High functioning depression can look like appearing okay to friends and family, while really you’re struggling on the inside. There are a lot of misconceptions about what depression looks like. But depression actually comes in many different forms and levels of intensity. Sometimes, symptoms can be hard to identify.
Seeking help can be daunting, but you are strong enough to begin healing. You can get treatment for high functioning depression to start living to your fullest potential.
What Is High Functioning Depression?
High functioning depression is a subtype of depression in which individuals experience symptoms of depression but can maintain their daily functioning, such as going to work or school, socializing, and completing daily tasks. It is characterized by a relatively high level of functional status, low depression scores, and little agitation.
Despite feeling the opposite, putting on a happy face may seem like a good way to cope with depression at first. But ignoring the signs that you might be depressed can make it worse. High functioning looks different for everyone. Sometimes it seems like a way to protect yourself from uncomfortable feelings, and sometimes it looks like wearing a mask and pretending to be happy when you are not.
While your high functioning depression might feel manageable now, it could snowball into something more harmful. But co-occurring disorders like anxiety, major depressive disorder, and insomnia can also be an issue as a result of the depression3. And if you’ve experienced these feelings for 2+ years, you may have persistent depressive disorder (PDD), or dysthymia4.
Signs of High Functioning Depression
If you think you have high functioning depression, it’s essential to talk to a licensed clinician who can diagnose you; however, here are some of the symptoms that you can identify4:
Healing from the Inside Out: Treatment for High Functioning Depression
Acknowledging that you may have high functioning depression, and facing those negative feelings, is a vital first step in your journey toward healing. Getting a diagnosis and the right care can then get you to feel like the real you again.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is proven to be one of the best treatments for depression6. This therapy helps you identify unhelpful thought patterns that might contribute to your high functioning depression. Then, you’ll learn how to replace those negative thoughts with positive ones. Once you build out these new ways of thinking, your emotions will likely become more manageable. And you’ll learn habits to overcome any new challenges that arise in the future.
Yoga builds physical and mental strength, which makes it an effective treatment for depression8. Yoga can provide community and a sense of belonging, and depression-related themes can be shared in classes. You’ll work through breathing exercises, learn resilience in different poses, and practice mindfulness. And you can do it from anywhere and on your schedule.
Meditation and mindfulness are another instrumental way to treat depression. In fact, data shows that mindfulness-based training is as effective as other talk therapies for depression treatment8. These practices draw your attention to the present moment and your surroundings. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can become more aware of your emotions. And in time, you can better manage your feelings and choose to seek the positive.
How to Support Someone with High Functioning Depression
If you think someone you love is experiencing high functioning depression, providing a listening ear and complete understanding can go a long way. While you can be a support system for the person you love, encouraging them to get professional treatment is the best way to help them heal. You can be their rock, guide them through the process, and be patient as experts help your loved one work through their depression.
Learning to Live Fearlessly
Coming face-to-face with your depression can be scary. But by confronting what’s holding you back, you can set yourself free. Tap into your resilience by seeking help for your high functioning depression.
Change happens in small steps. Here are 6 things you can start doing today to live fearlessly:
Seek professional help
Challenge negative thoughts
Practice self-care
Reach out for support from friends and family–remember reaching for help is a good thing
Make manageable changes (i.e. daily routine, new hobby)
It’s no secret that exercise makes you feel good. These positive feelings are thanks to endorphins released during and after physical activity. It can also be an important part of healing your body from the effects of addiction, trauma, and stress.
Recovery is all about building a sustainable, healthy routine, and exercise can help you get there. Because of this, many addiction and mental health rehabs focus on fitness, and have amenities to help you stay active during your care.
Exercise reduces stress3 by lowering stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Rhythmic activities like walking clear the mind, helping you relax naturally.
An exercise physiologist designs individual exercise plans for each client at The Banyans in Brisbane, Australia.
Physical Fitness Helps Treat Depression
Studies show that exercising is effective in treating depression.5 On the flip side, not exercising is a risk factor for developing depression. When you work out, your brain releases serotonin, a hormone that improves your mood. (Antidepressants relieve depression by increasing serotonin levels.)
Even just a few minutes of physical activity per day can make a big difference in your mood. One study compared people who exercised with those who didn’t. Researchers found that 1.25 hours of walking per week lowered the risk of depression by 18%.6 This decreased by 25% with at least 2.5 hours per week.
Regular Exercise Reduces Anxiety
Research shows that physical activity is associated with less anxiety.7 It can help distract you from anxious thoughts. Instead, you’ll focus on something positive, like finishing a workout or achieving a goal—even if that’s just walking for 20 minutes.
Exercise Improves Your Overall Well Being
By trying new activities and overcoming challenges, your confidence will increase.8 You’ll start to feel better as your immunity, sleep, and energy levels improve. And your risk for disease and health complications goes down as your body repairs the damage caused by substances and prolonged stress. Drugs and alcohol aren’t kind to your body, but the good news is that damage is usually not permanent. Exercise can be the first step in working towards better health—and a better outlook on life.
People who exercise are less likely to use drugs.10 It’s likely that its ability to reduce stress, and therefore regulate emotions, is a factor. You can see the effects in animal studies, too: opioid-dependent rats took morphine less often when they swam consistently.11 Rodents dependent on cocaine were less likely to use the drug when they had access to an exercise wheel.12 A fitness routine adds structure to your day, allows you to explore new interests, helps you build community, and even overcome addiction.
A New, Healthy Hobby
Physical activity can become a new way to spend time outside of substance abuse. It can even become a new hobby. You might realize that you love spending time at the gym or running outside. Or, you may return to an old interest: maybe you used to shoot hoops for hours or play volleyball every weekend with your friends.
Regardless of the role fitness has in your life, it’s important to find activities you enjoy doing while sober. These can replace the time that you used to spend using drugs. Remember that recovery can—and should be—fun.
Physical fitness can give you a way to connect with new people, both in rehab and after you leave. During rehab, you can bond with people over similar interests in a specific activity, like rock climbing or dancing. These new relationships can be instrumental in your recovery process: it’s important to have people to talk to when you’re feeling down. It’s especially helpful to surround yourself with others that have had similar experiences. They can empathize with, and truly understand, what you’re going through.
Exercise Rewires Your Brain
Exercise releases dopamine in your brain. This hormone is responsible for “good” feelings, and can even have pleasurable effects similar to those you get from drugs. This is because exercise and substances activate some of the same reward pathways.
