Category: Blog

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How Do I Know If I Have a Drug Problem

A person may know they have a drug problem if they have become dependent on a drug and feel like the drug is needed for functioning. Another way an individual can tell if their drug use is causing a problem is if they are experiencing negative consequences in their home, work, or personal relationships.

When does using drugs become a problem?

Drug usage in someone’s life becomes a problem when it negatively affects an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical health. This may manifest as an addiction, withdrawal symptoms, illegal activity, or other negative consequences in their life or the lives of family and friends.

Drugs can also become a problem in someone’s life when they depend on the drug for achieving personal fulfillment at the expense of themselves and/or others.

DSM-V and ICD-10 criteria for Substance Use Disorders

The table below features the DSM-V and ICD-10 which can be used as a guide to determine if drug usage may be a problem in your life or your loved ones life. 

This table is not to be used for a self-diagnosis. Please seek help from a mental health professional for a real diagnosis if you feel like you or your loved one may be experiencing a drug problem.

DSM-VICD-10
The presence of at least 2 of the symptoms in the chart below indicates an individual may have a Substance Use Disorder. The severity is defined as: Mild: 2-3 symptoms, Moderate 4-5 symptoms, and Severe 6+ symptoms.The presence of 3 or more of the following should be present together for at least 1 month, or repeatedly during a 1 year period.
In the past year, have you?Have you had?
Had times when you ended up taking the substance more, or longer, than you intended?A strong desire or sense of compulsion to take the psychoactive substance?
More than once wanted to cut down or stop taking the substance, or tried to, but couldn’t?Difficulties in controlling substance-taking behavior in terms of its onset, termination, or levels of use?
Spent a lot of time taking the substance? Or being sick or getting over other aftereffects?A physiological withdrawal state when substance use has ceased or been reduced, as evidenced by: the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance; or use of the same (or a closely related) substance with the intention of relieving or avoiding withdrawal symptoms? 
Wanted the substance so badly you couldn’t think of anything else?Evidence of tolerance, such that increased doses of the psychoactive substance are required in order to achieve effects originally produced by lower doses?
Found that taking the substance interfered with taking care of your home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?Progressive neglect of alternative pleasures or interests because of psychoactive substance use?
Continued to take the substance even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?
Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, in order to take the substance?
More than once gotten into situations while or after taking the substance that increase your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area?)
Continued to take the substance even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had a memory blackout?
Had to take more of the substance much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual drug dose had much less effect than before?
Found that when the effects of drugs were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating or racing heart?

DSM-V contains a list of criteria that helps determine if an individual may have a Substance Use Disorder. The DSM-V is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders developed by the American Psychiatric Association in 1952. As research and data continues, the APA updates the DSM with current information which is why there is the letter V for the 5th edition.

ICD-10 contains a  list of criteria that helps determine if an individual may have a Substance Use Disorder. The ICD-10 is the International Classification of Diseases developed by the United States National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in 1893. As research and data continues, the APA reviews and updates the ICD with current information which is why there is the number 10 for the 10th revision.

How Can You Find Out?

Many will say if you’re questioning, then that means you have a drug problem and should seek help. Here are a few other ways you can find out if you have a drug problem.

Talk to Your GP

Talk to your general practitioner about your drug use and be honest. GPs can conduct an assessment and refer you to another health professional or level of care if needed.

Get an Assessment with a Mental Health Professional

The best and recommended way to know if you have a drug problem is to get an assessment with a mental health professional. Since they’re experts, they’ll be able to assess the severity of a substance use disorder and recommend the level of treatment you need. You can talk to your GP about a mental health assessment or find other providers who can give one.

Try Minimizing or Stopping Drugs

Note: this is not safe if you consistently take drugs, as drug withdrawal can be life-threatening. If you have not become dependent on drugs though and think you may have a problem, see if you can go without the drug or significantly reduce your drug intake. Does it cause anxiety? Are you struggling to stop? 

Take an Online Quiz

Here are a few common online quizzes regarding drugs. The general quizzes below are not meant to be a diagnosis, but more of a spectrum guide of your drug usage.

Keep Learning 

Understanding the Basics of Addiction  >> | Withdrawal >>

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How Do I Know If I Have an Alcohol Problem

Alcohol is a substance that may become a problem in someone’s life regardless of how much alcohol one drinks or how frequently (although regular and heavy use generally indicate a problem). Alcohol misuse may mean drinking over the recommended guidelines, becoming physically dependent on alcohol, or drinking for emotional reasons. 

Alcohol use disorders are determined through an assessment by a health professional who has gone through training to diagnose based on standards provided by credited research.

What makes alcohol a problem?

Alcohol is so common and seemingly everyone drinks alcohol, so at what point can it become a problem?

A person may notice they have an alcohol problem if they start neglecting life responsibilities to consume alcohol. They may notice alcohol has become a problem in their life when they feel the need to drink alcohol to do daily functions, cope, grieve, or numb their emotions.

Another way someone may notice that alcohol has become a problem is if their behavior causes negative consequences in their life or the lives of others.

It is important to note that someone does not have to be an “alcoholic” to have a problem with alcohol. Alcohol use disorders are based on the individual’s assessment.

DSM-V and ICD-10 criteria for Alcohol Use Disorders

The table below features the DSM-V and ICD-10 criteria for an alcohol use disorder; both are beneficial to use as a guide for if alcohol may be a problem in your life or your loved one’s life. 

This table is not to be used as a self-diagnosis. Please seek help from a health professional for more detailed information and for a diagnosis about a possible alcohol use disorder that you or your loved one may be experiencing.

