Alcohol Rehab Thailand –Sobriety is a Journey, not a Destination

In addition to our very own individualised alcohol recovery programme We offer freelance counselling services to Thailand rehabs when they require our expertise which includes interventions, sober escorting, specialised psychoeducation groups, hypnotherapy and post-rehab aftercare counselling services both in-person and online.

Alcoholism and Problem Drinking Explained

Alcoholism is a pattern of alcohol use that primarily involves problems when it comes to controlling your drinking habits, being preoccupied with the use of alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems as well as having to drink more and more to get intoxicated or lastly having withdrawal symptoms when decreasing or stopping alcohol intake.

Unhealthy alcohol use refers to any alcohol use which may put your health or safety at risk or cause other alcohol-related issues. This may include heavy drinking and binge drinking both of which may also cause significant health and safety risks. If your pattern of drinking results in repeated distress and alters function in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder.

DIAGNOSING AN ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

1. Continuing to drink despite physical or psychological issues
2. Craving alcohol whilst not drinking
3. Developing a tolerance for the effects of alcohol
4. Having withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
5. Drinking larger amounts of alcohol over a longer period than intended
6. Inability or difficulty to reduce alcohol use
7. Spending large amounts of time obtaining, using and recovering from alcohol use
8. Alcohol use can interfere with life roles including at home, at work or school
9. Giving up on work, social or recreational events due to alcohol use
10. Using alcohol in situations where it is risky
11. Continuing to drink alcohol even though it causes social as well as interpersonal problems.

Research also shows that the consumption of alcohol at a high level can also damage our health. It is commonly associated with:

• Memory & attention impairments
• Elevated blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• Cancer
• Birth defects
• Bone damage
• Weakened immunity
• Diabetes Complications
• Digestive problems

Excessive Drinking can also decrease your judgment and lower your inhibitions, which lead to poor choices and threatening situations, including:

• Car crashes and other types of injuries such as drowning
• Relationship & interpersonal problems
• Poor work and school performance
• Increased likelihood of committing violent crimes
• Legal or employment issues
• Likelihood to use other harmful substances
• Engaging in risky behaviours, such as unprotected sex
• Increased risk of attempting or committing suicide.

Psychological, genetic, social and environmental factors can impact how the use and misuse of alcohol can affect your body and behaviour. Some theories suggest that for some people drinking alcohol has a unique and stronger impact which can lead to alcohol use disorder.

Eventually over time, indulging in too much alcohol may alter the functions of areas of the brain associated with the experience of judgement, pleasure and the ability to exercise control over certain behaviours. This could result in craving alcohol to try and restore good feelings and reduce the negative ones.

Seeking Alcohol Treatment in Thailand?

Overcoming any kind of substance abuse can be a prolonged and vigorous process, at times it may even feel impossible. But it is not. Most people facing alcohol problems do not decide to make a big change out of nowhere or transform their drinking habits overnight. Alcohol abuse recovery is usually a gradual and extensive process, with a lot of ups and downs along the way.

Private Alcohol Rehabs in Thailand

There are three main types of rehabs which hold the necessary licenses from the Thai Ministry of Public Health.

12 Step Rehabs

Rehabs that incorporate a 12 step recovery model into their recovery programme focus on total abstinence. Never drinking again is the only guarantee that stops returning to alcoholism or problem drinking. 12 Step Rehabs look at recovering from addiction as a whole and in our experience the most successful addiction treatment model by far.

CBT – Non 12 Step Rehabs

Many (not all) of these rehabs do not focus on complete abstinence so may be suitable for those who are not looking for complete abstinence and are looking to control or moderate their drinking or still use other substances.

Government Alcohol Rehabs

There are several government alcohol detox facilities with Thailand the most well known being Thanyarak in Chiang Mai or PMNIDAT in Bangkok and although these are very low cost they are more like a hospital / psychiatric ward setting. English language is usually minimal with patients and medical staff and normally shared ward rooms, no smoking on site and often no use of mobile phones / electronics. Although very low cost there is no individual counselling, group therapy or psychoeducation and in our experience not a therapeutic environment.

Alcohol Detox

Alcohol detox is the process to assist people looking to stop drinking from severe health complications that can result from alcohol withdrawal after stopping drinking. An alcohol detox regime may be recommended for those with a long history of alcohol abuse, particularly those who are daily drinkers or have experienced certain withdrawal symptoms such as (but not limited to) one or more of the following: insomnia, shakes, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, excessive sweating, high fever, hallucinations, seizures, extreme anxiety and panic attacks.

Alcohol withdrawal can be a challenging and potentially dangerous endeavor, especially for individuals with severe alcohol dependency. There are various options available for alcohol detox, each with its own level of supervision and support.