Exercise also prevents further brain damage from substance use13 and promotes cell regeneration. And forming a new habit can actually change your brain. “Neuroplasticity” is the brain’s ability to create new connections. You can use this to your advantage by introducing exercise into your own routine. If you continue to exercise consistently in a way that’s fun and sustainable, it can become a healthy habit that you genuinely enjoy.
Luxury Rehab Fitness Amenities
You’ll have an array of fitness options at different luxury facilities, from fun activities to personal trainers. Remember that it’s important to choose something you like doing. Studies show that you’re more likely to stick with an exercise routine14 if you enjoy it. So if you already love yoga, you can choose a center like Veritas Detox that offers classes. Or if you’ve always thought that boxing looked fun, you can check out a facility like SOBA New Jersey.
Social support is an important factor in sticking to an exercise routine.15 Team sports are a great way to foster new relationships. Futures Recovery Healthcare is an ideal facility for sports lovers. Challenge another client to a game of tennis, basketball, or volleyball on one of their many courts.
Rehab Facilities for Athletes
If you’re an athlete, you may want (or need) to continue training while in treatment. All Points North’s specialty program for athletes was created by professional athletes. Their center provides top-tier amenities to support your needs, like an indoor lap pool and personal trainer.
Recreating in nature provides many benefits—and some rehab facilities offer adventure therapy activities, like hiking and biking. For example, Lions Gate Recovery provides recreational outings to the nearby Zion National Park. Colorado is world-renowned for its outdoor opportunities, and All Points North Lodge in Vail is no exception. Clients can hike, paddleboard, or mountain bike in the summer, and go snowshoeing, snowboarding, or skiing in the winter.
Spending time in nature positively affects mental health.16 For example, researchers found that people who were outside for at least 2 hours per week had better overall well-being. This averages out to just 15 to 20 minutes per day. When you combine this with exercise, the effects are twofold: you reap the benefits from both physical activity and time in green spaces.
Find Joy on the Other Side of Healing
No matter your age or ability, even small amounts of exercise provide important mental and physical benefits. While physical activity is only part of your recovery journey, it plays an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for years to come. See our curated list of luxury rehabs with exercise programs to view fitness amenities, activity options, compare prices, and more.
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.
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.
An indoor pool, yoga deck, and outdoor basketball court are some of the amenities available at The Wave Youth Clinic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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.
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 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.
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 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia offers luxury accommodation at an accessible price point.
“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.
“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.”
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.
Travelers are drawn to India for its beautiful landscape and tropical climate. This country is perfect for people who enjoy warmer weather and striking views of the Himalayas, lush jungles, or vast beaches. And its vibrant culture has a focus on holistic wellness—which is a great fit for some people in recovery.
If you’re interested in integrated treatment for addiction, you may find what you’re looking for at a rehab in India. This approach is designed to help you heal as a whole person, instead of only treating one health issue at a time.
What Is Holistic Treatment?
Most of India’s rehab centers take a holistic approach to addiction recovery. The goal is to help you heal your mind, body, and spirit as one. These programs also have a strong focus on spirituality. Treatment may include activities like yoga, meditation, and massage.
Some of these alternative methods are controversial, due to a lack of scientific data deemed legitimate in the Western world. However, many people find these ancient treatments helpful. Holistic techniques may be gentler than Western ones, with a larger-picture approach to healing and a greater focus on sustainable wellness. For instance, you may be able to go through treatment without taking prescribed medications. Instead, clients use diet and exercise as tools to improve their mental health.
And there’s no need to choose one philosophy over the other. You can do yoga and take antidepressants. You can join a support group and meditate. Some rehabs even recommend this combination approach. Lotus Wellness and Rehabilitation Center, for example, combines traditional Ayurveda with Western biomedical treatments.
You’ll encounter many different holistic treatment methods at rehab facilities around the country. These are some of the most popular.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that teaches you to just be in the present moment. These exercises can help you cultivate self-awareness and improve emotion regulation.
Most treatment centers in India offer some form of mindfulness training. For example, Kairali The Ayurvedic Healing Village provides daily group meditation sessions.
You don’t need to be flexible or strong to try yoga. While this practice has physical benefits, it’s also about self-acceptance—not competition. And because yoga originated in India, you’ll get the full experience by practicing here. You may even enjoy it enough to continue after you leave rehab.
These positive effects translate to people with other mental health conditions as well, like women with PTSD.4 One study discovered that practicing yoga for 12 weeks decreased these subjects’ PTSD symptoms. These changes were present both right after the study and at the 3-month follow up.
People in addiction recovery5 can also benefit from yoga. Research shows that yoga minimizes stress, decreases addictive behaviors, improves confidence, and increases self-control for these patients. One survey even found that yoga is “an effective tool” for people in every stage of recovery.6 Because this practice addresses both physical and spiritual wellness, it can be an important part of integrated treatment.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda,7 also called Ayurvedic medicine, is an ancient, holistic approach to health. It teaches that diet, exercise, and herbal remedies can all contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Providers at Kairali The Ayurvedic Healing Village incorporate Ayurvedic teachings into rehab for addiction, chronic pain, and other conditions. They describe these techniques by explaining that “the human body is made up of 3 components,” or doshas. Each dosha has 2 distinct elements:
Vata consists of space and air. Vata controls movement in the body and mind, like blood flow, waste elimination, breathing, and thought.
Pitta consists of fire and water. It is associated with heat, metabolism, and transformation within the mind and body. These functions include digestion, perceptions, and understanding right and wrong.
Kapha includes water and earth. This dosha governs structure and lubrication in both the mind and body, like the joints, lungs, and body tissues.
Depending on your specific needs, you may try various Ayurvedic therapies during inpatient treatment. These may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Abhyangam is a type of oil massage that improves sleep, circulation, and more.
During Podikizhi, the practitioner pounds warm bundles of herbs onto the body. This relieves muscle spasms and joint stiffness.
In Sirovasti, a clinician pours oil into specially-designed head gear while you wear it. This treatment relieves migraines, stress, sinusitis, and other issues.
During Kavalagraham, you’ll gargle oils and other Ayurvedic medicines to promote oral health.
Dhoompanam is a practice in which you inhale medicinal smoke intended to detox your body.
Your Ayurvedic practice doesn’t have to end when you leave rehab. Kairali The Ayurvedic Healing Village also provides lectures on Ayurveda every week, helping clients learn how to implement these techniques into daily life.