DSM-VICD-10
The presence of at least 2 of the symptoms in the chart below indicates an individual may have an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The severity of the AUD is defined as: Mild: 2-3 symptoms, Moderate 4-5 symptoms, and Severe 6+ symptoms.The presence of 3 or more of the following should be present together for at least 1 month, or repeatedly during a 1 year period.
In the past year, have you?Have you had?
Had times when you ended up drinking more, or longer, than you intended?A strong desire or sense of compulsion to take the psychoactive substance (alcohol)?
More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?Difficulties in controlling substance-taking behavior in terms of its onset, termination, or levels of use?
Spent a lot of time drinking? Or being sick or getting over other aftereffects?A physiological withdrawal state when substance use has ceased or been reduced, as evidenced by: the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance; or use of the same (or a closely related) substance with the intention of relieving or avoiding withdrawal symptoms? 
Wanted a drink so badly you couldn’t think of anything else?Evidence of tolerance, such that increased doses of the psychoactive substance are required in order to achieve effects originally produced by lower doses?
Found that drinking-or being sick from drinking-after interfered with taking care of your home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?Progressive neglect of alternative pleasures or interests because of psychoactive substance use?
Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?Persistent substance use despite clear evidence of overtly harmful consequences (mental and/or physical?)
Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, in order to drink?
More than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that increase your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area?)
Continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had a memory blackout?
Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual number of rinks had much less effect than before?
Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating or racing heart?

DSM-V is a list of criteria that helps determine if an individual may have an Alcohol Use Disorder. The DSM-V is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders developed by the American Psychiatric Association in 1952. As research and data continues, the APA updates the DSM with current information which is why there is the letter V for the 5th edition.

ICD-10 is a list of criteria that helps determine if an individual may have an Alcohol Use Disorder. The ICD-10 is the International Classification of Diseases developed by the United States National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in 1893. As research and data continues, the APA reviews and updates the ICD with current information which is why there is the number 10 for the 10th revision.

How Can You Find Out?

Many will say if you’re questioning, then that means you have an alcohol problem and should seek help. Here are a few other ways you can find out if you have an alcohol problem.

Talk to Your GP

Perhaps one of the best and easiest ways to find out if you have an alcohol problem is to candidly talk to your general practitioner about your alcohol use. GPs can conduct an assessment and refer you to another health professional or level of care if needed.

Get an Assessment with a Mental Health Professional

Another recommended way to know if you have an alcohol problem is to get an assessment with a mental health professional. Since they’re experts, they’ll be able to assess the severity of an alcohol use disorder and recommend the level of treatment you need. You can talk to your GP about an assessment or find other providers who can give one.

Try Minimizing or Stopping Alcohol

Note: this is NOT safe for everyone, especially if you consistently drink, as alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. If you casually drink though and think you may have a problem, see if you can go without alcohol or significantly reduce your alcohol intake. Does it cause anxiety? Are you struggling to stop? 

Take an Online Quiz

Here are a few common online quizzes regarding alcohol consumption. The general quizzes below are not meant to be a diagnosis, but a guide for alcohol use.

  • A 10 question quiz that helps determine if alcohol use in your life is causing you to be at low risk, medium-risk, or high risk for having an Alcohol Use Disorder. alcohol.org
  • A 15 question quiz that helps determine if alcohol use is a problem in your life. All questions are either true or false. allthetests.com
  • A 11 question quiz that uses the DSM-V approach to determine if you may have an alcohol use disorder. This quiz has the results of the answered questions on a spectrum of mild, moderate, or severe. menshealth.com


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The World’s Top 6 Places for Natural Healing

waterfall and trees, relaxing nature

Location can be a large part of recovery. Where you are in the world will set your mood, provide you with the right nourishment and help you eradicate bad habits. The right location will offer you a cathartic release from negativity, give you a chance to reflect and learn, and help you slow down and process the challenging parts involved in recovery.

But the perfect healing place can be a tricky thing to find; by and large, these idyllic areas of the world are few and far between, despite how fundamental they are to our overall happiness and healing in life.

Here are 6 of the top natural healing places in the world.

1. The Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Scandinavia is known for its natural healing remedies. Finland has saunas,1 Denmark has hygge2 and Iceland has mineral salt baths. For someone going through recovery, this part of the world has much to offer.

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon3 is healing at its finest. It’s a natural geothermic lagoon that oozes mineral-rich volcanic sulfur, which helps to exfoliate your skin and rejuvenate your mind.

Relax and learn how to become more present-minded while surrounded by Iceland’s glorious volcanic landscape. Be sure to visit the spa for a bathrobe, slippers and a cleansing mud mask, too.

blue lagoon iceland

2. The Healing Forests, Japan

Shinrin-yoku Forest Therapy4 is a real thing, and it’s helping many people get back to nature, slow down and ultimately, find a sense of peace. ‘Forest bathing’ (as it’s commonly called) was developed in Japan in the 1980s and has become a fundamental part of modern Japanese medicine.

Many people in Japan believe that, quite simply, if a person visits a natural area and walks in a relaxed way (unlike the agenda-driven walks of London and New York), there are calming, restorative benefits to be achieved. It’s about opening up your senses, taking in the beauty of your environment, and working on becoming more focused on the here and now. For those going through recovery, forest bathing might just be the thing needed to find the reset button.

healing forest japan

3. Mount Shasta, California

No, you don’t have to jet-set off to the far east to find a sense of spirituality, you can drive to the state of California and hike Mount Shasta, a mountain best known as the place where heaven and Earth meet.

Many people believe that they are called to Mount Shasta and that it is a ‘dimensional doorway to the frequency of love’. There are also guided meditations5 up the mountain helping you to connect your star seed lineage and find a sense of grounding.

When you come back down again, expect to be newly born again. This is natural healing at its finest.

mount shasta

4. Ubud, Bali

The jungle city of Ubud on the Indonesian island of Bali has long been known as a place of natural healing. Whether through cleansing rituals at Hindu water temples, yoga and ecstatic dance classes, or organic foods, Ubud offers visitors countless ways to reconnect with themselves.

Every spring, Bali celebrates an Indonesian Day of Silence6 where all distractions are removed and all noise stops. There are multiple wellness centers and tranquil areas to explore in Ubud, many of which are designed to help you progress along your journey to recovery.

[Be sure to explore our list of the best rehabs and wellness retreats in Bali, 2 of which are in Ubud. In the video below, we tour some of the top rehabs in Bali and explore what makes this island so special.]

