Routes to RecoveRy
Home or away?
There are several important
factors to take into account when
choosing location
MANY PEOPLE SEEKING HELP FOR THEIR ADDICTION LOOK ABROAD TO FIND
TREATMENT. There are hundreds of treatment providers based all over the
world, many of them in exotic locations, and the current exchange rates mean
that prices of overseas residential treatment can be very cost-effective.
Travelling abroad also gives individuals space to recover in a new environment,
away from chaotic lifestyles, and give an added boost to wellbeing.
Before deciding on what centre is right for you, it’s important to take into
consideration the regulations and culture of the country where you are
looking before undergoing treatment.
In the UK, rehabs are monitored and inspected by the Care Quality
Commission, and issues with members of staff can often be resolved by the
Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals.
Each individual country will have its own system of inspection and
regulation, and it is important that you ask about this when booking
anywhere. Ensure you speak directly to individual rehabs, rather than
through a third party, and ask them about how they are regulated.
Articles and opinion pieces in DDN have considered one treatment
environment over another – with the only fair conclusion being that any
successful treatment has to be tailored to the individual and their
circumstances. For some, the best option is to be given respite from their
normal routine by ‘getting away from it all’ to concentrate on an intensive
treatment programme; for others it is essential to keep the links with home
life, so attending a local service is more practical.
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‘I certainly think that if people do need residential detoxification and
residential rehabilitation they should stay as near to home as they
can. We do recover and we can get well where we got sick. When we
are “recovered” or “in recovery” and walk through our local shopping
centres, people who know us, who drank and used with us but are
stuck in the madness see us, they can connect to hope.’
Mark Gilman, Discovering Health
‘As with thousands of other people facing the challenges of
overcoming addiction, I had a serious relapse – time for rehab. I
began the search in October and come March, I was walking up
the drive to the therapeutic community where I stayed for 20
months. It was a therapeutically difficult and painful experience,
but one which I am so grateful for.’
Owen Baily, gambling expert by experience
‘The urban recovery model allows for individuals to recover in real
life situations, while being in a secure and supported
environment… Building your recovery capital locally can make
leaving treatment a much less scary prospect, as you are leaving
with a plan of support that you have already begun engaging
with.’
Danielle Robinson, service manager, Acquiesce
Rehab Guide 2019 | drinkanddrugsnews | 11