Acupuncture for Physical and Mental Wellness
During an acupuncture session,8 a trained acupuncturist will insert small needles into specific anatomical points. These points correspond with meridians, which are channels of energy that run throughout the body. The goal is to remove energy blockages, so that your qi—or vital energy—can flow freely. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this treatment can improve your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Ayurvedic massage techniques11 incorporate special oils, which are chosen based on the client’s energetic balance. Different oils correspond with the doshas, and are used to achieve specific purposes during treatment. Your provider may also stimulate certain pressure points that correspond to other areas of the body.
Mamta Landerman, president of the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, addresses the importance of Ayurvedic massage.12 “Ayurveda addresses therapies that relate to all the 5 senses,” she says. “And a very important component is the sense of touch.” For many clients, this is an essential part of holistic treatment.
Nutritional Therapy
A balanced diet can contribute to better health—and not just physically. In fact, studies show that good nutrition improves mental health,13 lowering depression and anxiety.
Because of this, most rehabs in India offer some form of nutritional therapy. For example, many centers will design a personalized nutrition plan for each client. These healthy, organic meals help you heal from the inside out.
Studies show that listening to music can decrease anxiety.14 Research suggests that music may even be more effective than anti-anxiety medication. Music has a natural ability to boost levels of certain hormones in your brain—like dopamine—that can increase positive feelings. In addition, music can decrease cortisol, which is the hormone involved in stress. Because of the role dopamine plays in addiction,15 the chemical effects of music can support your recovery process.
Alpha Healing Center offers various holistic treatments, including a Brain Health Training Program. In this program, clients participate in various activities, one of which is Brain Music Therapy. They describe Brain Music Therapy as an innovative treatment “based on the premise that personalized music derived from a guest’s own brain wave patterns can affect emotional stability.” Because this treatment hasn’t produced any negative side effects, it’s safe to try, and worth combining with other therapies.
Located in Gujarat, India, Alpha Healing Center offers innovative holistic treatments like Brain Music Therapy.
Hypnotherapy for Substance Misuse
According to researchers, hypnosis16 is a “state of awareness, (or consciousness), in which a person’s attention is detached from his or her immediate environment and is absorbed by inner experiences.” Hypnotherapy is just what it sounds like: receiving therapy while under hypnosis.
India’s 2 largest airports20 are Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai. Each one serves over 80 destinations. Because of this, it’s easy to travel to rehab in India—although it may be a long flight.
In addition to India’s 30+ international airports,21 there are more than 100 domestic ones scattered throughout the country. This makes it easy to take a quick flight if you’re traveling within India.
If you fly to rehab, most centers will pick you up from the airport.
If you’re traveling internationally, you may need a visa for India.22 These regulations vary by country, and you may need to apply in advance. Check with your rehab’s admissions team to see if they can help you arrange for travel.
Start Your Recovery Journey in India
If you’d like to begin your healing journey in a place that emphasizes spiritual and personal wellness, India might be a great fit. Maybe you want to surround yourself with people who share your values. Or if you’re coming from abroad, you might not have access to these treatments in your home country. Whatever your reasons, India is waiting for you. And so is your recovery.
Visit our list of rehab centers in India to learn about their philosophies, amenities, and unique treatment options.
Spain is known for its warm weather and rich culture, full of history and art. You’ll find everything in this temperate climate, from peaceful countryside to picturesque mountain and seaside views. If you’re looking for a holistic approach to treatment with a beautiful backdrop, you may want to attend a rehab facility in Spain.
Spain is known for its beautiful weather2 and abundance of sunshine, and is a destination of choice for many Europeans wishing to escape the colder months. Spain’s official slogan is: “Where the sunshine follows you through every season,” which makes sense, since the country receives about 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. It’s home to Alicante, the sunniest city in all of Europe,3 which gets about 349 hours of sun each month. Málaga comes in 4th place, with an average of 345 hours of sun per month, and several other Spanish cities make the top 30 list.
This beautiful weather isn’t just pleasant—it can also directly impact your recovery. Serotonin, a neurochemical best known for influencing happiness, is affected by your exposure to sunlight. A large body of evidence demonstrates the positive effects of good weather on mental health, including one study that found sunshine increased serotonin production4 in a sample group of men.
Spain’s relatively mild climate is warm year-round, although it’s generally colder and wetter the higher in elevation you climb and the further north you go. You may want to be mindful of this when choosing a treatment center in the best location for you.
Panoramic Views of the Sea, Mountains, and Countryside
This country is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on its eastern side, and the North Atlantic on the western side. Spain’s vast landscape5 is composed of several mountain ranges spread throughout the country, and its cliffsides offer unparalleled views of the gold-sand beaches below. Throughout the country, you’ll find small cobblestone villages and serene, peaceful landscapes dotted with orange, lemon, and olive groves.
Spain’s serene and varied landscape promotes a deeper sense of connection to nature for many.
Clients at Camino Recovery, located in Vélez-Málaga on the southern coast, will live in a cortijo, a traditional rural farmhouse commonly found in that region. These historic Spanish homes are often surrounded by acres of land, and the Camino Recovery residence is no exception. The Sierra de Tejeda mountain range creates a beautiful backdrop, and clients are invited to explore the trails around the area and in the nearby Almijara and Alhama Natural Parks each Sunday.
The Mediterranean coast offers stunning views of the cliffs from The Bridge Marbella. You can take in the landscape from the tranquil outdoor seating areas, or from your room in this center’s Spanish villa.
At Ibiza Calm you can visit stunning neighboring beaches, namely Benirrás Beach with its amazing sunsets. The center’s main building is a 500-year-old Ibizan farmhouse surrounded by 8 private acres and lined with citrus orchards, and you can enjoy the stunning scenery during daily walks in the countryside.
These facilities aren’t set in natural areas by chance. Numerous studies have found that nature is an extremely important factor in a healing space.6 Research shows that the presence of gardens—and even just views of them—can reduce stress.
Vibrant Spanish Culture
Spain is chock-full of unique museums and art made by world-renowned artists like Picasso, Dalí, and Gaudí, set in historic towns and villages full of classic Spanish fare like tapas, or appetizers, and paella, a popular rice dish. Spain also has the 4th largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites7 in the world, with famous cultural landmarks like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada.
Some rehab facilities, like Camino Recovery, organize trips to nearby cultural attractions, like the Picasso Museum in Málaga, the birthplace of this famous artist. You can also explore the nearby pueblos blancos, or white villages, of Frigiliana and Comares, which are known for their cobblestone streets, beautiful views, and whitewashed homes and buildings.
Some rehabs in Spain include trips to historic sites as part of their program.
Solice in Marbella also encourages clients to explore the nearby cultural attractions, like the city’s old town. Clients are also welcome to try local food and tapas, stroll along the promenade, and visit other nearby historic towns like San Pedro.
