In the last 8 years we have helped more than 350 people find treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in Thailand.
On this page you will find out:
It’s not easy to take the first step and enter a rehab centre or recovery retreat – and even harder when treatment is away from home in a country like Thailand.
I know this because that’s exactly where I was in 2012 when I was addicted to Xanax and alcohol.
When a friend told me about rehabs in Thailand, my first thought was it might not be a good option for helping me beat my addiction. After talking to some more people, and doing extensive research, I decided to start treatment at a rehab centre in Chiang Mai. It was the best decision I ever made!
Addiction treatment centres in Thailand cater to the international market with the majority of patients travelling from the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Middle East. Rehabs for Thai speaking nationals also exist providing therapy and detox services.
Why do so many addicts travel all the way to Thailand for rehab when they could get addiction treatment in their home country? It boils down to price, treatment standards and a new environment away from triggers that could lead to a relapse.
Thailand has a good reputation as an affordable destination for medical treatments. Costly procedures like heart surgery, hip replacements or dentistry can be done at international hospitals for a reasonable rate, with a standard of care and supervision not found in many other countries. These include Bangkok Hospital (not just in Bangkok) and Bumrungrad Hospital who have achieved Joint Commission International (JCI) certification; the gold standard for healthcare.
It is only in recent years that addiction and mental health treatment centres in Thailand have grown in number on the back of this reputation, with some leading rehab centres having medical facilities on-site for patients who need a medically assisted detox.
Escaping from triggers that could cause a relapse – be it friends with addiction problems, local pubs and bars, or your old drug dealer – is possibly the easiest way to start a new life free from destructive behaviours.
A new environment can help with addiction recovery and the healing process. This is where Thailand has so much to offer. With its Buddhist culture and unique heritage, The Land of Smiles is unlike any other nation.
“Treatment in Thailand meant a new and exiting experience and an escape from my triggers” – Simon Claire (recovered alcoholic)
Choosing an exotic adventure to Thailand to get clean must surely be better than attempting sobriety when surrounded by familiar faces and the problems they bring.
Thai people are welcoming and friendly!
This can be really helpful during withdrawal and will make the whole experience more rewarding. A good drug and alcohol addiction treatment centre in Thailand will make you feel like you are totally cared for and surrounded by people who completely support you physically and emotionally.
Immerse yourself in a country where you can do what you want to do and be who you want to be while surrounded by supportive people.
Thailand’s rehab clinics take a different approach to recovery. The programmes are more holistic in nature and tend to focus less on the traditional 12 steps.
The focus is on mindfulness – yoga, meditation etc and activities to promote a healthy lifestyle – think cycling, swimming, martial arts etc. ‘Alternative therapies’ are used to enhance the overall experience. Individual counselling, CBT and group therapy could be considered core elements of any programme.
Addiction and mental health treatment centres promote holistic programmes of recovery, with an itinerary that includes individual counselling and psychological support, group work, Thai massage, and Buddhist meditation. Fitness is also a core component with onsite gyms and personal trainers provided for Thai boxing (Muay Thai), and yoga.
Healthy and nutritious food is considered an important part of recovery for the benefits associated with biochemical restoration. All meals are included in the cost but the quality of food does vary depending on the treatment centre, with meals served as À la carte or as a buffet filled with organic and fresh local fruits and vegetables. International rehabs include a selection of Thai, European, and Asian dishes so even fussy eaters and those with specific dietary requirements can be satisfied.
Chiang Mai is a regional hub for wellness in Thailand, with numerous wellness retreats, detox centres and addiction treatment clinics located in the mountainous north of the country. Chiang Mai benefits from a backdrop of orchards, rice paddies, and rainforests, with plenty of activities on offer for rehab residents, including tourist attractions, cultural sites (temples, markets etc) and outdoor activities.
Treatment facilities on the southern islands of Phuket and Koh Phangan let you relax on a sunny beach or go island hopping at weekends. Rehabs centred in urban areas might not have access to the best of what Thailand has to offer, but nonetheless provide interesting day trips and excurions.
Most rehab centres in Thailand operate holistic treatment programmes. This means treating the whole person, including mind and body, not just the addiction.