5. Le Monastere des Augustines, Quebec City

A big part of the natural healing process is removing the distractions we surround ourselves with in everyday life, and Quebec City’s Le Monastere des Augustines7 is exactly the place to do it. This quiet hotel focuses on the mind, body and spirit, helping you form good self-care habits and rediscover balance.

Sleep therapy, spirituality, stress release and an appreciation for silence are all fundamental reasons to pay this hotel a visit, and outside its walls sits the small French-Canadian town of Quebec City, so you’re not entirely removed from some of the western comforts you might be more used to.

6. The Dead Sea, Jordan and Israel

Visitors from around the world come to the Dead Sea8 for therapeutic floats on its salty waters. This potassium-rich body of water is famous for its natural healing properties, and many people fly in to pay a visit to one of the resorts located along its shoreline.

The Dead Sea is the lowest body of water on Earth, and its natural healing powers include drawing out toxins from the body, soothing stress and reducing inflammation and swelling. Emerge with silky smooth skin and a calmed, collected mindset.

the dead sea

Natural Healing and the Journey to Recovery

Recovering from addiction and mental health concerns anywhere in the world is tough. Challenges will present themselves, but you are capable of moving through them. You don’t have to do it in a negative environment either. You can work through your recovery in a supportive, guided place, where natural healing aids your journey.

Discover our collection of rehabs with access to nature and filter by price, location, insurance accepted, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About The World’s Top Places for Natural Healing

How does location affect recovery?

The right location will offer you a cathartic release from negativity, give you a chance to reflect and learn, and help you slow down and process the challenging parts involved in recovery.

What are some of the top natural healing destinations in the world?

The top natural healing destinations are scattered all across the globe:

• Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
• Ubud, Bali
• Japan’s Healing Forests
• The Dead Sea in Israel
• Mount Shasta in California
• Quebec City’s Le Monastere des Augustines

What are the benefits of visiting natural healing destinations?

Visiting natural healing destinations has a variety of benefits. It fosters relaxation, mindfulness, and connection to nature, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. Some of these destinations also offer activities that promote self-reflection, like yoga and meditation.

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What Does It Cost to Go to Rehab in Malibu (And Why Do So Many People Pay)?

malibu beach at sunset with building, palm trees and one person walking, silhouettes

Want to compare Malibu treatment options? Check out our collection of 25+ Malibu rehabs. We’ve compiled pricing info, treatment specializations, and other key differentiators to help you find the best rehab option in Malibu.

It probably comes as no surprise to hear that attending rehab in Malibu is expensive. It’s where Mel Gibson, Lindsey Lohan, and plenty of other rich and famous people have checked in, often spending multiple thousands on an ocean-view room (Mel Gibson went to Passages, where a room starts at $80,000 a month, for example).

But how much does it really cost you to go to rehab in Malibu? And why are people willing to pay the prices?

Here’s everything you need to know.

No Place Like Malibu

The city of Malibu is located about 30 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, along scenic Highway 1, and encompassing a 21-mile strip of coastline. Home to Hollywood stars, glorious sandy beaches, and some of the best surf along the entire Pacific coast, Malibu also comes to mind when thinking of the word “rehab.”

In 2013, the New York Times reported that there were 35 state-licensed drug and alcohol rehab clinics in the Malibu area1 alone (which had a population of just 12,645), along with an ever-rising collection of unlicensed sober-living homes popping up across the city.

Today, it seems Malibu has a rehab center on almost every corner, and many of these have ventured beyond traditional drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, treating mental health conditions too, and often adopting more unique, experiential and alternative treatment approaches.

What Does It Cost to Go to Rehab in Malibu?

With such a desired location, treatment in Malibu is bound to be costly. The answer here depends on which rehab center you’re looking to visit, not to mention any insurance benefits that may help with some of the costs.

Passages (where Mel went) is one of the most luxurious of all the residential providers in Malibu, and its price also reflects this. For your $80,000-per-month stay, you get access to the following:

  • 5 different estates, which offer exquisite ocean-view rooms
  • 10 acres of Malibu paradise
  • Tennis courts
  • A glass-housed gym and personal trainer
  • A private and tranquil detox unit
  • Two swimming pools and a Jacuzzi

They can treat up to 29 clients at a time, and they recommend a 60-day commitment to guided sobriety.

While Passages and Summit Malibu sit at the two ends of the financial scale, there are many other rehab options between them, such as

And there are several reasons so many are willing to pay Malibu prices …

The Beach Is Right There

Of course, a big benefit to receiving addiction and mental health treatment in Malibu is the beautiful scenery and warm climate. Whether it’s the sound of barreling waves breaking along the shoreline, the sight of an epic sunset along the Pacific horizon, or the smells of fresh sea air and the feel of a light breeze on your face, Malibu is a truly magical location, a location that can help you find that all-important reset button.

Malibu offers complete tranquility, calmness and peace. It’s a place where you can switch off, slow down and take the time to watch the sun descend below the horizon, every single day.

You’re Close Enough to Normal Life

Given how close Malibu is to Hollywood and LA, it makes for the perfect place to escape without needing to disconnect from everyday life completely. Many Californian residents, for example, can attend a program and continue to receive follow-up care, reducing the rate of relapse down the road.

Places like Passages offer relapse prevention counseling, for example, while other centers offer clients specialized outpatient treatment, so clients can go about their regular life while continuing treatment.

While most of the centers mentioned are primarily residential, for some people, outpatient treatment is the best approach to their recovery. It gives people a sense of normality, and it helps bring the lessons learned in recovery into real life, helping them overcome issues for good.

There’s an Array of Specialized Centers

Many rehab centers in Malibu are well experienced in treating high-profile individuals and the issues they face, such as alcohol and drug use. For instance, Center for Professional Recovery and Seasons in Malibu specialize in treating executives, celebrities, doctors, lawyers and the like.

Other groups can also find treatment tailored to them. Paradigm Malibu, for instance, is committed to treating underlying core issues that are impacting the lives of teens and Visions Adolescent Treatment offers top-of-the-line treatment to teens specifically aged between 13 and 18 years of age.