Accessibility & Ease of Travel
There are over 40 international airports in Spain,8 which makes flying to your location of choice much easier. Most U.S. airports have flights to at least 1 Spanish destination, and many larger U.S. airports operate flights to more than 1 location. Once you arrive, it’s simple to take another flight within Spain to your final destination, if necessary.
Many treatment centers offer an airport pickup service. Although Spain has an extensive public transportation system, it might be difficult to navigate on your own in a foreign country. Make sure to talk to your facility’s administration office to determine the best way to reach your rehab center.
Remember that while many people prefer to travel for inpatient rehab, this isn’t the right choice for everyone. If you would be more comfortable staying closer to home, there are plenty of rehab facilities around the world—some of which are likely in your area. Wherever you choose to begin recovery, it’s important to find a program that suits your unique needs.
Treatment in Spain’s Rehabs Is Tailored to You
Many rehab centers realize that treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and often needs to be specific to the client’s needs. In addition, several centers in Spain favor a one-on-one treatment approach, which is perfect for those who value their privacy. Although anyone can benefit from individualized care, people with a dual diagnosis, executive professionals, and high-profile clients may find it especially helpful.
Secluded properties can give you much-needed space to focus on healing without distractions, in addition to providing a safe environment to heal. This, coupled with personalized care, can help you put emphasis on your recovery process. Treatment centers like THE BALANCE Luxury Rehab and Istana Jiwa Ibiza treat 1 client at a time in their own, private residence. Istana Jiwa Ibiza’s villas are scattered around the island of Ibiza, and are unbranded with no observable connection to the center. This makes them a great option for those who would prefer an extra layer of confidentiality in recovery. At both centers, treatment programs are tailored to each client with a private team of specialists. There are no group activities or shared facilities.
THE BALANCE Luxury Rehab offers an ultra-private experience on its secluded grounds in Mallorca, Spain.
Some treatment centers, like Phoenix Programmes S.L., also offer stepped-down care options. Clients at this center can choose from online and daytime-only programs, or stay in their in-house sober living program. They realize that not all clients are able to, or want to, attend an inpatient rehab facility, and try to offer programs that will work for anyone’s schedule. In addition, they create a personalized treatment plan for each client.
Unique Activities and Therapies
Family and equestrian culture have strong roots in Spain, and some rehab centers focus on these aspects in their treatment plans. Because of their proximity to the ocean, some facilities offer unique therapies like surf and dolphin therapy, as well as a variety of other beach activities.
Equine Therapy
Spain has a strong equestrian culture,9 and 1 region even has a horse named after it: the Andalusian horse. Although equine therapy is not unique to Spain, horses are a big part of their history and traditions.
“Through interactions between the horse and the client, a therapist can help the client work through issues, often more effectively than talk therapy.”
Outdoor activities aren’t just a way to have fun; they can also be an important part of recovery. Studies show that exercising outside has positive effects on your health,10 both mentally and physically. These activities don’t just invite you to let off steam; they may also help you develop new skills and build confidence.
With this in mind, THE BALANCE Luxury Rehab encourages clients to attend unique outdoor therapies, like surf and dolphin therapy. Adolescent participants in one study reported that spending time in these “blue spaces,”11 or “environments characterized by the presence of water bodies” produced feelings of calmness and tranquility. In addition, they also offer more traditional outdoor activities like beach walks, yoga, horseback riding, fishing, and more.
Family Therapy
Family is an important component of Spanish culture, so it makes sense that so many treatment centers focus on family dynamics and include them in the rehabilitation process. And studies show that healthy close relationships contribute to your healing process.12 Relationships like these, such as those with family, are associated with improved health and well-being.
Family members are invited to Camino Recovery‘s property in Vélez-Málaga, Spain as part of their family program.
Camino Recovery understands the positive impact that family support can have during and after a client’s recovery. They invite family members to attend a 4-5 day family program, during which the family discusses their own issues and learns about healthy relationships and coping mechanisms in group therapy sessions. Family members are also encouraged to learn more at educational lectures.
Depending on your specific relationship with your family of origin, this type of therapy may or may not be a good fit. Whether or not you invite them to participate in this aspect of your recovery, you can still use your time in rehab to hone your interpersonal skills, either in therapy or with other members of your cohort.
Starting Your Recovery in Spain
Traveling somewhere new can help you gain perspective on life at home. At a luxury rehab in Spain, that perspective might be informed by the majesty of nature. The culture’s focus on the arts might inspire you to create a life you love, using the tools you learn in a program tailored to support your needs and goals.
Learn more about all that rehabs here have to offer, including amenities, activities, specialized programming, and more, in our searchable directory of Spain luxury rehabs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Spain
What are the benefits of luxury rehab in Spain for addiction treatment?
Luxury rehab in Spain offers serene scenes, warm weather, and is surrounded by historic sites. Centers feature upscale amenities, personalized treatment plans, and a range of unique therapies, from equine therapy to seaside activities. Some ultra-luxury rehabs treat one client at a time.
What types of addiction are treated in luxury rehab facilities in Spain?
Residential rehab lets you step away from your daily environment and fully focus on recovery. While everyone’s healing journey is unique, many people find that a change in their surroundings facilitates healing in impactful ways. For some, traveling abroad for rehab can be profound.
Traveling can change your mindset: immersion in a new culture may promote positive thinking and foster a sense of connection to others. Often, luxury rehabs abroad are located in tranquil environments designed to relieve tension and cultivate calm. And certain destinations offer special therapeutic activities that you might not find back home.
Steeped in rich history and famous for its fresh seafood, a relaxed approach to life, and pastel-colored buildings ornate with bright Azulejos tiles, Portugal is quickly becoming a sought-after rehab destination.
It’s not just the landscape and culture that draws people to addiction treatment in the country. Here, you can find unique therapeutic approaches, including ibogaine treatment. Influenced by their warm culture, many centers have a home-like atmosphere supported by inviting staff. This level of comfort is especially important if you’re tentative about going abroad for treatment.
Portugal has mild weather, which can be a welcome change for people living in colder or hotter climates. Winter temperatures stay at around 16 °C (or 61 °F). Come summer, the region enjoys warmth and sun without the sweltering heat. Some cities, like Lisbon and Porto, have 11 hours of sun during the summer months.
Temperate climates can be good for your mental health.1 Research on temperature and self-reported mental health conducted in the U.S. revealed that humans are most comfortable in 16 to 21° C (or 60 to 70 °F), and the probability of self-reported mental health struggles increases in both colder and warmer temperatures.