Outpatient detox with a local clinic and doctor: Outpatient detox involves receiving medical care and support while continuing to reside at home. Typically, individuals visit a local clinic or doctor’s office regularly for monitoring and medication management. This option is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate alcohol dependence who have a stable home environment and do not require 24/7 medical supervision.

Inpatient hospital detox: Inpatient hospital detox involves staying in a hospital or specialised detoxification facility for the duration of the detox process. This option provides round the clock medical supervision and support from healthcare professionals trained in managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol Counselling

Brett Thornton ( AKA Yim Thai ) Director of Counselling Thailand along with his highly experienced counselling team facilitate highly effective individual counselling for individuals, couples, families and teens. With over 12 years continuous sobriety Brett is well-respected both within the rehab industry and local recovery community. His firsthand experience in overcoming addiction has provided him with valuable insight into the journey of recovery and staying sober.

Free Resources

12 Step Groups: With the help of non profit 12 Step organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous Thailand whereby the only membership requirement, is the mutual desire to stop drinking, people are encouraged to stay sober whilst also helping other such alcoholics achieve their goals of sobriety.

12 Step Rehabs

12steprehabs.com offers free pre rehab support to those struggling with alcohol problems as well as advice and guidance for family members and loved ones.

Their free service offers a non-judgmental, positive, supportive, compassionate, and empathetic approach to anyone seeking recovery from alcohol and substance abuse.

Why Choose Thailand for Alcohol Rehab

Thailand is routinely included as a top rehab destination for its warm climate, welcoming spirits, beautiful landscapes and affordable costs. With top-quality medical care at reasonable prices, it is easy to see why Thailand has become a popular hotspot and the best-established in Asia when it comes to medical tourism. Thailand has also earned a reputation as the premier rehab destination for those individuals recovering from substance abuse. The rehab centres here in Thailand are often located in peaceful and scenic areas and have successfully treated clients from all around the world, including Australia, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, The UK and more.

Alcohol rehabs in Thailand typically offer both drug and alcohol treatment, however, some are better equipped when dealing with other underlying mental health issues. Thailand also boasts a great deal of variety in terms of location, accommodation options. The process of deciding on the perfect rehab for you can be daunting and that’s why we are here to help. If you or your loved ones are suffering from alcohol or substance abuse, we are here to help you and will do our best to connect you with the right rehabilitation centres for your specific needs.

Benefits

➢ High-Quality Treatment & Services: Thailand is home to world-renowned rehabs and clinics which provide comprehensive substance abuse and alcohol treatment and professionals who were educated and trained in places such as the US, UK and Australia.

➢ Affordability: Thailand boasts excellent value among rehabs which includes all-inclusive treatment packages as well as rehab resort amenities at an extremely affordable price

➢ Higher Success Rate: The low cost of services provided by Thailand allow you to stay within the establishments longer while still remaining within your budget. This extended treatment gives you a higher success rate.

➢ All-Inclusive Packages: Full accommodation is included with your inpatient rehab packages which allow you to fully concentrate on your recovery. Recreational activities such as excursions are often also included

➢ Variety of Options: With private and shared, urban and rural, and also budget and luxury rehabs to choose from, the diverse range of rehabs and packages Thailand offers includes something for everyone.

➢ Away from Triggers: Getting treatment abroad allows you physical distance from your triggers and gives you solidity in your recovery, helping you escape from pressures and stressors.

➢ Healing Environment: A total change in environment has been shown to significantly increase recovery success. Thailand offers resort-style rehabs, gorgeous landscapes and cultural attractions which provide that extra peace and quiet when you require it most.

➢ Privacy & Seclusion: Choosing a rehab for alcohol treatment in Thailand offers you an extra layer of privacy, seclusion and anonymity. Being in a foreign country where no one so much as knows your name helps you effectively deal with personal issues.

Rehab Costs and Recommended Duration of Stay

The costs of attending a top quality alcohol rehab in Thailand usually range from about 8,000 to 15,000 USD per month and are usually over a duration of 60 to 90 days and in some case followed by another 2 months of sober living under supervision and care.

The majority of rehab centres provide a reduced fee for extended stays, and when arranging your stay through a rehab consultant, you may also receive extra advantages such as pre rehab counselling, intervention guidance, post-rehab counselling, family therapy, and help with the visa application process for coming to Thailand.

Before contacting any rehabs we recommend you book a FREE 60 minute Rehab assessment consultation call to discuss things further and learn more about the rehab process and what best suits your needs. 

Sobriety is a journey, not a destination and here at Counselling Thailand, we hope to help you start your journey toward a better life.