Less than $10,000 - Luxury Rehab

September 18, 2022March 25, 2023

Affordable Luxury Care in the Tropics: 7 Reasons to Consider Rehab in Malaysia

Lush surroundings, cost-effective treatment, and quality care: these are just a few of the advantages of luxury rehabs in Malaysia.

Treatment facilities here can help you heal from the inside out. And with plenty of interesting activities, holistic treatments, and personalized programs available, Malaysia is the perfect backdrop for many people’s recovery journeys. We’ll explore those reasons in depth below.

1. Malaysia’s Dense Rainforests and Dreamy Coastlines are Healing Settings

In the tropical climate of Malaysia, vibrant rainforests teem with life. Bright vegetation encircles the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. Hot weather combines with plentiful rain to make greenery flourish. Green gives way to blue once you reach the sandy beaches that ring the country’s coastlines.

If this is the setting you’d like to start your recovery journey in, you’re in luck: several luxury rehabs offer comprehensive care in Malaysia. One such facility is Shine Wave Retreat, in the hills of Johor Bahru. Palm trees pepper the outdoor patio and grassy knolls surround the campus. Patients find refuge at this private oasis while they seek recovery for mental health conditions like anger, depression, or bipolar disorder.

Unique Jungle and Ocean Activities

Some rehabs in Malaysia plan outings that immerse clients into the stunning landscape. Solace Asia, for example, has a variety of exhilarating outdoor activities to choose from. Time here might include white water rafting on local rivers, spotting monkeys, birds, and lizards on local trails in the forest, or reef diving among tropical fish and sea turtles.

Whatever adventure you embark upon, you won’t just be having fun—you’ll also be healing. Research shows that challenging yourself with new activities is beneficial for mental health.¹ Adventurous pursuits make you feel good because they activate the same areas of the brain that rewards do. Learning new things strengthens your brain by creating new pathways. You’ll build confidence by accomplishing things that scare you. And you’ll feel more fulfilled—“a sense of flourishing,” says Frank Farley, Ph.D., a professor at Temple University.

And thanks to the tropical climate, it’s possible to do many of these activities most days of the year.

2. The Year-Round Warm Climate

You can expect temperatures in Malaysia² to range from warm (23°C or 73°F) to hot (32°C or 90°F). Because Malaysia has a tropical climate,³ conditions will be both humid and rainy. Monsoons bring heavy rainfall. The northeast monsoon lasts from November to March, and the southwest monsoon occurs from May to October.

If you’re wondering what to pack for rehab, definitely bring clothes for hot weather. However, most people in Malaysia are Muslim and dress conservatively. Because of this, it’s more acceptable to wear loose, lightweight clothing with more coverage for outings. A staff member at your facility can help you decide what to bring.

3. Malaysia Rehabs Accommodate Your Needs

It’s important to have your needs met as you focus on the challenging work of recovery. Whether you have diet restrictions or co-occurring mental health conditions, luxury treatment facilities in Malaysia are happy to accommodate.

Special Programs for Adolescents and Young Adults

No one is exempt from mental health conditions. Children, teens, and adults can all face challenges like depression or anxiety. In fact, research shows that mental health issues are on the rise in kids.⁴ And many struggle with additional distress due to recent world events. A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) found a 25% increase in anxiety and depression⁵ of people worldwide in 2020.

Fortunately, centers like Shine Wave Retreat and The Wave Youth Clinic offer specialized treatment for young people, so no one is left behind.

The Wave Youth Clinic in Kuala Lumpur is a dedicated teen and young adult treatment center. Their full spectrum of care includes boarding and education, outpatient, and online services.

Flexible Dietary Offerings

Good nutrition is crucial in recovery as you heal from the damage of substances and stress. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, or adhering to religious guidelines, treatment centers cater to clients’ dietary needs.

At Serene Retreat, staff can prepare Kosher, Halal, vegan, or vegetarian meals. At Solace Asia, all food served follows Halal guidelines. Many luxury rehabs place a focus on healthy eating and will gladly adjust their menus to your dietary restrictions—check with admissions staff for details.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Mental health conditions often underlie substance use disorders. This is known as a “co-occurring disorder” or “dual diagnosis,” and many people aren’t aware of this until they discover it in treatment. It’s more common than you may think: about 9.2 million adults in the U.S. have a co-occurring disorder.⁶

Co-occurring disorders are complex, and require treatment by a team that truly understands them. You might require a combination of techniques that involve clinical, holistic, and medication-assisted care. Solace Asia is one rehab that specializes in dual diagnosis treatment. Clinicians work with clients to create a personalized treatment plan that’s based on psychotherapy and may or may not include medication, depending on your needs.

solace sabah slide 0 — Solace Asia‘s quiet, tropical property sits tucked away in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

4. Healing (and Happiness) With Holistic Care

Luxury rehabs in Malaysia emphasize holistic care. Holistic treatment focuses on the whole person, addressing physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs as part of the recovery journey. Mind-body practices like yoga and mindfulness meditation facilitate the healing process and reconnect you to your happiness.

