Treatment of drug addiction in Phuket Island Rehab
About the clinic
Phuket Island Rehab in Phuket, Thailand, offers a professional residential program for the treatment of drug addiction. The facility is licensed by the Thailand Ministry of Public Health, meeting international safety and quality standards for recovery care. The clinic reports an 85% success rate for clients who stay in the program for more than 30 days.
Multi-Phase Recovery Program
The program follows a structured path to help patients overcome physical and psychological dependence. It begins with a medical detox phase that lasts between 3 and 14 days. During this time, patients receive 24/7 medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. The full residential stay options include 28, 60, or 90 days depending on the severity of the addiction.
The clinical team uses specific medications to help manage cravings. This includes buprenorphine for opioid recovery and naltrexone or acamprosate for other substance needs. These medications support the brain during the early stages of sobriety.
Expert Medical Leadership
The center is led by Dr. Ponlawat Pitsuwan, a licensed physician in Thailand and a specialist in addiction medicine. As the founder and Medical Director, Dr. Pitsuwan oversees all clinical protocols. The team also includes Dr. John A. Smith, a physician and addiction counselor with over 15 years of experience. Dr. Smith focuses on trauma-based care, helping patients address the underlying emotional issues that lead to substance use.
Therapy and Holistic Support
Recovery involves several evidence-based therapy methods to change behavioral patterns. The clinic provides several types of psychotherapy, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify triggers.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation.
- Trauma-focused therapies like EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
- Motivational interviewing to build personal commitment to change.
Physical wellness is integrated into the daily schedule through various activities. Patients participate in mindfulness meditation, yoga, and strength training. The tropical setting allows for outdoor therapy such as Muay Thai, swimming, and beach walks to help restore physical health.
Long-Term Relapse Prevention
To reduce the risk of relapse, the facility provides a 12-month aftercare program. This includes weekly video check-ins for the first 3 months after leaving the clinic. This continuous support helps patients transition back to their daily lives while maintaining their sobriety. You can request a consultation for a personalized recovery plan through Bookimed.
Highlights
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Treatments prices in the clinic
| treatment | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment of drug addiction | Price on request |
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Phuket Island Rehab: more details about the clinic
Clinical Achievements and Standards
The facility is recognized by the Thailand Ministry of Public Health. It is among the few licensed addiction and mental health centers in the country. The clinical team reports an 85% success rate for clients who stay longer than 30 days. Most patients travel from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and continental Europe.
Addiction and Mental Health Specializations
The clinic treats a variety of substance use disorders and process addictions. Specialists manage alcohol, opioid, cocaine, and methamphetamine addictions. The facility also addresses behavioral issues like gambling and internet addiction. For patients with dual diagnoses, the team builds mental health support into the primary recovery plan.
Alcohol recovery uses Phase 3 Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Physicians prescribe evidence-based options like naltrexone and acamprosate. The clinical team tailors MAT based on co-occurring conditions and medical history. This includes informed consent and genuine engagement with the recovery plan.
For PTSD and trauma, the clinic offers several evidence-based psychotherapy options:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy
- Stress Inoculation Training (SIT)
Dr. John A. Smith, a physician with 15 years of experience, specializes in these trauma-focused approaches. All programs undergo clinical review by founder Dr. Ponlawat Pitsuwan, an addiction medicine specialist.
Residential Treatment Phasing
Care follows a structured residential pathway lasting 30, 60, or 90 days. Phase 1 covers assessment and detoxification during the first 14 days. Specialists provide 24-hour nursing care for safe, medically supervised withdrawal management. Protocols are substance-specific, with dedicated paths for opioid and benzodiazepine detox.
A full medical work-up is required upon arrival. The team performs vital-sign checks, electrocardiograms, and blood tests for organ function. Refeeding monitoring is available for clients with co-occurring eating disorders. Assessment tools include the SCOFF questionnaire and the Binge Eating Scale.
Holistic and physical therapies complement clinical treatment to support long-term wellness:
- Mindfulness meditation and yoga
- Muay Thai and strength training
- Swimming and beach walks
These activities are part of the daily schedule. They improve physical fitness and mental clarity.
Support for International Patients
International care begins with a free confidential assessment call. The clinic offers private rooms with Wi-Fi, a desk, and a private bathroom. Facilities include a swimming pool, lounge areas, and dining spaces with chef-prepared meals. Aftercare planning begins before discharge to reduce relapse risk.
The structured twelve-month aftercare program provides ongoing support once patients return home. It includes weekly video check-ins with a therapist for the first three months. The team also connects patients with recovery communities and offers medication management guidance. For those unable to travel, an Online Rehab Program is available through telehealth.
Additional services
Patient reviews
James Baio
Paul Croft
Neo Masekwameng
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Jon Søbben
Niko Sikelianos
Matthew Barry
Ernst Flügel
Joseph Zammit
Connor
32, 23 Sakdidej Road Cape Panwa, Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
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How it works:
- We find a medical coordinator familiar with the matter
- You get a personal offer with a step-by-step guide and the cost estimate
- We arrange your travel including appointment scheduling and flights booking
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