Across providers in Malibu, there’s a wide range of alternative and holistic wellness programs that help those suffering from issues like mental health disorders and trauma as well.

Malibu Has Some of the Best Recovery Centers in the World

Because of its location, Malibu has become one of the most sought-after rehab locations in America. Malibu, in many ways, invented the stereotypical high-end, resort-style rehab center. Some have received criticism of simply being a spa or vacation and lax on the hard work of recovery. However, many providers offer both the luxury of vacation-like settings and solid clinical treatment. For instance, centers like Oro House Recovery, Seasons in Malibu and Avalon Malibu have some of the best clinicians across the country, and as a consequence, the quality of treatment often outranks many other centers.

There are Many Reasons So Many Pay the Cost to Attend Rehab in Malibu

It’s home to an abundance of alcohol and drug addiction rehabs that exclusively treat high-end clients and often get attention from the press, which may be the reason the general public associates “rehab” with Malibu and with Hollywood stars.

But Hollywood aside, Malibu is the location of choice for many looking to recover due to the various treatment options and the beautiful weather and scenery.

A person would have to travel far and wide to find a place similar to Malibu. The likes of Spain, for example, hold up in terms of climate and tranquility, and Thailand offers warmth and a less expensive rehab experience as well.

This makes Malibu an extremely popular destination of choice for rehab. To find out more about rehab in Malibu and to find a rehab, visit here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Malibu

How much is rehab in Malibu?

• Prominence treatment, price starts at $47,000 per month
• Paradigm Malibu, price starts at $48,000 per month
• Summit Malibu, price starts at $48,000 per month
• Sunset Malibu, price starts at $50,000 per month
• Malibu Hills, price starts at $68,000 per month

Why is rehab in Malibu popular?

Because of its location, Malibu has become one of the most sought-after rehab locations in America. Malibu, in many ways, invented the stereotypical high-end, resort-style rehab center.

Where do CEOs go to rehab?

Many rehab centers in Malibu are well experienced in treating high-profile individuals and the issues they face, such as alcohol and drug use. For instance, Center for Professional Recovery and Seasons in Malibu specialize in treating executives, celebrities, doctors, lawyers and the like.

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RehabPath Raises $200k In Seed Funding From Health Tech Leader

JerBenBaileyOliviaShree SeedFunding

Shree Kalluri, founder of Forte Research Systems and Zerology, invests and joins the RehabPath board.

JerBenBaileyOliviaShree SeedFunding 134091937b

Madison, WI. –RehabPath is excited to announce that we have received a $200,000 strategic seed investment led by Shree Kalluri earlier this month.

Kalluri is a prominent healthcare technology leader, founding Forte Research Systems, which provides a suite of software solutions to cancer clinics nationwide. He led and grew the company for 20 years before selling it in September. By joining our board and taking an active investor role, Kalluri brings decades of experience and expertise in building and scaling a successful healthcare-related business to RehabPath.

The new investment will enable RehabPath to further capitalize on our position as a leader in key existing markets and more quickly scale our business globally to meet the demand from both patients and treatment providers for a comprehensive, trustworthy platform for patients and providers to connect.

Since our founding in 2017, RehabPath has been primarily bootstrapped. We’ve worked tirelessly to prove our business model, and could continue to grow and sustain our business based on our current revenues. However, we see a massive global problem and with outside investment we can more quickly scale to meet this need. So besides this investment, we have also opened a crowd-sourced seed round so that anyone who believes in what we’re doing can invest in RehabPath! All the details can be found at republic.co/rehabpath.

About RehabPath

RehabPath is an online platform that presents trusted, helpful resources to people in need of addiction and mental health treatment, while providing an effective and ethical advertising channel for treatment providers looking for cost-effective marketing solutions in a $35 billion industry. We have 5 sites globally, including India’s top treatment resource, and a collection of over 1,500 of the best providers worldwide.

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“The Land of Smiles”: Rediscover Peace With Rehab in Thailand

Recovery in Thailand - Buddha statue

Watch: The Recovery.com team visited Thailand to learn more about its unique appeal as a treatment destination.

Between 1946 and 2019, Thailand was under the rule of a man named Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Adulyadej was the ninth ruler of Thailand, and in 1987, he was conferred as King Bhumibol the Great.

King Bhumibol the Great spread joy across the country of Thailand, and at his coronation ceremony at the Grand Palace on May 5, 1950, he promised his people that he would have an unfaltering determination to eliminate hardships from all people living in Thailand, regardless of race and religion.

King Bhumibol the Great’s legacy is one of hope, joy and happiness.

It’s one of peace and love that, to this day, continues to resonate throughout the entire country. Arguably, King Bhumibol the Great’s most famous words are these:

“Thailand was built on compassion.”

The reason we share this story is simple.

Thailand, whether it’s the people, the culture or the geography, is a country that exudes human empathy and tranquillity.

And it’s because of this that it is regarded as one of the top destinations for rehabilitation for everyone, regardless of location or ailment.

A Unique Cultural Experience

thailand temple

Thailand is the cultural hub of the world. It’s the place where many Westerners fly to during their youth for a sense of exploration, adventure and self-discovery.

It’s also a place where many adults escape to for tranquil yoga retreats, calming meditation sessions and peaceful riverside picnics.

Family

There are many prominent pleasantries about the culture in Thailand. First and foremost, family matters.

In Thailand, it’s normal for extended families to live closely with one another, and it’s common for young children to be raised in-part by grandparents, aunts and other older relatives.

Respect

Secondly, respect is important. Like many countries in Southeast of Asia, the Thai people show a great deal of respect for one another and welcome tourists with open arms.

Positivity

Lastly, Thailand promotes positivity. The entire country is shrouded in spirituality, and it is a place known for its monasteries and laid-back atmosphere. In short, Thai culture is centred around the notion of a healthy mindset.

Being surrounded by people who greatly respect both themselves and their communities, and who take care of their loved ones, can be extremely rewarding for those going through recovery.

