When considering when and where to seek treatment for an addiction, whether for a friend or family member, sometimes people don’t know where to turn – or where to fly, deemed “medical tourism” by some savvy observers of the phenomenon, it’s recently becoming more and more common for people to seek recovery by travelling overseas to an addiction rehab centre to aid their constant struggles with mental illness and substance abuse in a safe and exotic setting. And this isn’t for no reason.
Travelling overseas for rehab can be a scary idea for some, however. In contrast, for others it may open up minds to the possibilities of what one can do, see, and discover when deciding to make a drastic, positive change in their lives (such as getting sober). Of course, questions arise for the addict as well as their loved ones about the validity and legitimacy of overseas addiction rehab centres – especially when they can’t physically visit one with ease.
Does the rehab in question have a legitimate international accreditation?
An international accreditation ensures that an institution or facility has been assessed and held up against the highest standards of excellence in every department of their business and its operations. For example, Seasons Bali has attained the BSI Group accreditation. When a rehab is accredited by a reputable association like the BSI Group, it means that the facility’s safety, cleanliness and overall quality of care are routinely held up against the highest standards of excellence in the rehab industry – despite its location in the world. Having an international accreditation confirms that a rehab centre’s policies, procedures, and protocols as an institution are recognized as exceptional by a reputable third-party company in the industry of addiction treatment and followed pristinely. It answers many a concerned question, including “Will I (or my family member/friend) be protected and taken care of adequately?” or “Is this business trustworthy?” Yes, it is essential to do your research!
Not only this, but rehabs that are accredited by a reputable association are also audited regularly, checking that the initial accreditation that was rewarded is being upheld in its entirety. That phenomenal standards are being reached and maintained, despite the tests of time and any changes that a rehab may go through. International accreditation will also ensure that the medical and mental health professionals in the facility are appropriately-qualified to treat the addicts seeking aid for their illnesses and that clients are sufficiently medically and mentally monitored.
Sober Companions
Once the actual physical journey to sobriety begins, one precaution that rehab clients and the families of rehab clients have the option to take whilst travelling to and from the overseas facility is something called a sober companion. A sober companion is someone who joins the addict from their point of departure to their point of arrival, and perhaps beyond, in order to safely ensure that the addict arrives well and protected at their rehab destination. This companion can, of course be a family member or friend that is committed to helping the addict or alcoholic stay sober on their flight to/from their treatment center. However, recently there has been a high rise of independent companies and individuals that offer their transportation services to addicts and their family members. In other words, yes, there are professional addict travel companions, and they are experts at giving the addict that they travel alongside a large amount of accountability during their travels – thus getting those in their care safely to their rehabilitation center.
Other considerations
Some other precautions that trustworthy treatment centers anywhere may take in order to reinforce that they are a safe, secure environment are the signing of contracts, video surveillance, and physical security around the campus of the facility.
When people are struggling with hefty environmental triggers for using their drug of choice or drinking, such as toxic family members or abusive relationships, sometimes the absolute best thing is to put some space between these people and the addict suffering with a life-controlling addiction who is seeking treatment. Spiritually, socially, mentally, and physically, a geographic location can prove extremely helpful when deciding to get sober if the addict is ready to make permanent and lasting changes. Physical and emotional distance can sometimes prove to be the safest route for newly-recovering addicts.
Overall, it’s important that all precautions of travelling to a different country for rehab are taken into consideration before the addict leaves for treatment, just as if they were truly taking a vacation for leisure. By a reputable and high-standard company, questions of safety and precaution will be welcomed and taken with open arms, because an esteemed and distinguished facility will understand that an ultimate level of care and capacity for healing is the ideal for going to rehab. If research is done on whether a facility attains an international accreditation or if travelling is done with a sober companion, loved ones can rest assured that the trip and stay at an international or overseas rehab will be safe.
Transformation Starts Here
Taking that first step towards recovery is one of the most powerful things you can do. If you or a family member need help and you want to get the best treatment possible, get in touch with us now. With over twenty years of helping people to find peace in recovery, we are South East Asia’s Leading Addiction Treatment Centre.
