In the last 8 years we have helped more than 320 people find treatment in Thailand for addiction and mental health disorders.
On this page you’ll find out:
Treatment that is licensed by the Ministry of Public Health
It’s not easy to take the 1st step and go to rehab – even less so when that 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, Ritalin and alcohol.
My life was a mess until a friend told me about rehabs in Thailand. At first I thought Thai rehabs wouldn’t be very good at helping me beat my addiction but after talking to some more people I decided it was my best option.
It was a big commitment and it meant borrowing some money from friends and family but it was the best thing I ever did!
Connect with us at Thai Rehab Helper
If it’s you struggling with drugs or alcohol, or someone you love that you want to help – Thai Rehab Helper can be YOUR GUIDE!
This page should answer all your questions about rehabs in Thailand. Give yourself some time to read my advice and save yourself unnecessary stress and confusion!
Let me explain the importance of location and the cost of Thai rehabs, but first I want to show you that I understand the situation you’re in right now…
I realised that choosing the best treatment centre for addiction in Thailand was not that easy. I started looking online knowing that the internet is a great resource but it can be misleading.
Every business wants to present themselves is the best possible light – which I completely understand – but when you are talking about something as serious as helping people deal with addiction, there is no room for dishonest marketing as far as I am concerned.
Rehab can be profitable (but not as profitable as many people think) so if you can convince someone that your rehab is better than the others it translates into more money in your pocket!
There is nothing wrong with making a profit. Some rehabs genuinely want to help you make a better life for yourself. Others are just out to get what they can from people who are vulnerable and in need of support.
I’m not here to tell you which rehabs to watch out for but I can help you find one that has your best interests at heart.
Contact our team and get more information about Thai rehab centres. We can help you or a loved one take the first steps to a new life.
Thai Rehab Helper is a free service that gives you the information and support so you can make an informed decision and get on the right path to recovery.
When we talk to people who are trying to find treatment in Thailand for drug and alcohol addictions they are confused. There is so much information out there that choosing the best rehab for YOU as an INDIVIDUAL can be difficult.
Our helpful and friendly team are ready to find the solution YOU and looking for – not a solution that someone else thinks you should be doing!
It’s never easy to watch someone you care about struggle with addiction. Substance abuse might be the hardest thing your family ever face and it can seem like an impossible challenge to do the right thing. Help and support from Thai Rehab Helper can give you the tools you need and guidance on how to get the best help from rehabs in Thailand.
We will give you a free consultation with no pressure and information on drug/alcohol treatment centres with FAMILY PROGRAMMES and information on how family members and friends can be in the best position to support an addict during recovery from addiction.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need help for your child/parents/husband/wife or friend.
Rehab in Thailand has many advantages. There are some really good treatment centres but also some rouge traders that you need to be careful of. This is true no matter where you go in the world to find treatment for addiction – even in ‘more developed’ countries like the UK, Australia and United States.
“Finding the right rehab might be the most important decision you ever make so don’t screw it up!” – Terry Lovatt (recovered alcoholic)
So, what makes someone want to travel all the way to Thailand for treatment when they could go to rehab in their home country?
Thailand has a good reputation as an affordable option for medical treatments. Costly procedures like heart surgery, sex changes, hip replacements or dentistry can be done in Thailand at a reasonable rate.
Thailand has medical centres that have achieved Joint Commission International (JCI) certification; the gold standard for healthcare. These include Bangkok Hospital (not just in Bangkok) and Bumrungrad Hospital.
Rehabs for treatment of addictions and mental health issues have really grown in number in the last decade with The Cabin Chiang Mai leading the way and becoming a leading global rehabilitation service provider with operations around the world.
A new environment can help with addiction recovery and the healing process. Thailand has so much to offer with its Buddhist culture and unique heritage making it unlike any other nation.
Escaping from triggers that could cause a relapse – be it friends with addiction problems, local pubs and bars, or your old drug dealer – is the easiest way to start a new life.
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 rehab clinic 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.
Thai 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.
Thailand is a devout Buddhist country so it’s hardly surprising they have a rich culture of holistic treatments. Many Thai rehab clinics provide a daily itinerary including Thai massage, Buddhist meditation, fitness training, Thai boxing (Muay Thai), and yoga.
Some rehabs also focus on nutrition and provide meals served are buffets filled with organic and fresh local fruits and vegetables. They include a selection of Thai, European, and Asian dishes so even fussy eaters can be satisfied!
Most Thai rehab centres operate holistic treatment programmes. This means trying to treat the whole person, including mind and body, not just the addiction.
If you make the right choice of rehab then you can expect to overcome your addictions and have fun at the same time!
It can be good fun at rehab but don’t forget that it’s not a holiday! The ultimate goal of rehabilitation 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 some kind of ongoing support once you can completed primary care (inpatient/residential rehabilitation). This might involve sober living arrangements, outpatient programmes or remote support and counselling.
Detox in Thailand at a residential rehab clinic is needed for the safe withdrawal from alcohol and some drugs. A detox from substances will often be assisted by medication supplied by a doctor to help ease the mental and physical symptoms.
