The Cabin’s Addiction Treatment Method
Our inpatient addiction treatment method is comprised of a modern, intelligent, physical and holistic programme for which we are highly commended amongst the medical community globally and includes the following elements:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), providing a highly personalised approach tailored to the individual’s specific addiction treatment needs.
- The 12 Steps are explained through a series of workshops using ‘secular’, or non-religious language to better suit our diverse clientele.
- Mindfulness meditation is used as an evidence-based way of treating mental and emotional health disorders such as anxiety and depression which co-occur with addiction.
- The core addiction treatment programme is augmented by tailored physical therapy.
Recovery Zones – The Cabin’s Principal Addiction Treatment Method
Recovery Zones is a method that combines the evidence-based techniques of CBT, but retains the time-tested structure of 12 Step therapy and the benefits and support of their fellowships and resources. The programme is conducted by Western-trained and licensed professionals with vast experience in addiction treatment. At The Cabin, we use the Recovery Zones because it is an easy way to combine the best elements of CBT, 12 Steps and Mindfulness Meditation into an integrative approach to addiction treatment.
Below, we take you through the three recovery zones for a better understanding of how our addiction treatment method works.
Active Zone
We place anything which has become compulsive and destructive for us in the Active Zone. Any substances or processes in this zone we would then abstain from. It is important to acknowledge that the goal of treatment is to become completely free of destructive processes and substances on an ongoing basis. Abstinence is the goal of treatment. However, many people move towards this ultimate goal at a different pace and some people need more help than others. Each client is different with regard to how and when they become abstinent. Also, there may a limited cases where complete abstinence in not possible, for example some clients may need on-going medication to help them with their substance dependence or co-occurring disorders such as depression.
Danger Zone
The Danger Zone is where we define behaviours which might lead us back to active addiction.
- Triggers – things which activate us or make us want to behave in an addictive way.
- Negative Self-Talk – Ways we talk negatively to ourselves inside our heads.
- Unmanageable Feeling States – Unnecessary negative feelings like shame and anger.
- Ineffective Behaviours – Things we do which are maladaptive (not good for our survival or well-being).
Recovery Zone
The Recovery Zone is all the things we need to do to achieve health and well-being. The list of things we can do to achieve this is really any healthy and positive behavior that contributes to you staying in recovery but usually includes things like exercising and eating correctly, attending fellowship and other support meetings, building positive relationships with friends’ and family, actively avoiding triggers and supporting others in recovery.Mindfulness and The Recovery Zone
Mindfulness is a meditation style which originated in SE Asia but which is now very popular around the world in psychological health settings (link). It has been used widely by health services in the West to treat depression, anxiety and PTSD, and is now gaining ground as an effective treatment for addiction. Mindfulness concentrates on:- Slowing Down – becoming more aware of our thoughts and our body movements/sensations.
- Urge Surfing – The ability to see through cravings by assimilating the addictive thought into the meditation practice,
- Body Scanning – Also known as progressive relaxation. This is an aspect of mindfulness which greatly aids relaxation and sleep, which aids recovery from addiction.
One on One Therapy
One on one therapy sessions will always be conducted with your dedicated case manager who will remain with you from the beginning to the end of your treatment. They will help you work out your Recovery Zones and share it in group sessions.
Group Therapy
We have group therapy twice a day six days a week, plus evening workshops which are every night of the week.Group Therapy is utilised in our residential rehab addiction treatment method because not only your counsellors, but also your peer group, have a profound effect on your recovery. It is the main difference between residential treatment and community outpatient treatment/counselling. In a residential setting like rehab, your peer group enables you to see more of your issues than you would otherwise, and the dynamic of working through your issues with others “in the same boat” is proven to be more effective than battling it alone.
Mindfulness Therapy as Part of The Cabin’s Addiction Treatment Method
The biggest obstacle to overcoming addiction is fear – fear that you cannot change, fear that you will give into your cravings. Mindfulness therapy – made up of mindfulness meditation and yoga practice – is a key aspect of The Cabin’s addiction treatment method because of its proven effectiveness in dealing with cravings and negative emotions or moods.
In addiction treatment, mindfulness meditation and yoga have been scientifically proven to:
- Reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol – a key trigger for addicts
- Strengthen the immune system through increasing interleukin levels
- Increase energy levels
- Improve the body’s ability to rid itself of toxins, including lactic acid
Our mindfulness coaches are certified instructors who have trained with some of the world’s leading meditation and Yoga gurus; and possess vast experience in helping addicts achieve recovery through these practices. They work with our clients to design a personalised practice regimen that includes Yogic practices, lifestyle routine and recommendations that create balance, wholeness and ultimately help achieve a state of wellbeing and contentedness.
Aside from physical and mindfulness therapies, the most comprehensive aspect of our addiction treatment method is our integrative counselling model called ‘Recovery Zones’. Read more
Why is Physical Therapy included in Addiction Treatment?
Physical or fitness therapy is an important and beneficial part of our effective method of addiction treatment. Exercise enhances an individual’s physical well-being and helps them to build strength while in rehab.
Regular exercise increases endorphins and has been proven to reduce cravings. Cardio exercise in particular is linked to neurogenesis (growth of new brain cells) which is thought to elevate mood and therefore offset depression and other mood disorders.
At The Cabin Chiang Mai, we offer the following physical therapy options as part of our addiction treatment method:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Personal training
- Mountain biking
- Aqua fitness
- Body combat
Each of our clients is provided with a customised programme tailored to their individual tastes and requirements, and it is augmented by a full mindfulness therapy regimen to enhance the recovery process.
Detox Prior to Treatment
Before beginning our addiction treatment method, some clients may also need detoxification due to physical dependence on addiction substances. Safe withdrawal can also be conducted onsite.
Treating Trauma and Co-occurring Disorders
Some of our clients experience trauma or PTSD symptoms as well as addiction. We provide an evidence based therapy called EMDR for treatment of these conditions.
For those suffering from other mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression or mood disorders, we can offer treatment for co-occurring disorders and addiction simultaneously.
Addiction Treatment Services Offered
One Month Accelerated Programme / Two Month / Three Month Recovery Programme / Tailored-duration Programme
- Treatment is available for substance addiction as well as behavioural addictions such as gambling addiction, food addiction, sex addiction and internet addiction.
- Aside from regular consultation with the doctor-in-residence, clients are attended to by counsellors (group and individual therapy) as well as support staff.
- Physical Therapy will be conducted by our excellent and experienced team of fitness instructors who have an in-depth understanding of the fitness issues faced by addicts.
- Family Treatment Programme that involves and educates the family of the client about addiction and recovery.
- Regular excursions are conducted to places of interest as well as off-site activities and sports. Chiang Mai, being a popular tourist destination, offers a plethora of such options.
- Concierge services are provided by the in-house Thai receptionists.
- All meals are fully catered for in-house and include a wide range of popular Thai as well as international cuisine.
Our weekly programme reflects our diverse addiction treatment method as it is varied and dynamic creating a lifestyle for our clients which is both interesting and exciting and conducive to their recovery.