“Many of us forget to be happy,” says Solace Asia’s CEO & Clinical Director Dr. Prem Kumar Shanmugam. “Happiness is the basis of living. And I think whatever we do, it has to be based on being happy.”

Yoga

Yoga combines breath and movement to calm the mind and rebalance the body. Its many health benefits include reducing stress, depression, and anxiety.⁷ Avoiding difficult emotions is a huge driver of addictive behavior. But yoga helps people come into an easier, less judgmental relationship with these feelings—thus decreasing the urge to use.

It’s no surprise, then, that yoga is a common fixture at many rehabs. And this holds true at treatment centers in Malaysia, like Shine Wave Retreat, where clients are encouraged to take part in regular classes.

Art Therapy

You don’t have to be a skilled artist to try art therapy; the goal of this experiential therapy is to serve as an outlet for your personal expression. Art therapy provides a safe environment to process feelings that are difficult to discuss.

According to research, art therapy supports the recovery journey⁸ in these ways:

boosts self-esteem
improves self-awareness
builds emotional resilience
develops social skills
increases insight
reduces stress

The Wave Youth Clinic uses art therapy to help their teen and young adult clients through a variety of challenges. “Art therapy offers our young people a safe form of emotional expression and communication, unrestricted by language and/or communication difficulties,” says the center’s Clinical Lead, Mahisha Naidu. “The art offers a bridge between their inner world and the outside world, free of the confines of meeting certain levels of cognitive functioning.”

5. Cost-Effective Recovery

Rehabs in Malaysia are extremely affordable compared to other countries. At Serene Retreat, clients pay MYR 25,000 (about $5,500 USD or £4,500 GBP) for 28 days.

Rehabs in the West have a much higher cost—private rehabs in the U.S., for example, average $1,000 USD per day or more. Treatment in Malaysia means all-inclusive care at an accessible price point.

serene retreat sabah dining — Serene Retreat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia offers luxury accommodation at an accessible price point.

CEO & Clinical Director of Solace Asia, Dr. Prem Kumar Shanmugam says increasing access to mental health treatment is part of Solace Asia’s mission:

“When we first started Solace, our mission was to make sure anyone suffering from addiction could recover and live a normal life. After a few years, we revisited our mission and realized we have to make treatment affordable to the masses.”

And budget-friendly options don’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Luxury rehabs here are well-appointed with amenities like gourmet dining, outdoor pools, fitness facilities, adventure outings, and more.

6. Ambitious Treatment Standards

Many rehabs in Malaysia strive to stay up to date on the latest research and treatments. Dr. Shanmugam explains how the team at Solace Asia works to continually improve their programming:

“We have a team of addiction treatment experts who are certified in this field specifically,” says Shanmugam.

“We make sure that our clinical team goes for training continuously. We are involved in research, in publications. We constantly keep ourselves updated with the latest treatment approaches.”

The Wave Youth Clinic also strives for clinical excellence, aiming to “raise the bar in the standards of family and adolescent therapy” internationally. Their integrated treatment approach is based on 7 core elements: clinical, medical, education, global citizenship, outside-inside, experiences, and destination future.

7. Easy Air Travel

Malaysia has 6 international and 16 domestic airports.⁹ You’ll most likely fly into the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), as this is the main international airport. Once you arrive in Malaysia, it’s easy to take a connecting flight to an airport closer to your final destination. Most luxury rehabs can help you arrange airport transfers, and some can even connect you with sober coaches or companions to accompany you on the journey to the facility.

See more on arranging treatment abroad in our article on traveling to rehab.

Find Peace in the Land Below the Wind

Malaysian rehabs can be a great option for those who want treatment in a luxury setting, at non-luxury prices. The country’s incredible jungle and beach destinations and relaxed pace of life can go a long way toward easing the transition into recovery.

See our list of luxury treatment centers in Malaysia to learn more about facilities, pricing, and program highlights, and reach out to admissions staff directly.

August 19, 2019May 15, 2023

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

Watch: The LuxuryRehab 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 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 luxury 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

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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 luxury 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. Luxury 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 luxury rehab in Thailand. Many centers offer evidence-based therapies and holistic treatments, such as massage and yoga.

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

Benefits of attending a luxury rehab in Thailand include access to high-quality care, personalized treatment, luxury accommodations, tranquil environments, and wellness activities such as spa treatments.

June 7, 2019May 8, 2023

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 luxury 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, luxury rehabs in Asia cost between $3,000 to $15,000 per month while a 30-day luxury rehab program in the U.S. falls between $25,000 and $50,000.