Of all the challenges that Australians face, from the dangers of the outback to the brutal effects of climate change, one of the most difficult social challenges is the struggle with addiction that impacts millions of people every year. Whether you’re struggling with addiction yourself, or have a friend or loved one who is, there are resources and Australian Rehab facilities across the country designed to help set you on a path to sobriety and support you as you move forward into a new phase of life free from dependency.
To some, the idea of getting sober can be a daunting prospect. Luckily, Medicare, which covers most Australians, includes treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. Inpatient and outpatient options are available, as well as private, fee-paying, inpatient centres which are favoured by those who wish to go through their recovery with as much privacy as possible. Both inpatient and outpatient facilities have different pros and cons to them that might make one more appealing and valuable to you than the other.
Outpatient facilities provide counselling, therapeutic day rehabilitation, and non-residential withdrawal services, and are best for those who have ‘low risk’ lifestyles, stable housing, and good social support systems in place. Undergoing outpatient treatment can allow you to return home at the end of the day, gain regular in-person contact with your support system, and not go out of your local area to receive help.
Why consider finding treatment outside of Australia?
Attempting to recover from an addiction in a limited geographic area can make the treatment process all the more challenging. It gives you little room to separate yourself from your old life. That is why many will travel for rehab. Some individuals and families can travel thousands of miles to different climates, altitudes, and completely different ways of life. However the luxury rehab clinics in Australia are clustered in a few limited areas such as Brisbane, Nossa in Queensland and Byron Bay. Because of this many patients decide to look outside of Australia for treatment.
When there are so few options, it can make it hard to find a clinic, especially if the area you are in feels similar to where you are coming from. For many going into rehabilitation, receiving treatment in a new environment can be the difference between long-term recovery and relapse.
On the other hand, inpatient services can be beneficial as they allow you to remove yourself from the familiar surroundings which may make relapsing easier to do. Inpatient stays provide a supportive and caring environment, where you can fully focus on your recovery, both medically and through 1:1 or group counselling sessions, allowing for treatment of the biochemical addiction within the body, and the mental craving within the mind.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