It can help encourage a sense of self-worth in those who suffer from mental health issues like depression and also encourage someone to treat their body well if they’re suffering from addiction, for example.

A Culture That Promotes Holistic Wellness

At centers like The Dawn or Clarity Thailand—which are located on the outskirts of the northern town, Chiang Mai—wellness is built into the very foundations of recovery.

The view of mind and body as one is a big part of the Thai recovery experience, and centers like these include holistic activities like yoga, meditation and mindfulness when they treat patients.

By including these activities, a person going through treatment can learn the ways of the Thai people and build a positive foundation for the future, learning lessons that they can carry and practice with them for the rest of their lives.

For example, The Dawn is an AACI-accredited drug and alcohol rehab in Thailand where clients meet regularly with an English-speaking Buddhist Monk and undergo Asian influenced therapy, alongside a Westernized clinical program that adopts an evidence-based approach. It’s the best of both worlds.

Inexpensive Recovery Options

Rehab can cost a lot of money. And while it’s worth it to turn your life around, it’s often more attractive to look at rehab options overseas.

Not only is it less expensive, there’s also more privacy because you’re away from family and friends, and because places like Thailand are culturally different, there’s a lack of judgement, too.

In Thailand, rehab is cost-effective. For example, 180 Sanctuary At PuriPai Villa in Northern Thailand starts from $8,000 to $24,000 for a 14-day to 90-day program. Compare this to Bayside Marin in California, which is priced at $42,000 for the same time period, and the benefit of going abroad for treatment becomes a lot more appealing.

Treatment centers in Thailand are comparable with anywhere else in the world. Patients get comfortable accommodation, meals, massages and the chance to experience the adventurous spirit of Thailand, all for less than the cost of attending rehab at home.

Thailand: A Promise Land for Health and Happiness

rehab in Thailand /caption]

Thailand is a country with its priorities in order.

Oftentimes in the hustle and bustle of the West, we can lose sight of the things that truly matter to us, and we land in sticky spots—it’s the reason wellness centers exist. Escaping these daily pitfalls and negativities for a far-off land like Thailand, then, can change everything.

Rejuvenation is at the very core of the country. It’s a place where one can be both lost and rediscovered in the tranquil mountains, and it’s a place where all expectations about what life should be are removed, leaving you with only what’s important.

The Thai people have a willingness to help others, and the country allows them to do so.

Browse our collection of rehabs in Thailand. Read reviews, view their facilities, compare prices and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Thailand

What types of addiction treatment programs are available in Thailand?

Thailand has a range of addiction treatment programs, including detox, inpatient and outpatient rehab, and aftercare services. Rehabs in Thailand offer specialized programs, such as programs with a focus on spirituality.

What should I expect when attending rehab in Thailand?

You can expect personalized treatment in a tropical, peaceful environment with comfortable accommodation and amenities to enhance the recovery experience at a rehab in Thailand. Many centers offer evidence-based therapies and holistic treatments, such as massage and yoga.

What are the benefits of attending a rehab center in Thailand?

Benefits of attending a rehab in Thailand include access to high-quality care, personalized treatment, comfortable accommodations, tranquil environments, and wellness activities such as spa treatments.
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Athletes and Addiction: Can You Attend Rehab Without It Becoming a Headline?

Athletes-and-addiction

Professional athletes battle with keeping up with the competition, and performance-enhancing drugs are one such way to do so.

But what about when athletes begin abusing drugs or other destructive behavioral patterns outside of the workplace? When depression and isolation overcome an athlete off the field?

Addiction in sport is quite common. And due to the nature of the work, it can be difficult for athletes to both accept and receive the help they need without it destroying their career. Yet, if you carry on without getting help, you put everything at risk—your career, your health, and even your life.

Michael Phelps lost his sponsorship deal with Kellogg’s1 when he was pictured smoking cannabis. Montee Ball’s NFL career was short-lived due to struggles with alcohol and depression.2 Chris Herren’s professional basketball career ended due to addiction;3 paramedics revived him several years later from a heroin overdose.

If you’re a professional athlete, here’s how you can attend rehab and get help without landing in the headlines.

1. Leave the Country

Some countries thrive on celebrity culture.

Their people soak in celebrity problems like they’re their own. But there are countries where celebrities can walk down the street without hassle (and attend rehab without landing in the tabloids).

Switzerland is renowned for its security, privacy and non-sensationalism. The country has some of the most exclusive rehab centers in the world. They prioritize your privacy and ensure that the tabloids can’t get to you.

Many centers here offer individual therapy and bespoke treatments so that you can get the help you need without fear of getting caught by reporters.

To find out more about rehab in Switzerland, watch our video series on Swiss rehab centers.

2. Get Exclusive Treatment, Tailored to You

If you’re a celebrity athlete struggling with addiction and you want to get help in privacy, consider avoiding group therapy sessions. While other people in therapy might not tell your story to the news, they may sell it at another point in the future.

Keeping out of the tabloids is about risk reduction. The fewer people that see you, the less likely your story will leak.

Attending private individual treatment that is personalized to you is one way to do that. Some centers, such as Tikvah Lake Recovery in Florida or The Dawn Rehab in Chiang Mai, help you stay off the grid.

3. Get the Tabloids to Sign a Super-Injunction

Before you go to rehab, you can take steps with the media to legally inform them that they can’t report on particular issues for the sake of selling a story.

In the U.K., a super-injunction4 is an effective way of minimizing reported stories about your rehab. However, it uses the term “reported stories” because it’s becoming difficult to avoid stories leaking on social sites like Twitter.

Ryan Giggs’ case is a famous example. He sought an injunction to protect his identity over an alleged affair with a reality TV contestant, as well as a super-injunction to protect himself against an affair he had with his brother’s wife for eight years.

While these stories were eventually leaked and brought to light by media sources, a super-injunction can be an effective way of reducing your risk of making the headlines, especially if your story is personal to you and uncontroversial.

4. Tell Your Team You’re on Holiday or Hiatus

In most cases, tabloid news stories are leaked from the inside. It’s not unusual for a member of your team to sell your story to make a quick buck. And while we encourage you to only work with trusted people, that isn’t always the case.