Beautiful, Therapeutic Landscapes
Voted the top country to visit2 by Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2021, Portugal’s natural landscape is nothing short of stunning. Stretches of mesmerizing coastline border the country’s west. Inland, you’ll find striking mountains in the north, peaceful rolling hills to the south, and charming cobblestone towns that dot the areas in between.
According to a study published in the American Medical Association’s JAMA Network Open Journal, this abundance of nature can aid addiction recovery3 in several ways:
Many private rehabs in Portugal emphasize connection to nature by making the most of the country’s tranquil greenscapes. In the historic town of Quinta das Lapas, Dianova Addiction Recovery Centre sits on a 10-acre property surrounded by countryside. Residents live in a Portuguese-style home with lush baroque gardens nearby. The center takes a multidisciplinary approach to addiction recovery and highlights the importance of outdoor activities and their green surroundings.
2. Rich History and Warm Culture
Portugal is culturally vibrant, brimming with rich history. From Arabic-influenced Moorish castles to gothic-style monuments, each of its cobbled-street cities is picturesque in its own right.
Many rehabs in Portugal make use of their proximity to culturally significant locations. Dianova Addiction Recovery Centre offers guided tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the breathtaking baroque and neoclassical palaces found in Quinta das Lapas.
If exploring new sites sounds inspiring, the good news is that it can also be good for you. Travel delivers mental health benefits7 which can support your recovery process. Psychologist, researcher, and author Dr. Todd B. Kashdan explains how travel can strengthen skills like emotional regulation: “exposure to foreign travel [is] linked to a greater ability to direct attention and energy, which helps us function effectively in diverse situations and display appropriate verbal and nonverbal signals of emotion… you become tolerant and even accepting of your own discomfort and more confident in your ability to navigate ambiguous situations.”
Attending rehab in another country can also foster deeper human connection6 and feelings of wholeness. It opens you up to new ways of communication. Portuguese culture is known as easygoing and friendly. This translates to what you’ll find at rehabs there, and many centers emphasize their cozy, home-like atmosphere.
Heritage Counseling Clinic, in the historic town of Sintra, has made the client-staff connection an integral part of their treatment program. “Everything was designed so that the relation between patients and staff can flow naturally, ensuring that [you] can experience rapid integration.”
Tabula Rasa Retreat, which offers ibogaine treatment in Portugal’s Alentejo region, highlights their family-style environment and supportive team as a core component of their holistic approach.
3. A Menu of Treatment Options
Several luxury rehabs in Portugal have holistic addiction treatment programs. These programs include a balance of psychotherapy, holistic therapies, experiential therapies, and more. We explore common therapies offered at centers in Portugal, plus treatment that isn’t yet available in the U.S.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT is one of the most common forms of evidence-based psychotherapy. It’s based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, behavior, and physiology are interconnected. By changing our thought patterns, we have the power to change our emotions and behavior. Several empirical studies point to the efficacy of CBT,8 with some psychologists calling it the “gold standard of the psychotherapy field,” as published in the Front Psychology journal. Many rehabs offer CBT to help treat addiction and mental health issues like treatment-resistant depression and anxiety.
Group Therapy Group therapy is led by 1 therapist – or a co-leader for bigger groups – and usually involves 5 or more participants, depending on the rehab’s intake numbers. This type of therapy allows for dynamic conversations and moments of reflection. The support network it offers often empowers people through their healing process. Simply knowing others are going through similar struggles can help you feel understood, activating parts of the brain associated with reward and social connection. These feelings could be amplified during group therapy abroad, when you see that people from different cultures share your struggle.
Family Therapy Family is foundational to Portugal’s social structure. Several rehabs in the country offer family therapy. With the rise of telehealth for addiction treatment, it’s now more common for rehabs abroad to provide virtual sessions so family back home can participate. For some people, family inclusion is an important part of recovery. Family therapy can give you a better understanding of your unique family dynamics and interpersonal relationships. Substance abuse often impacts an entire family system – this form of psychotherapy is intended to help everyone involved heal. This can result in stronger family resilience and ties. The interpersonal skills you learn in family therapy can also be applied to other relationships in your life.
Holistic Therapies
Physical Activity The significance of physical exercise for addiction treatment9 has been well documented: collective studies show that exercise can “reduce compulsive patterns of drug intake in clinical and at-risk populations.” You’ll often see some form of exercise included in most private rehab programs. With Portugal’s temperate weather and sunny summers, many rehab facilities offer outdoor physical activities when possible. Heritage Counseling Clinic’s program includes outdoor yoga and chi-kung. Meanwhile, Casa da Oliveira holds water activities in their outdoor pool during summer.
Ibogaine-assisted therapy is a type of alternative treatment usually delivered in a short-term residential facility. It involves administering ibogaine, a naturally occurring psychoactive alkaloid extracted from the iboga shrub native to West Africa. In small doses, it acts as a mild stimulant. In larger doses, ibogaine induces a dream-like state. This experience, when overseen by treatment professionals, serves as a potentially effective therapy for substance use disorder or other mental health diagnoses, like depression.
Research on ibogaine-assisted therapy for addiction treatment has been promising. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) observed the long-term effectiveness of ibogaine11 and found that “a single ibogaine treatment reduced opioid withdrawal symptoms and achieved opioid cessation or reduced use across the one year study.”
While ibogaine-assisted therapy isn’t yet available in the U.S., you can travel abroad for treatment. Countries like Mexico and Portugal have addiction treatment centers with ibogaine therapy. Tabula Rasa Retreat in the Alentejo Region of Portugal offers this therapy as part of their holistic approach to treatment. There, ibogaine therapy is administered in a monitored, safe environment by experienced medical professionals and is supported with complementary therapies like breathwork, massage, meditation, and more.
Tabula Rasa Retreat in Portugal’s Alentejo area offers ibogaine treatment in a charming, safe home-like environment.
4. An Abundance of Activities
Portugal’s temperate weather allows for outdoor experiential therapies and activities year-round, like equine therapy, rappelling, and sightseeing. Experiential activities teach you new skills and can show you it’s possible to find joy in other interests. You may even discover lasting hobbies in the process.
Equine therapy Equine-assisted therapy involves therapeutic work with horses, led by a professional guide or therapist, to help treat addiction and mental health disorders. It’s offered at several treatment centers in Portugal including Tabula Rasa Retreat in the Alentejo Region, Heritage Counseling Clinic in Sintra, and Dianova Addiction Recovery Centre in Monte Redondo.
