Bali fast becoming a haven for addiction recovery
BALI might be well known for its party nightlife, but the island is also beginning to bloom as a centre for drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres where you’ll find thriving, clean and sober communities of both expats and locals who offer each other support and friendship.
A quick search in Google on alcohol rehab in Bali will result in dozens of rehab centres offering addiction-recovery services and therapeutic communities.
There are some practical reasons why the island is gaining popularity for drying out and cleaning up beyond its strong spiritual roots and stunning natural beauty. The cost of drug and alcohol rehab in Australia, the United States and Europe make it financially out of reach for many and the added anonymity of travelling to another country is a big attraction for those who want to keep their private life exactly that.
Rehabilitation centres in Bali offer a range of programs, with by far the most popular being 28-day options in group facilities, which include an initial detox period followed by rehabilitation including counselling, exercise regimes and getting started on a 12-step program. Almost all rehab centres work closely with their local AA and NA (Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous) groups and take clients to reg- ular meetings.
Bali-based American rehabilitation expert Alice Dill Prasetyoko, who has 23 years of sobriety and experience in both US and Southeast Asian treatment facilities, said people were all different and so were their recovery needs.
“It’s important to take into account individual needs and tailor-make a person’s recovery path around them. Not everyone can afford unlimited time away from the office, be offline and out of contact,” she said.
The success rate for those attending rehab centres in Bali and staying off drugs or alcohol for the initial 28 days is high compared to other areas.
Jakarta expatriates are also trading their party trips to Bali for time away from the city to overcome addiction problems.
An ex-Jakarta expat who asked to remain anonymous said life in Jakarta was not easy and relocation could be stressful. She said that at first she was terrified of admitting to having a problem but once it was out, the relief was immense.
“I am now five months sober after my initial recovery in Bali and I have never looked back. My life has changed beyond recognition, I am happy and I have the respect of family, friends and peers,” she said.
She didn’t want to attend a group facility, so she took a private rehab in The Lighthouse Bali Rehab in Sanur, which offers personalised programs.
“I could actually keep working too and was able to keep my phone and laptop. I had an amazing team around me who also helped me with getting back into daily living,” she said.