Professional medical staff should be onsite to provide support during the detoxification stage of recovery. Some Thai rehab clinics have the facilities to do this onsite while other may be supported by local private hospitals.
You should really have a good understanding of how a rehab can help you during detox and withdrawal from substances. It might be tempting to choose a treatment centre because of the price or an aspect of the program that excites you. Take your time to consider the ‘whole picture’.
Ask yourself these questions:
It’s worth noting that some people will complete the detox stage of treatment before starting the inpatient treatment programme. If you live in Australia, UK or the United States then it might be a good idea to detox before travelling to Thailand for rehabilitation. It really depends on the local services in your area!
The top priority of a rehab clinic should always be to ensure the safety of guests at all times. This is most important during detox and withdrawal. Detox can be dangerous when not performed in a professional settings. That’s why it’s not recommended to ‘self-detox’ at home.
A good rehab centre will have your best interests at heart and the medical support needed for a safe withdrawal.
Addiction rehabs in Thailand do not usually offer a ‘detox only’ service. A detox on it’s own is not likely to lead to long-term sobriety – it will be part of a wider holistic programme that will treat the ‘whole-self’.
NOTE: Some people misunderstand the meaning of detox. There are companies that offer detox retreats in Thailand (and they may list addiction as part of their detox plan). Thai Rehab Helper does not recommend attending these programmes without having being assessed by a MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.
Read more about addiction detox in Thailand
Thailand has a good selection of residential rehab centres for drug addiction recovery. They range from low-cost to luxury (and everything in between).
All Thai rehabs will claim to treat all substance abuse disorders. In reality, some are better than others at treating certain addictions.
Treatments are available for:
If you want to know more about drug addiction treatment programmes in Thailand, we can help you find one that is best for your own needs.
The right Thai drug rehab clinic will be able to give you the best treatment outcomes and have professional staff. Contact Thai Rehab Helper for more details.
Read more about drug rehab in Thailand
Residential rehab (also called inpatient rehab) has been proven to be the best way to manage alcohol addiction and alcoholism. All of Thailand’s rehabs have treatments for alcohol but some are better than others.
Alcohol abuse can cause issues like stress, anxiety and depression so having a safe and supportive environment during recovery from alcohol abuse is really important.
A detox is usually always required and may include medication and 24 hour medical support from trained nurses.
Withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous so it’s best to choose an inpatient rehab that can give you the best medical support on site at the treatment facility or at a local hospital with qualified doctors. Detoxification can be an emotional time for alcoholics as the brain adjusts. You might feel increased anxiety and emotional stress.
A good alcohol rehab centre in Thailand will be able to give you effective treatment as part of a comprehensive recovery plan.
You can expect holistic therapies to be used with counselling, CBT and 12 Step group therapies.
The cost of alcohol detox is usually included in the price but you will need to pay for any medications that are prescribed by a qualified doctor or physician.
Binge drinking can lead to severe cases alcohol dependence and alcoholism. Just because someone doesn’t start their day drinking alcohol, it doesn’t mean an alcohol-use-disorder or alcohol addiction doesn’t exist.
Binge drinking treatments can be effective at halting the severe effects that can be caused by drinking too much alcohol. Inpatient rehab might not be required but it will be needed before entering into most sober living facilities.
Read more about alcohol rehab in Thailand
Most addiction treatment centres in Thailand are located in Chiang Mai – the mountainous region in the north of the country.
Chiang Mai is a really good place to be for recovery with a backdrop of orchards, rice paddies, and rainforest. It has lots to offer like tourist attractions, cultural sites (like temples, markets etc) and plenty of outdoor activities.
Addiction treatment centres in Chiang Mai include;
Some rehabs will give you the chance to experience once-in-a-lifetime or ‘bucket list’ activities like bathing elephants or ziplining through jungle canopies.
Treatment facilities on the southern island of Phuket can help you relax on a sunny beach or go island hopping at weekends around Koh Chang. Others are centred in urban areas or do not have access to the best of what Thailand has to offer (but they won’t tell you this on the website).
Treatment Centres located in Bangkok, Phuket, Chon Buri, Ko Chang, and Chiang Rai (not to be confused with Chiang Mai) include;
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 and mental health services in Thailand is not as cheap as some people expect.
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 clinical teams to treat your addiction.
Getting treated in Thailand costs an average of 60% less than in the United States (apples to apples).
You should expect to pay at least US$7,000 (AU$10,000/£5,000) 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. Some treatment centres charge more for add-ons such as medication and activities.
Most addiction recovery programmes in Thailand 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!
It should always be possible to find a good rehab centre in Thailand with availability but some can have a waiting lists. Contact Thai Rehab Helper for more information or to arrange admission.
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.
COVID-19: At the time of writing you are also required to apply for a certificate of entry (COE) and have specified Health Insurance that will cover you against COVID-19. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has an official website where you can apply for and E-VISA and get more information.
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.
Here’s what some of our recent clients have to say about choosing Thai Rehab Helper and their experience at alcohol and drug treatment centres in Thailand.
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.
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.”