It’s likely you are reading this article because either you or a loved one has a problem with alcohol, drugs, or an addictive behavior. You probably also know this addiction is causing a lot of pain, hurt, and suffering to the one who is using, and those who care for them. Whilst the level of hurt and destruction to life will vary from individual to individual, the solution is always the same:
- The addict needs to change their world in order to break the cycle of addiction.
If you have tried to stop drinking, taking drugs, or engaging in an addictive behavior like gambling, and find that you can’t, then rehab is for you. At a rehabilitation center, you will receive professional help, and will be taught the knowledge and skills you need to break free from the bonds of addiction. Of course, you want to choose a rehab that will be the best fit for you.
Things to consider when choosing a rehab
- Which will be the best fit for me and my addiction? An inpatient or an outpatient facility?Keep reading to find out the major differences between these two types of facilities
- What is the quality of the facilities like at the rehab center?This is especially important if you decide on an inpatient rehab center, because the quality of the food, accommodation and gym/spa facilities can really affect your overall mental and physical health
- What ‘type’ of therapeutic program does the rehab run?There are many different ‘types’ of addiction programs; many revolve around purely ’12-step’ based beliefs, and some use C.B.T. (Cogntive Behavioural Therapy). Some use a combination of the two, as well as evidence-based practices from other styles of therapy.
Inpatient or Outpatient Rehab?
Once having made a decision to get treatment, where to go needs to be decided, including whether to go to an inpatient facility or and outpatient facility—the two main settings for rehab.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehabs are also referred to as residential treatment centers. This choice may be best for persons who are moderately to severely effected by addiction and need an extended period of time in a drug free environment. This type of treatment costs more when compared to the outpatient treatment because residential costs and other expenses are included. Inpatient rehab provides an environment of continuous care, away from many ‘triggers’ to addiction (i.e. people, places or things which are heavily associated with active addiction).
A useful exercise is to ask yourself or your loved one the following questions. If the answer is ‘Yes’ to even just one of them, it’s really likely some time in a residential setting is much needed – away from a life surrounded by addiction.
- Are you using on a daily basis and are unable to stop substance use for 24 hours?.
- If your substance of choice is alcohol, do you experience severe withdrawal symptoms if you try to abstain from drinking, e.g., (convulsions, seizures, blackouts, delirium tremens–known as DTs – body tremors, confusion, disorientation, stupor, hallucinations)?If yes for this one, inpatient is indicated with detox. because in extreme cases alcohol withdrawal can be fatal if not managed medically. Contact us now direct to Thailand if this is the case
- Have you tried to go ‘cold turkey’ in the past from your drug of choice – and suffered from withdrawal symptoms?Although alcohol withdrawal is the most medically dangerous drug to detox from, most drugs have a ‘withdrawal profile’ Withdrawal can be dangerous and traumatic if not managed properly, and this is why inpatient management is the best choice.
- Are you unemployed?If yes, you may have too much free time on your hands, which can put you at a much higher risk of falling back into old habits of addiction. Again, inpatient rehab can really help in this instance because the days are highly structured and productive.
Outpatient Rehab
With an outpatient program, people visit the treatment center on a periodic basis for counseling and treatment (for example, 3 times a week for 10 weeks). On one hand this type of treatment is less costly compared to the inpatient treatment because there are no residential costs. However, the mental, emotional and physical space from your current situation (which is often afforded by spending some time at an inpatient facility) is not a part of the outpatient experience.
Quality of Facilities for Rehab
If after reading this, you have decided that some time at a residential treatment center will be the best fit for you, then we firmly believe that you will not find a more affordably luxurious option than DARA Thailand. We know that not only do we provide a world-class, evidence based treatment program; we offer it in a stunning tropical setting, with facilities that other rehabs can only dream about.
Our accommodation is truly luxurious; from our beautiful villas, to our stunning pool and spa facilities, to our comfortable client lounge and amenities, to our spectacular tropical island location in the gulf of Thailand, Drug & Alcohol Rehab Asia (DARA) stands alone. Don’t take our word for it – see for yourself! Browse around our website, and browse around the websites of other rehab centers. Compare prices, testimonials, location and setting, whatever. Even the top rehabs in the U.S. or the U.K. simply can’t compare in terms of facilities. When you consider how incredibly competitive our prices are, the decision to come to our tropical island and spend some time with us is simple one.
12–Step vs. a Non 12-Step Program for Treatment and Rehabilitation
Let’s look at the two main types of treatment programs offered for alcoholism and other drug addiction, the two main philosophical and psychological approaches: A 12-Step program vs. a non 12-Step program.
The 12-Step Model
The 12-Step model is the predominate paradigm of rehab programs in the United States, the UK, and other countries. The 12-Step is based on, and permeated by, the philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and thus the 12 steps used in AA. With the 12 step philosophy, recovery comes through group affiliation with other recovering persons, and changing thought and behavior in accordance with the principles of the 12-steps of AA.
12- Step advocates generally see addiction as a disease: a medical illness that is chronic and progressive. Controlled use is not considered possible by the AA and advocates of the 12-step model.
Alternatives to 12-Step Treatment
The 12 Steps were developed in the 1940’s in accordance with the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. Since then there have been huge advances in the understanding of addiction, in particular from a neuro-scientific perspective. There are now many evidence-based approaches to the treatment of addiction, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET).
The DARA Way
The DARA way is to include the best of the modern approaches to the treatment of addiction.
Here at DARA we think people need and deserve to become experts in their own recovery, so we use whatever evidence based treatment approaches meet the individual clients’ needs.
Our treatment protocol is one that can be considered ‘Holistic’. We help people find meaning and purpose in their lives, to help them build a stable and enduring recovery. We do this primarily through intensive therapy within a CBT framework. However we don’t stop there – we also incorporate into your program: personal training and exercise, art therapy, flexibility workouts water workout in our pool, yoga, meditation, group sports, stress management, outdoor pursuits and island excursions (to name but a few things). No two people are the same, and therefore we believe what works for you is the right approach for you
Source for some content of this article: Recovery Options: The Complete Guide (2000) by Joseph Volpicelli and Maia Szalavitz
Information Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is only intended to be general summary information to the public. The primary purpose of this publication is education. Nothing contained in this publication is, or should be considered or used, as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