Rappelling Portugal’s unique landscape is dotted with mesmerizing, tall cliffs, lending itself well to activities like rappelling. Rappelling is a form of therapeutic climbing (TC) where you descend the face of a rock in a harness with a fastened rope to help guide you down. Some mental health benefits of therapeutic climbing13 (TC) include reduced symptoms of depression and improved psychological well-being. At Heritage Counseling Clinic, rappelling is combined with a unique cultural experience: the rappel site offers views of some of Portugal’s most well-known heritage castles.
Sightseeing Standing among century-old structures and heritage sites is linked with mental wellness,14 including improved mood and a deeper sense of citizenship among groups of people that share commonalities. The good news is, there’s no shortage of sightseeing in history-rich Portugal. At some rehabs, like Dianova Addiction Recovery Centre, you’re taken on guided tours of UNESCO Heritage palaces. For many people, addiction is isolating. These kinds of cultural experiences may foster a deeper sense of connection with the world, and other people, around you.
Portugal is home to stunning heritage sites, like the famous Palacio Nacional da Pena in Sintra.
5. Accessible and Easy to Get Around
Portugal has 3 international airports in Lisbon, Faro, and Porto, and 4 smaller airports for domestic travel. A majority of U.S. airports have flights to Lisbon, with direct flights from some of the U.S.’s biggest international airports. Almost every major European city offers direct flights to Lisbon too.
Many rehabs offer airport pick-up services once you’ve landed in Portugal. While getting around the country is easy, with a well-functioning metro system and rideshare apps like Uber, it may be too overwhelming to navigate travel in the midst of early recovery. It’s recommended to speak with your rehab’s admissions team and arrange to have someone guide you to the center once you’ve landed.
Embark On Your Recovery Journey in Portugal
Attending rehab in a different country can help you gain a new perspective on life. This can be incredibly impactful to someone’s recovery journey. It shows you a different way of living, which may help you feel more connected to others and the world around you. With so much history and heritage, Portugal isn’t just an awe-inspiring place to find recovery: it can help inspire powerful connections and feelings of wholeness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Portugal
How much does luxury rehab in Portugal typically cost?
Luxury rehab in Portugal typically costs under $10,000 up to $25,000 for a 30-day program without insurance. Cost can vary depending on factors like the duration of the program, level of personalized care, and amenities offered. It’s best to contact the individual luxury rehab centers in Portugal for accurate pricing information tailored to your needs.
What amenities can I expect at a luxury rehab in Portugal?
Luxury rehabs in Portugal offer a range of amenities:
• Luxurious, private accommodations • Gourmet dining • Spa and wellness facilities • Pool • Recreational activities
What types of therapies are available at luxury rehabs in Portugal?
Luxury rehabs in Portugal provide a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies. These may include individual counseling, group therapy, adventure outings, equine therapy, rappelling, historical site visits, and more.
Mindfulness is more than a buzzword. It’s also a powerful way to approach both physical and mental health. This collection of techniques can help ground you in the present moment, gently navigating even the most difficult thoughts and feelings. Because of its holistic nature, many clients choose to approach recovery using mindfulness practices.
Although it’s become quite popular in the past few years, mindfulness is an ancient practice. With roots in both spirituality and medicine, it may be helpful for those with a wide variety of interests. It is both versatile and deeply personal to each client. Perhaps because of this flexibility, more and more healthcare providers are finding ways to integrate mindfulness into rehab programs around the world.
What Is Mindfulness?
According to experts, “mindfulness1 means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens.” Clients learn to accept their internal emotional experiences, as well as their external circumstances, without judgment. By focusing on the present moment, you can avoid getting overwhelmed by painful memories or anxiety about the future.
This philosophy has a long and storied history, originating in Buddhism2 and Hinduism. Some experts believe that mindfulness also has roots in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.3 Wherever these practices began, we can be sure that it was popularized in part “through the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn and his Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, which he launched at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1979.”
Since that time, western medicine has used the principles of mindfulness to treat a wide variety of conditions, from chronic pain to PTSD. While these techniques depend on focus and awareness, that’s only the beginning. Igor Grossman, professor of social psychology at the University of Waterloo, explains that “scientific understanding of mindfulness4 goes beyond mere stress-relief and requires a willingness to engage with stressors…It is, in fact, the engagement with stressors that ultimately results in stress relief. More specifically, mindfulness includes two main dimensions: awareness and acceptance.”
Mindfulness means different things for different people. And it can be applied in various ways to achieve certain goals. For example, the techniques that help reduce acute cravings might not be effective in managing generalized anxiety. It’s also important to note that some of these practices are inappropriate for certain clients, and may even be detrimental. Make sure you speak with your providers before delving too deeply into any one of these strategies.
Mindfulness Techniques
Many people—whether or not they are in recovery—strive to become more mindful during daily life. This is a laudable goal, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. You may get better results from focusing on a regular practice that helps you hone your skills. Over time, you can start learning to apply those skills in other situations. When you’re just starting to practice mindfulness, there are many different techniques to choose from.
Meditation
There are countless ways to meditate. You might use an app, listen to guided meditations, watch videos, or simply learn to sit in silence. With some experimentation, you may find that some of these strategies are a better fit for you than others. Remember that meditation is itself a tool. There is no wrong way to go about it, as long as you stay focused on the process.
Residents at Siam Rehab in Chiang Rai, Thailand, are taught mindfulness techniques daily.
According to a therapist at Siam Rehab, everyone in recovery from substance use disorders “strives for inner peace. There are many ways to inner peace, but one thing that helps is meditation. We teach it every day.” This practice has the greatest benefits when performed daily. One study found that after 8 weeks of daily meditation,5 subjects exhibited “decreased negative mood states including decreases in mood disturbance, anxiety, and fatigue scores,” as well as enhanced attention and memory. These findings were not apparent in subjects who meditated daily for only 4 weeks.
This practice may also have powerful long-term health benefits. Preliminary research suggests that meditation may slow the brain’s aging process,6 simultaneously improving attention, memory, executive function, and even creativity. Some studies have also found that meditation can significantly reduce chronic pain.7 This may be especially helpful for clients in recovery from opioid misuse. Learning how to simply be present in each moment may help you make peace with even the most overwhelming emotions.
Mindful Breathing
Meditation isn’t appropriate for everyone. Some clients may have physical or mental health concerns that make it difficult for them to sit in silence. But everyone breathes. By simply focusing on your breath, even without changing its rhythm, you can ground yourself in your present physical experience.