To minimize your risk of getting “caught in rehab,” avoid telling people. It might seem like simple advice, but money buys secrets, and the media has a lot of money.

Your team only needs to know that you’re away on holiday or hiatus; they don’t need to know more details.

5. Be the First to Share About It

This is definitely counterintuitive and not for everyone. If you don’t want to be in the headlines for a drug or alcohol problem or other mental health issues, submitting an honest, transparent statement to media sources or posting an update on your social media accounts is the last thing you would choose to do.

However, this approach may work really well. You may desire, for instance, “to be the change you want to see in the world” and show that it’s okay to seek out treatment for addiction and mental health issues. That it’s actually the best thing you can do and a sign of strength not weakness. You may feel that being straightforward and honest about your situation will actually help mitigate speculation and gossip, especially if you’re concerned about it leaking anyway. Although all were in blackmail situations, consider Alexander Hamilton with the Reynolds Pamphlet, Jeff Bezos’s Medium article,5 and John Skipper’s resignation statement.6 If you do choose this route, be prepared for potential consequences.

Be Sure to Seek the Help You Need

With all this said, the most important factor about attending rehab is to get the right help for you.

Many locations across the globe have unique and tailored solutions that will work for some athletes but not for others.

Be sure to do your homework on the rehab center you’re interested in and choose one based on the treatment available and the expert clinicians who work there. These clinicians, after all, are the ones who will help you get sober and stay sober.

To get the specialized treatment you may need, explore our collection of rehabs across the globe to learn about pricing, their treatment approach, clinical team, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Privacy for Athletes

Where can athletes with drug addiction get help?

Help is available for athletes struggling with addiction:

• Your primary care physician may refer you to treatment.
• A specialized mental health professional can guide your recovery.
• Find an addiction treatment program specifically for athletes. Some have unique therapies like HBOT. 
• Join a 12-Step or non-12-Step support group in addition to a treatment program.

Can athletes go to rehab without anyone knowing? 

It’s possible. Single-client rehabs offer completely private treatment. Going abroad is another option. Countries like Switzerland have strict privacy laws and some of the world’s most exclusive rehabs.

How can athletes attend rehab in private?

You can attend rehab abroad, or get personalized treatment at a private rehab that offers individualized care, private rooms, and doesn’t require group therapy.

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Addicted Attorneys: How to Identify Your Addiction and Get the Help You Need

A 2016 study held by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and the American Bar Association found that out of the participating 12,825 licensed attorneys, 21 percent of lawyers qualify as problem drinkers,1 while 28 percent struggle with mild or more serious depression and 19 percent struggle with anxiety.

What’s worse, only 3,419 lawyers responded to the question about drug use. As explained by the study’s lead author, Patrick Krill, in the New York Times:

“It’s left to speculation what motivated 75 percent of attorneys to skip over the section on drug use as if it wasn’t there.”

Substance use disorder among lawyers isn’t just prevalent in the United States. In fact, much of the Western world’s legal profession is built on drink and drugs. But the true problem does not lie in the substance use itself, it lies within the culture surrounding it.

In this blog post, we shed light on some of the common factors of addiction for those in the legal profession, why lawyers need to be vigilant in recognizing them, and how you can seek the help you or a colleague might need to get sober and stay sober.

Death by Drugs: The Story of Peter

In July 2017, the New York Times published an article about the life of Peter, a high-level Silicon Valley attorney who overdosed on drugs.2

According to the article, it was a problem that his ex-wife, children, colleagues and close friends didn’t see coming. Further, it was a problem Peter felt he could fight on his own, but he failed to make the necessary priority adjustments to make time for doing so. His work always came first.

The article is eye-opening for any lawyer experiencing similar issues, and we urge you to read it. In the article, the writer depicts a scene prior to Peter’s death. The line reads:

“Of all the heartbreaking details of [Peter’s] story, the one that continues to haunt me is this: The history on his cell phone shows the last call he ever made was for work. Peter, vomiting, unable to sit up, slipping in and out of consciousness, had managed, somehow, to dial into a conference call.”

In any scenario, it’s difficult to understand why humans put their work before their own lives.

Perhaps it’s because we don’t want to let others down. Perhaps it’s because self-punishment is an all too common illness we’ve yet to talk about. Whatever it is, work is work and will remain so for the rest of time. Your health is precious; and it requires intentional effort to keep it stable.

A Few Addiction Factors to Watch Out For

There are many reasons people turn to drugs to deal with the realities of life. Failed careers, a lack of income, the death of a family member, stress … each person becomes addicted for their own reasons.

In the legal profession, however, there are some specific warning signs to watch out for. For example:

1. Overworking

attorney overworked

We can only work so hard.

We need sleep, food, water and rest to ensure we can sustain a peak level of performance in anything we do. But due to the nature of the legal profession, lawyers tend to work more than most other people.

Sure, they might bill 40 or 50 hours of work in a week, but in truth, lawyers likely work 60 or 70 hours3 just to keep up.

Balancing this level of work with a social life often means staying awake and “on” to get the job done, and some people may turn to artificial substitutes. According to the same study, 5.6 percent of respondents used cocaine, crack and other stimulants, 5.6 percent used opioids, and nearly 16 percent used sedatives to turn themselves off after a long day.

Be sure to recognize the signs of overworking and proactively deal with these problems by speaking up. There’s no shame in admitting you need help.

2. A Lack of Time With Family

In Peter’s story, it was expressed that he didn’t have enough time to spend with his family and that he’d often go out in the evening and not return.

Isolation is an all too common addiction factor, and it makes it difficult for people to identify personality changes. If you begin to notice that you’d rather be alone and taking drugs instead of around the people you love, it’s time to speak up and seek expert help.

3. Stress

Often people use smoking, alcohol and drugs as ways of trying to evade the reality of a situation and “calm down” when life gets overwhelming. In 2015, Bloomberg estimated that workplace stress contributes $190 billion in healthcare expenses4 and more than 120,000 deaths each year.

