towards the end of your residential drug rehab programme, a professional rehab will prepare an additional discharge programme for you. This stage of care is designed to ensure that you have all the tools you need – mental, emotional, and physical – to continue your recovery when you return home. Post-treatment support may include a relapse prevention strategy, follow-up appointments with outpatient clinics, or continued counselling.

How drug rehab works

Treatment approaches for drug addiction can vary widely from centre to centre, which means that your recovery depends largely on selecting a drug rehab centre based on your specific needs. Some drug rehab clinics maintain a purely psychological focus, while others employ a more holistic approach that combines psychological care with a wide range of other alternative therapies and activities. The best drug rehab centres apply evidence-based treatment techniques, delivered in a safe and supportive environment.

detox and withdrawal management

The duration of your drug detoxification will be determined by how long it takes for your withdrawal symptoms to subside. The length of this initial period will depend on what type of drug you have been using, and how long you’ve been using it.

Drugs like opiates and benzodiazepines require a medical detox. A comprehensive drug rehab centre will provide medically assisted withdrawal management, which involves prescribing substitute drugs that mimic your drug of abuse. These will assist with managing severe withdrawal symptoms. The doses of the substitute drugs will then be tapered off over the course of your drug rehab programme.

Detox for stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine requires stabilisation. The focus will be on providing you with a supportive and stable environment during this phase, so you can catch up on sleep and regain your appetite. You should also have access to psychological support and onsite round-the-clock assistance.

Behaviour Therapy

Behavioural therapy provides new and effective incentives to help you abstain from drug use. It can also modify your attitude and behaviour concerning drugs, while teaching you the skills needed to handle stressful circumstances and environmental triggers as they arise. There are a number of effective behavioural therapies available, each varying in terms of technique. These include cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational approaches, the Matrix Model, 12-step facilitation therapy, and family therapy – each of which has its own advantages in certain circumstances.

Dual diagnosis treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment is an essential treatment for those who suffer from drug addiction in combination with mental health challenges. Many people are driven to self-medicate as a way of dealing with undiagnosed mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, or depression. In other cases, drug users develop mental health problems as a direct or indirect result of their drug habits. Where mental health disorders exist alongside addiction, each of these concerns needs to be addressed in order to avoid a relapse. Dual diagnosis treatment is designed to focus on both issues simultaneously, letting you break free from addiction while also tending to your mental health.

holistic treatment

Many luxury rehab centres provide holistic treatment in addition to traditional counselling and psychological therapy. By keeping the mind, body and spirit in balance, holistic activities such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, exercise regimens, and massage therapy can bolster the gains you make through behavioural programme. By seeing recovery as more than simply quitting drugs, holistic therapy aims to help you reimagine and rebuild a drug-free life for yourself that is both healthy and fulfilling.

What happens after drug rehab?

Regardless of the types of treatment you’ve completed at a drug rehab, the transition back to independent living can be a difficult one. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to make this step easier – including continued counselling (online or as an outpatient), attending an intensive outpatient programme, going to support groups, and living in a sober house. Your drug rehab centre may also facilitate entry into one or more of the above options, as part of its aftercare programme. These kinds of post-treatment support opportunities can keep you focussed on your recovery goals, as you step back into your regular life and seek to overcome the day-to-day challenges presented by living in modern society.

How long is residential drug rehab?

Going to alcohol or drug rehab is about much more than just detoxing. You need to allow yourself enough time to address the changes made in your brain as a result of long-term substance use. For this reason, residential drug rehab programmes usually last for 30-60 days. For those with serious mental health conditions, it is recommended that you undergo a long-term rehab programme for at least 90 days. The longer you are immersed in a professional rehab programme – away from negative influences back home – the higher your chances will be of successful recovery.

How effective is drug rehab?

The goal of drug rehab is to return you to a productive and satisfying life without drugs. Indeed, most people who undergo successful treatment also find substantial improvements in their social, physical, and psychological lives. After treatment, and with the benefit of sustained aftercare, former drug users can indeed experience better mental health, improved physical wellness, healthier relationships, and greater success in education or employment.

Even so, drug addiction is a very serious issue, and the possibility of relapse is very real. The likelihood of lasting recovery improves with longer stays in rehab, and increased involvement in additional forms of care. Successful drug rehab requires long-term evaluation and modification as needed, just as is the case for any chronic disease.

How to choose a drug rehab centre

Choosing the right drug rehab centre can feel overwhelming at first, but the following list of questions can help you significantly narrow down your search:

Does the rehab centre offer evidence-based treatment?
Does it employ highly qualified staff?
Is it licenced and accredited?
Does it have a multi-disciplinary treatment team?
Does it offer dual diagnosis services?
Does it deliver post-treatment recovery support?
Does it provide family support?
Does it have detailed information on the website?
Was it founded by experienced professionals in the field?
Does it have a good success rate?
Does it offer detox?
Does it provide a high staff-to-client ratio?
Does it specialise in your condition?
Does it receive local referrals?

For more information on how to think about these issues, our post on How to Find the Best Rehab explores each of the above questions in greater depth.

How much does drug rehab cost?

The cost of rehab in the West can vary depending on the length of stay, type of facility, level of care, and your personal needs. For standard residential drug rehabs in a country like Australia, you could be paying up to $30,000 for 30 days. For luxury residential drug rehab, it’s between $40,000 – $100,000.

Generally, the price tag for drug rehab programme is:

Detoxification: $4,000 – $7,000 for 7 days
Intensive outpatient programmes (IOPs): $3,000 – $7,000 for 7 days
Standard inpatient drug rehab: $8,000 – $30,000 for 30 days
Luxury inpatient drug rehab: $40,000 – $100,000 for 30 days

Private drug rehab in Thailand

There’s no better way to focus on your recovery than to remove yourself from the negative influences and environments that have been fuelling your drug addiction. By attending private drug rehab in Thailand, you will benefit from world-class medical support and rehabilitation care in a tranquil, five-star setting – all for the same price as standard inpatient care in countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and the USA.

Thailand is home to dozens of private drug rehab facilities, offering a standard of quality that compares well with treatment anywhere in the world. Many counsellors and staff members at Thai rehab centres come from Western countries, are recovering addicts themselves, and received their professional training and education overseas. These experts have a detailed understanding of the particular challenges that you may have at each stage of your recovery effort.

Attending rehab in Thailand will also give you the opportunity to discover the country’s beautiful natural areas. Depending on which rehab you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the country’s white sandy beaches and lush tropical landscapes during your rehab programme. You will also have the pleasure of experiencing the country’s unique culture, world-renowned cuisine, and the warm hospitality of the Thai people.

If you need help finding the right private drug rehab for your specific needs, we can help. Please call us directly or fill out the contact form below.

Author

Cameron Brown

Psychologist

About the Author

References

NIDA. “Media Guide.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2 Jul. 2018, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide. Accessed 6 Feb 2020.

McCauley, Jenna L et al. “Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders: Advances in Assessment and Treatment.” Clinical psychology : a publication of the Division of Clinical Psychology of the American Psychological Association vol. 19,3 (2012): 10.1111/cpsp.12006. doi:10.1111/cpsp.12006

“Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5).” American Psychiatric Association, www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm.

NIDA. “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition).” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 17 Jan. 2018, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition. Accessed 26 Feb. 2020.

NIDA. “Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 20 Jul. 2018, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction. Accessed 26 Feb. 2020

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