If you’d like to deepen your relationship with your breath, there are countless styles of mindful breathing. Make sure to talk to your therapist before choosing a particular technique, as some of these may have unforeseen effects. When performed appropriately, these breathing practices can hugely benefit emotion regulation.8
Body Awareness
Centering yourself in your body can be extremely grounding. There are many ways to accomplish this. When you’re new to meditation, you might learn how to do a simple body scan,9 in which you bring your awareness to each part of your body, accepting how you feel in the moment. Some versions of this practice then ask you to release any unnecessary tension. As you relax, you may find that you also gain a greater awareness of your emotional state.
Some clients may prefer to engage in mindful movement, rather than sitting still. This could be as simple as doing a single stretch, or going for a mindful walk. During that practice, you might focus on the five senses: the sensation of your feet on the ground, the color of the leaves, the sounds coming from nearby or far away, and so on.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice, designed to promote both physical and mental health. Preliminary research suggests that this type of movement may have specific benefits for people in recovery from substance misuse. This is especially true for clients who are healing from the use of alcohol or opiates, and those at risk of relapse.
Yoga and other mindfulness therapies are integral parts of the addiction treatment program at Oro House Recovery in Malibu, California.
Because yoga approaches the mind and body holistically, it may help you begin to make peace with your own emotional experience. One study on the effectiveness of yoga in addiction treatment11 found that “the skills, insights, and self-awareness learned through yoga and mindfulness practice can target multiple psychological, neural, physiological, and behavioral processes.” By making these broad behavioral changes, you can develop the skills you’ll need to navigate life after rehab.
However, it’s important to note that general mindfulness may not be appropriate for all clients. Specifically, some meditation techniques may be triggering,15 to clients with PTSD. According to Dr. Willoughby Britton, associate professor at Brown University, “meditation can lead people to some dark places, triggering trauma or leaving people feeling disoriented.” Because of this, it’s very important to work closely with your therapist when you first begin these practices.
The Effect of Mindfulness on Recovery
Research suggests that these practices can be especially helpful for people in recovery from substance use disorders. In fact, meditation may be even more effective than other interventions at preventing relapse.16 They have noticeable neurological effects, and “may increase functional connectivity” between the areas of the brain that are involved in cravings and substance use. Ultimately, mindfulness17 has been shown to make substance misuse less reflexive, giving clients more control over their own behavior.
While the effects are more pronounced after long-term use, mindful meditation can be beneficial even after “a brief single training session,” finds a study on mindfulness for recovery from opioid addiction.18 People in recovery find that mindfulness benefits their psychological health:19 they experience a greater sense of well-being, decreased emotional reactivity, and greater equanimity when they engage in these techniques. With this sense of calm, it becomes far easier to make long-lasting changes.
Flatirons Recovery offers mindfulness-based addiction treatment among a serene setting in Lafayette, Colorado.
Making Meaning With Mindfulness
During recovery, part of the work is to imagine and then create a life you find meaningful. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily practice, you may become increasingly aware of your own emotional reactions to the world around you. Gently accepting these feelings can help you get in touch with your deepest needs, empowering you to make important changes.
These strategies can not only help during recovery; they may also improve your life in the long term. Even after you complete rehab, you continue implementing healthy habits to manage ongoing stress and avoid relapse.
Although mindfulness can be extremely beneficial, it’s important to proceed with caution. These techniques aren’t right for every client, and they won’t be appropriate for every situation you encounter. Make sure to engage in meditation, yoga, and similar work under the guidance of a therapist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mindfulness for Addiction Recovery
How does mindfulness help in addiction recovery?
Mindfulness promotes self-awareness, reduces cravings, promotes calm, and cultivates coping skills, enhancing the recovery process.
What are the techniques and practices of mindfulness in addiction recovery?
Mindfulness techniques include meditation, breathing exercises, body scans, yoga, and mindful awareness of thoughts and emotions.
Can mindfulness be combined with other addiction treatment approaches?
Yes, mindfulness can complement other treatment modalities, such as therapy, support groups, and holistic therapies, for a comprehensive recovery approach.
Experiential therapy lets you heal by doing. Taking part in activities during rehab encourages you to learn new skills, and it can be a lot of fun. But this therapeutic modality offers much deeper benefits. It’s also a way for clients to get to know themselves in different contexts, processing emotions they might not easily access during talk therapy.
When you think of therapy, you may picture a private or group conversation with a trained healthcare provider. That’s an important part of any inpatient rehab experience, but it’s not the only way to heal. Experiential therapy techniques can help you get out in the world, center yourself in your body, connect with your community, and tap into your innate creativity. In the safe and supported environment of rehab, clients can then process these experiences with a talk therapist.
For many people, this is a valuable way to work through emotional triggers. You’ll learn what does and doesn’t work for you, relating recent events to your personal history. Then you can set new goals for your next session of experiential therapy, gradually getting better at navigating new situations. There are many different types of experimental therapy, and depending on where you go to rehab, you may be able to choose from a wide variety of activities. It’s important to choose a type of therapy that will support your healing process.
Types of Therapeutic Activities and Expression
If you want to try experiential therapy, look for a rehab center that offers specific programs you’re interested in. If you find physical exercise to be especially healing, you might want to go rock climbing or river rafting. If you enjoy connecting with nature, you may prefer hiking or equine therapy. And if you find meaning in the arts, you can even visit museums while you’re in treatment. There are countless options available.
However, it’s important to remember that rehab is not a vacation. Not every experience will be available to every client, or at every facility. You can rely on your clinical team to help you decide which ones are a good fit for you.
Athletic Activities
Research shows that exercise has a positive impact on addiction recovery.3 It’s not only physically healthy; it’s also a way to remind yourself that you’re a capable person. By overcoming new challenges, you’ll create memories that remind you of your own strength. If you can literally scale a mountain, it may be easier to face the peaks and valleys of the recovery journey.
Rock climbing is one of the many athletic activities available at Sierra Tucson in Tucson, Arizona.
These experiential therapies aren’t just metaphors for your future success. In a practical way, they also give clients a break from talk therapy. By stepping into a new context, you’ll gain insights that just aren’t as accessible in talk therapy. Jerry Vaccaro, President of All Points North Lodge in Colorado, explains that these activities are intended “to help clients incorporate what they’ve just learned. If you think about it, if somebody who’s been through an intensive burst of treatment in a week goes skiing, that activity allows them to unplug and process what they’ve just been through and enjoy themselves.”
Adventure Therapy
Many people approach recovery as a spiritual journey. And in the right context, experiential therapy can be a transcendent experience. Residents of White River Manor, in South Africa, are invited to go on safari. As Giles Fourie, Director and Co-owner, describes it, “safaris through the Kruger National Park are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a lot of people. To experience wildlife in its natural habitat is so unique and so special. It’s liberating. It’s almost spiritual in nature.”
