As the cost of private rehab centres continues to increase and, waiting lists for public rehab clinics become more inundated, in recent years, Bali and Thailand have seen an influx of addicts and alcoholics seeking addiction treatment from all parts of the world.
Researching and finding a rehab facility can be an overwhelming and confusing task for most.
There are many factors to consider if you or your loved one are contemplating travelling abroad for treatment. Removing yourself from the environment, which triggers further use of substances can be conducive to beginning life in recovery.
Both Thailand and Bali offer irenic landscapes and cultures that promote healing and tranquillity, but which one do you choose? Let’s take a look at how treatment in Thailand and Bali compare.
Travel Logistics In Our Current Climate
Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, governments put travel restrictions in place to prevent further spreading of the coronavirus between countries. As a result, struggling addicts were unable to access treatment abroad.
To curb local transmission, the Thai government has refused to open their borders to foreign travel. Rehab facilities that were once popular spots for people seeking treatment have consequently had to shut their doors due to the pandemic.
On the other hand, Bali has eased its travel restrictions and has commenced issuing visa options to those looking to travel to Bali long-term. The ease has provided opportunities for those battling with addiction, who have limited access to resources in their home countries, to travel to Bali to seek help. Bali has subsequently seen an increase of addicts travelling again to seek treatment at rehab facilities such as Seasons Bali.
Travel to Bali is entirely safe if you or your loved one follow airport and airline security measures. Bali has stringent hygiene protocols in place to keep residents safe and healthy. Seasons Bali can take care of everything needed to facilitate visa applications for entry to Indonesia.
Quality and Efficacy of Treatment
South-East Asia has become home to several types of addiction treatment programs. It is important to note that not all approaches will work for everyone.
In recent years rehab facilities in Thailand, run by business people and those with little to no recovery experience, have housed between 30-120 clients, making it challenging to deliver an individualized treatment plan designed to meet each client’s needs. Many of these programs are run by business people and those with little to no addiction or recovery experience, making program quality and deliverance questionable.
Seasons Bali, the only ISO certified addiction treatment centre in South-East Asia, headed by Professor Richard Smith, was the first to open an addiction rehab on the tropical island of Bali. With over 35 years of continued recovery, treatment experience and a Bachelor of Psychology under his belt, Richard created an addiction treatment model that has generated remarkable success compared to the other rehabs on the island. Seasons Bali only employs those with the highest qualifications and lived experience with addiction and recovery.
Seasons Bali offers a boutique, beachfront eight-bed facility in the North of Bali, far away from the hype and buzz of the South. Richard believes, “a client-to-staff ratio must be a low one, as this is the key to best meet each client’s individual therapeutic needs.”
Thailand
Spirituality
Both Bali and Thailand are renowned for their rich spiritual cultures where temples, offerings, ceremonies and religion are deeply entwined in daily life.
As soon as you step off the plane in Bali, Indonesia, you are immediately greeted with nurturing and calming energy, giving you a sense of safety and peace. These feelings are vital when embarking on your new recovery journey.
The Balinese wear their spirituality with pride and are always open to including visitors in their ceremonies and rituals. For newly recovering addicts, exposure to Hindu religion is a perfect way to begin forming a relationship with a Higher Power, the beginning stage of the twelve-step recovery model.
Fun and Adventure
For treatment centres in Bali and Thailand, it is not only about treating addiction and doing therapy. Clients are encouraged to participate in local community activities, fitness and some fun in the sun! It is imperative to start trying new and exciting activities, so you know what life can be like without using substances.
Thailand is a vast country that comprises mountains, beaches, rainforests, jungles, and other islands, making it tricky to get around. If you are looking at rehab in Chiang Mai, the chances of picking up a hobby other than stone-throwing at the local river are quite slim. Chiang Mai does not offer much inspiration and stimulation with regards to fitness, group activities and exploring.
On the other hand, Bali is a smaller island that is so much easier to navigate, with phenomenal stuff to do! Seasons Bali’s encourages clients to participate in some of the following co-curricular activities:
- Dolphin watching
- White water rafting
- ATV riding
- Bathing in waterfalls
- Participating in ceremonies
- Exploring rice terraces
- Visiting temples
- Jungle trekking
- Surfing
- Snorkelling and diving
- Mountain biking
- Balinese cooking classes
Bali is the perfect place for those looking for rehabilitation, healing, finding spirituality and living a life beyond their wildest dreams, substance-free!
If you or your loved one are looking to attend a rehab facility close to Thailand, Bali may be the destination that kick-starts your new life in recovery. Please contact us today for more information.