You get the chance to experience once-in-a-lifetime or ‘bucket list’ activities like bathing elephants or ziplining through jungle canopies. Just remember that there could be additional costs to pay for certain activities, so be sure to understand what is included in the overall price before committing to treatment.
It can be enjoyable at rehab but don’t forget that it’s not a holiday. The ultimate goal of the treatment programme is to beat your addiction and enter a new stage in life – one that is sober and free of substances.
A reputable addiction recovery clinic in Thailand should give you ongoing support once you have completed primary care (inpatient/residential rehabilitation). This might involve sober living arrangements, outpatient programmes or remote support and counselling.
It might seem like a really good idea to go to rehab in Thailand for 1 or 2 weeks (plenty of people would love this option) but can you really expect to have a successful treatment outcome after such a short time?
28 days (1 month) is the minimum duration. Some rehabs might have ‘gimics’ for shorter durations, while others can work around your availability. Family and work commitments play a role here but you should always try to complete the 1st month.
The exact time needed does depend on your own situation. Severe cases of addiction where an extended detox is needed – and those where mental health issues (depression, anxiety etc.) need treating mean a recovery programme could last 3 months or longer!
The cost of addiction treatment in Thailand is not as cheap as you might expect. As a rule of thumb, inpatient treatment in Thailand costs an average of 60% less than in the United States (apples to apples). While this is a big saving, it is still beyond reach for many addicts who simply cannot afford inpatient care.
You should expect to pay at least US$8,900 (AU$13,200 or £7,400) for 28 days of inpatient treatment at a licensed rehab centre in Thailand. Luxury rehab centres cost $15,000+.
The exact price can vary depending on availability and your needs. It is really important to understand what you are paying for. If you want results and a sober life then it should make sense that you pay for professional staff and qualified clinical teams to treat your addiction.
Addiction and mental health recovery programmes will include:
Remember that treatment programmes for addiction are not all the same so simply choosing a rehab because it is the cheapest might not be a good idea.
Unfortunately, nothing is really free in this world! Wat Tham Krabok (Temple of the Bamboo Cave) does offer free detox (donation needed) but this is not an option for anyone who is serious about recovery.
There is plenty to say about this but you can do your own research and find out why you shouldn’t go there and expect a miracle cure!
Most people do some research before signing up for an inpatient program for addiction. This is absolutely worth doing, but be aware that some unscrupulous rehab centres try to create confusion by discrediting other rehab centres, listing sites, and addiction support services like Thai Rehab Helper.
At Thai Rehab Helper, we recommend choosing a rehab that is licensed by The Ministry of Public Health. There are some addiction treatment centres that operate without a license, meaning that they are technically illegal and could potentially be closed down by the authorities.
It should always be possible to find a good rehab centre in Thailand with availability, but some can have a waiting list. Contact Thai Rehab Helper for more information or to arrange admission.
The admissions process is relatively simple in most cases, with an initial assessment taking place over the telephone to confirm suitability for the chosen programme. On arrival to Thailand, airport transfers are included.
You can visit Thailand for 30 days without a visa (visa exemption stamp) for the purpose of leisure, sightseeing and personal enlightenment. Addiction treatment programmes will almost always ask that you stay for at least 1 month so you will need to see if you can extend your stay.
It should be possible to get a visa in advance from your home country by contacting your nearest Thai consulate or Thai Embassy. A Thailand tourist visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival at the airport in Thailand.
Passport holders of some countries that have agreements with the government of Thailand can benefit from a visa exemption when entering as tourists. It might be possible to stay for 45 to 90 days without the need to apply for a tourist visa in advance from the Thai Embassy.
NOTE: The situation is fluid so always check with your local Thai embassy or consulate for the most recent advice. A rehab centre will also provide some assistance with visa applications if needed.
Written by – Carol C. (United Kingdom) – “I’m so grateful to the team at Thai Rehab Helper. They were happy to answer my questions and help me choose a Thai rehab clinic that I was comfortable with.”
Written by – Bill F. (Australia) – “My life was pathetic and I just couldn’t get a day clean. I tried so many times and almost gave up hope.
Jimi Jones and the team at Thai Rehab Helper are ready to support you on your recovery journey! You can contact us anytime for 100% confidential advice on addiction treatment in Thailand.