Guests at White River Manor in South Africa have the opportunity to partake in unique experiences like a once-in-a-lifetime safari.
And if South Africa isn’t right for you, there are other places to find adventure. At The ‘Ohana, in Hawaii, clients visit “the famous volcano of the island. They will tour the rim of the volcano as well as visit lava tubes. They will be immersed into nature; connecting to the earth and the power which it holds. Clients will experience a therapeutic group session along their journey as they reflect on how things are constantly changing. Volcanoes beautifully illustrate the process of rebuilding and reshaping.”
Looking into a volcano can be a spiritual experience for anyone, whether or not they’re in recovery. Having these experiences surrounded by your cohort, and supported by staff members from your rehab program, is an extremely powerful experience. These adventures offer you a new perspective on your own life, as well as on the world around you.
Art Therapy
Many people misuse substances in order to avoid dealing with negative emotions that they’re afraid to feel or express. The creative outlet of art therapy allows you to engage with those feelings without being subsumed by them. In this modality, clients “use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings.” This engaging, cathartic experience offers clients new tools for self-expression.
After inpatient rehab, it’s important to find healthy, sustainable ways to fill your time. Ideally, you’ll replace past behaviors with new activities that you find meaningful. For many people, art is the answer. This practice is both versatile and accessible—art therapy may include visual art, music, writing, or psychodrama. Once you return home, you can continue any of these activities, either on your own or in community.
Art isn’t just for artists. There’s great value in the act of creation, whether or not you intend to share your work in public. Preliminary research has even found a correlation between creativity and self-esteem.1 Art therapy is an opportunity to not only learn a new skill, but also to learn more about yourself.
The Philosophy Behind the Experiential Approach
Any activity, from adventure outings to ziplining, can be an opportunity for emotional growth. Dr. Ryan Drzewiecki, Director of Clinical Operations at All Points North Lodge, says, “the way you do one thing is the way you do everything—or at least, there’s something to learn from the way that you experience everything. So we periodically pause during activities and say, ‘What’s going on for you right now? What are you noticing?’ And we’re able to use that as a therapeutic opportunity to look at what’s happening.”
Experiential therapy engages different parts of the brain,2 and can be extremely beneficial when combined with other modalities. You’ll also have the opportunity to apply your insight from talk therapy in a new environment, and often in group settings. This way, clients can practice not only making safe choices, but also building healthy relationships. Even if you go off-site, everything you do during rehab takes place within a protected, supported context. Think of experiential therapy like riding a bike with training wheels. You’ll be exposed to new stimuli, and you’ll probably be a little uncomfortable. There’s a lot to learn from that discomfort. And you can trust that your therapists and support staff will be there to keep you on track, even if you get triggered.
Not every therapeutic modality is right for every client, and it’s ideal to find activities that best suit your learning style.4 According to one popular theory, there are four major learning styles: visual, aural, verbal, and kinesthetic. If you’re a verbal learner, for example, you may want to focus on talk therapy instead of learning martial arts.
However, you may be surprised to see which types of therapy suit you best. Rehab is a time to get to know yourself better than you have in the past and let go of negative preconceptions. As you reconnect with your most deeply held values, you just might get excited to try new things.
Limitations of Activity-Based Treatment Techniques
It’s important to note that experiential therapy isn’t right for everyone. For example, many people arrive at rehab with post-acute withdrawal symptoms. These clients may not be ready for strenuous activity, or even to go off-site with a group.
On the other hand, you may prefer a program without any group activities. Some clients, especially celebrities and high-level executives choose to attend private rehab facilities which treat only one client at a time. These facilities may offer adventure therapies, but that context won’t allow you to learn about group dynamics in quite the same way.
Experiential therapy is absolutely not a substitute for talk therapy. These excursions are valuable for many reasons, not least of all because you can return to talk therapy afterward and process your experience. This is true before, during, and after rehab. Joining a rock climbing gym is a great idea for some clients, but it should be combined with some sort of clinical care.
What This Means When You’re Choosing a Treatment Program
Finding the right kind of experiential treatment is a very personal process. Some people may benefit from stepping outside their comfort zones, trying exciting new activities they’ve never had access to before. Others may want to hone a skill, or return to a hobby they once loved. There’s no right or wrong way to choose an activity to focus on; there’s just the right way for you.
As you look into rehabs, be mindful of what type of treatment you find in various locations. Your preferences may also inform the geographical area of your program. If you live in Texas and want to go skiing during rehab, for example, it probably makes sense to travel to a new place.
It’s quite common for rehab facilities to only offer certain experiences to certain clients. You may be required to complete part of the program before you can participate in off-site outings. For example, Futures Recovery Healthcare offers a number of programs for people with different needs. Clients in their adventure therapy program, Rise, take part in a 10-day on-site stabilization program before joining other activities.
Rehab is an opportunity to make big changes. And in order to change the way you feel, you’ll almost certainly begin by changing what you do. Rather than just setting down old behaviors, it’s important to refill your time with activities that give your life purpose. Cultivating that sense of fulfillment makes recovery more sustainable. What you do in experiential therapy may or may not become your new favorite hobby: you might just discover that you hate surfing, and get excited to return home to the Midwest. Regardless, each of these experiences serve to teach you more about yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Experiential Therapy
What is experiential therapy in rehab?
Experiential therapy is a therapeutic modality that encourages healing through hands-on activities and experiences. It goes beyond traditional talk therapy and allows clients to engage in activities like rock climbing, equine therapy, or art therapy. These experiences help clients learn new skills, process emotions, and gain insights in a different context, leading to deeper personal growth and self-discovery.
How does experiential therapy benefit addiction recovery?
By engaging in physical activities and adventures, such as athletic activities or adventure therapy, people in recovery can boost their self-esteem, develop resilience, and gain a new perspective on life. Art therapy, for example, provides a creative outlet for self-expression and exploring emotions. These therapies complement talk therapy, helping clients develop healthy coping mechanisms and build stronger relationships.
How to choose the right experiential therapy for rehab?
When choosing an experiential therapy for rehab, it’s important to consider your interests and preferences. Look for rehab centers that offer specific programs aligned with your goals, such as outdoor adventure or music therapy. Discuss with your clinical team to determine which activities are suitable for your healing process. Remember, not every therapy is suitable for everyone, and it’s essential to find activities that resonate with your learning style and contribute to your overall well-being during the recovery journey.
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.
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
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 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
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
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 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?
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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