Given the nature of hard work, stress can be classified as an epidemic in the legal profession.5 Last year, legal website Above The Law wrote an article titled Stressed-Out Lawyers in First 10 Years of Practice More Likely to Have Mental-Health and Wellness Issues and they’re accurate in their statement.

As explained in the article:

“If you know 10 lawyers, three of them are likely depressed, and two of them are suffering from a drinking problem or anxiety.”

Get the Help You Need With Rehab

The stigma behind going to rehab is slowly diminishing, and the acceptance of seeking help is becoming more prevalent.

In the medical profession, which is also a high pressure, high-stress career path, doctors can enter rehab, get the treatment they need, and still continue practicing medicine once they’re sober.

The legal profession is similar. No longer should you or your colleagues fear losing your legal license and getting fired; you’re human. However, continuing down a path of substance use and overworking can be detrimental to any career.

We finish this article by addressing you personally:

If you notice that you’re becoming reliant on drugs, it’s difficult to balance work and life, or if you’re failing to treat yourself with the respect you deserve, help is available.

The United States has several lawyer assistance programs and we urge you to pick up the phone and call them.

If you feel that rehabilitation is your ticket to recovery, we urge you to find a rehab center that fits your needs.

Remember: You are not alone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction Among Lawyers

Are lawyers more prone to addiction?

Certain factors increase the likelihood of addiction among lawyers. These include the normalization of drinking and drug use, overwork, and chronic stress.

How prevalent is drug use among lawyers?

Self-reported figures show 22.6% of lawyers engaged in problematic drug use or drinking at one point in their lives. Actual numbers may be higher. (75% of respondents in the same study skipped over questions about drug use.)

Can lawyers continue practicing after rehab?

If you were disbarred due to drinking or drug use, you can practice again under 3 conditions: 

1. You received appropriate rehabilitation.
2. You’ve abstained from drinking and drug use for one year minimum. 
3. You’ll likely continue to abstain.

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5 Reasons Yoga Is Used in Addiction Treatment

women holding yoga pose on beach, ocean in background

Why yoga?

Yes, we know what you may be thinking. “Yoga is only for people who are flexible” or “What if I’m not strong enough to do some of the yoga poses.” So, before we delve more into reasons why yoga is used in addiction and mental health treatment, let’s explore who yoga is for.

Yoga Is for Everyone.

Yoga is not only for the physically elite, but yoga is for all levels of fitness and flexibility. Also, it’s important to remember that nobody becomes great at something overnight. Yogis who may be physically fit started from a beginning as well. So, improvement takes time, patience and the strength to say yes to things that may be out of your comfort zone at first. Yoga instructors in rehab facilities will walk with you along the way of discovering your physical and mental strength. With time and practice, you may become the yogi who is more self aware, flexible, mindful and physically fit!

It’s also worth noting that some yoga programs focus on meditation, wholeness, and breathing techniques, while others may focus more on physical fitness and challenging poses. Most programs are a combination of both. Whatever the yoga program is, we are thankful India birthed a practice that can be used to help overcome addictions and mental health issues.

So, let’s explore 5 of the many reasons yoga is used all over the world in addiction treatment programs.

1. Yoga Helps You Build Confidence

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Yoga teaches how a person is in control of their body, mind, and breathing, which then helps build empowerment. When overcoming obstacles, an important part of recovery is discovering confidence, self-awareness, and resiliency. For instance, a person recovering from addiction learns to be confident in their ability to say no to things they no longer want part of their life, and can gain confidence in new habits through the daily practice of yoga.

Yoga instructors in rehab facilities are there to teach yoga to all levels. It takes time and patience with oneself to become good at things that are unfamiliar. Yet, confidence arises each time a yoga session is complete because the learner is starting to master something that might have seemed very difficult or impossible.

2. Yoga Helps You Practice Deep Breathing

yoga breathing

Yoga focuses significantly on controlled breathing and for good reason. Deep breathing helps alleviate worries that you may be experiencing, and you can instead begin to focus on being grateful and whole with each breath you are breathing in and out. Practicing more awareness of your breath in yoga also helps shift mindsets to live in the present time. With the stress in the world, sometimes it can be hard to live in the moment, and yoga can help fight the tendency to always live in the past or in the future. Yoga poses focus on using motions paired with intentional breathing that center the mind and physical body. So, practicing yoga can help calm the mind and increase self-awareness.

3. Yoga Provides Community

yoga community

Although yoga can be done alone, yoga classes provide another opportunity to build community. Yoga classes in the rehab center are good places to start building connections, and after leaving treatment, yoga classes are typically accessible if one wants to continue the practice. Participating in classes or joining a yoga studio can help you have space to decompress, focus on wholeness, well-being and build friendships with others who share common interests. Research shows that community and support are beneficial to recovery; it’s important to surround oneself with people who encourage and pursue healthy mindsets.

4. Yoga Has Physical Health Benefits

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Yoga helps decrease stress while promoting physical health. Stress impacts the nervous system1 and can cause structural changes in the brain, including cerebral atrophy. While stress on the mind and body from addictions can cause high blood pressure and other health related issues, yoga helps lower blood pressure and reduce stress.2 Yoga is a great practice to turn to when you are feeling stressed.

5. Yoga Helps You Practice a Positive Mindset

yoga positive mindset

Yoga challenges negative thinking with positive thinking. The mindset shift is important for people who may be healing. Often in addictions, negative views of oneself and the world can hinder the person to see the beauty in themselves and all around them. Yoga centers and grounds you to reflect and see the good in oneself. You’ll start to learn how to love yourself and think positive thoughts.

These 5 reasons are only a glimpse of why yoga can be effective in addiction treatment. Once learned, yoga can be done at any time. So, for instance, if it is a busy day and you only have 15 minutes to spare before the next meeting at work, yoga is a great way to relieve stress and pursue wholeness. Doesn’t yoga sound incredible?

Explore our list of treatment centers that offer yoga. Compare pricing, treatment approaches, insurance accepted, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yoga for Addiction Recovery

Is yoga effective for addiction treatment?

Yoga is effective for managing addictive behaviors. It brings you into the present, promotes self-awareness, is a healthy way to cope with stress, and can help you connect with sober community.

How long does it take for yoga to help with addiction?

Patients in recovery from different substances notice the therapeutic benefits of yoga at different times: 

• PTSD and alcohol addiction: reduced drinking after 12 sessions
• Cocaine addiction: reduced stress after 2 months 
• Opioid addiction: improved quality of life after 6 months

What are the benefits of yoga for addiction recovery?

Yoga helps patients build physical and emotional strength:

• It teaches deep breathing and mindfulness.
• You can gain confidence in a new skill.
• It helps with managing stress. 
• You gain access to a positive support network. 
• It boosts your physical health.

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Top 5 Benefits to Going Abroad for Mental Health Treatment

“Environmental factors may increase a person’s risk of addiction, including a chaotic home environment and abuse, parent’s drug use and attitude toward drugs, peer influences, community attitudes toward drugs, and poor academic achievement.”1

The National Institute on Drug Abuse

There’s no arguing that environmental factors play a large role in facilitating addiction, substance abuse and depression. From a person’s family life and personal relationships to their economic stature and career, there are many “realities” that factor into why addiction is such a prevalent problem.

And it is a prevalent problem.

In 2017, over 70,200 people died from drug overdoses in the United States, and 19.7 million people across the country battled substance abuse.2 The 2021 UNODC World Drug Report revealed an estimated 36 million people worldwide struggle with drug us disorders3 while the World Health Organization Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health (2018), estimates 283 million people struggle with alcohol use disorders (AUD) worldwide.4

When it comes to recovery, then, our everyday surroundings might not be the best place for it. In fact, a complete disconnect is arguably the healthiest way to recharge and reset.

Here are five reasons why going abroad for mental health treatment is a smart choice.

1. Disconnect from “Normality”

Oprah Winfrey once said:

“Surround yourself with those who only lift you higher.”

Taking yourself out of your normal routine and everyday surroundings can provide a fresh, new beginning for recovery. Chances are, in your current situation, you are surrounded by many “reasons” to drink or use, whether your friends encourage it or the tension with your family makes you feel the need to numb.

Going abroad to a rehab treatment center means you can disconnect from current enablers and negative people in your life, and remove the notion of peer pressure, judgement and snarky comments.

Here, you can begin to regain control over your choices and can consciously choose to improve and get better on your own terms, without fear of what others might think.

2. Get Specific and Expert Treatment

When it comes to rehabilitation, there are a plethora of treatment options available across the globe, and different countries often have their own unique treatment approaches to help heal a variety of addictions.

In Portugal, for example, several rehab centers offer ibogaine treatment to help recovering opioid addicts. But, ibogaine treatment is controversial. Although the U.S. government has declared opioid addiction an epidemic across the country, they’ve banned the use of ibogaine treatment as a viable recovery solution. For opioid addicts, then, ibogaine-assisted treatment only exists abroad.

Further, doctors and clinicians often specialize in particular areas and gain a reputation worth noting. To get the best treatment from these experts, it might require visiting a rehab center somewhere other than at home.

3. Gain a New Perspective

Oftentimes, what’s needed to jumpstart recovery is a new perspective.5 While family and friends often enable us to abuse drug and alcohol, so too can the way we see the world. When it comes to substance abuse, it’s common for our perspective to be negativity skewed, and negativity facilitates more negativity.

Perhaps you’re not earning enough money and you’re frustrated, for example. Perhaps your family takes you for granted. It might even be something as little as someone not saying thank you when you do something nice.

Whatever it is, new experiences, new cultures and observing a new way of living life can help us shift our perspective on everyday activities and experiences, and consequently, it can help us climb out of negativity. In Spain, for example, good weather, delicious food and a slower pace of life can help us breathe, heal and ultimately, overcome our addictions.

4. Save Yourself a Little Money

It’s often the case that rehab centers abroad are less expensive than rehab centers at home (depending on where you call home, of course).

If you’re from Britain, your sterling will get you a lot further if you attend rehab in Thailand, and you won’t be sacrificing on the quality of care. Accessibility to a rehab facility because of one’s economic viability can be a big barrier to attending rehab. It might be more cost-effective to travel abroad for recovery. Plus, you get to see a little of the world, which can only do you good.

5. Gain Privacy

Admitting addiction and seeking help is courageous. Sometimes you may want to participate in drug and alcohol treatment with complete privacy and discretion, perhaps even keeping it from people close to you (and your employer). Although staying local for treatment has its own set of advantages, going to rehab abroad can allow a person more privacy. You don’t have to disclose your reason for travel and you’re less likely to bump into those you know.

Experience Something New

Going abroad for rehab has many personal benefits attached to it. From altering our perspective and removing ourselves from unhealthy environments to getting specialist treatment at an affordable price, there are many reasons why a different country can aid in recovery.

But while these reasons have weight, there’s one overarching reason to attend rehab abroad, and that’s to simply experience something new. A new place, a new culture and a fresh take on life can jump-start the next chapter of life for many, and these personal learnings are arguably as important as the treatment program itself. These new paths we seek can help us heal.

Discover our collection of rehabs around the globe. Filter by price, treatment approach, and more, and view key information about each center, including reviews, to find what you’re looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Abroad

Why do people travel abroad for rehab? 

Going to rehab abroad is appealing for a few reasons:

• Removal from daily triggers 
• Access to specific therapies, such as ibogaine treatment
• An extra layer of privacy 
• Affordable treatment 
• New experiences and perspectives

What are the benefits of a destination rehab?

Affordable luxury programs, greater privacy, exciting cultural experiences, exposure to a different way of life, and unique, specialized treatment draw people to rehab abroad.

Is it cheaper to go to rehab in another country?

Some regions offer more affordable addiction treatment than others. For example, rehabs in Asia cost between $3,000 to $15,000 per month while a 30-day rehab program in the U.S. falls between $25,000 and $50,000.