DARA Thailand
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DARA, which stands for Drug and Alcochol Rehab Asia, is committed to providing an affordable, drug and alcohol treatment program in a Thai tropical island paradise. DARA has two locations in Thailand in the cities of Chanthaburi and Koh Chang, both of which are considered 'rehab resorts' in combining the tranquil setting with cognitive behavioral therapy, components of the 12-step philosophy, and SMART Recovery methods. DARA believes in a holistic approach and provides its clients with a long list of amenities.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Free confidential assessment
- Affordable solutions
- Comprehensive program
- Numerous amenities
Free Confidential Assessment
Among the many benefits of selecting DARA as a drug treatment center, one is that it provides a free confidential assessment to all prospective clients. In fact, there are toll-free numbers that will connect you with DARA's customer service representatives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. DARA's admissions counselors are available by telephone, email, or even Skype to further discuss program inclusions and corresponding fees.
Affordable Solutions
DARA claims to be one of the world's most affordable, luxury treatment facilities. It states that many clients find it more cost-effective to fly to Thailand for its 4-week program rather than to seek treatment in their own countries. The 4-week program is subsidized by the founders of DARA taking it from $15,000 to $6,995. This would be an extremely inexpensive luxury vacation, let alone one where you receive addiction treatment as well. This feature makes DARA a compelling option regardless of your current location.
Comprehensive Program
The addiction treatment program at DARA Thailand includes individual counseling, educational workshops, stress management, and group sessions, along with relapse awareness groups. Dara combines therapy with fun through the additional features it offers. The program also takes a holistic approach and provides meditation, group fitness training, art therapy, group sports, water sports, massages, and excursions.
Numerous Amenities
Unlike other drug treatment facilities, DARA allows the use of cell phones, iPads and other technological devices, except during counseling sessions and classes. Other center facilities and amenities include a 20 meter pool, tennis court, badminton court, theatre room, free Wi-Fi, meditation center, gym, computer stations, open-air dining and more. The centers also offer weekend excursions to tropical forests, waterfalls, fishing villages, and beaches.
The Bad
- Limited pricing online
- Few insurances accepted
- Location
Limited Pricing Online
DARA shares its pricing for its 4-week treatment program which starts at $6,995 per person. For more luxurious accommodations, for the same length of time will cost you $13,990. Pricing for the 8-week and 12-week treatment programs are not listed on the company's website. If you'd like to learn more about the longer lengths of stay, then you will need to contact the company directly.
Few Insurances Accepted
While DARA does accept insurance, it is considered an in-network provider for five insurance companies listed on its website. Those insurance companies include, AXA, Cigna, GeoBlue, HTH Worldwide, and International SOS. This may be a downside if your insurance company is not one of the listed. Keep in mind that the DARA rehab program is already fairly affordable without insurance, compared to other treatment facilities of the same standard.
Location
If you are looking for an exotic escape and don't mind traveling to Thailand, then DARA could be a really great option for you. However, if you are concerned being away from loved ones and the potentially lengthier travel times, this is something to consider when evaluating DARA's treatment centers.
The Bottom Line
DARA Thailand provides a tranquil option for those seeking a drug or alcohol treatment program. Although based in Thailand, DARA accommodates English speaking clients and boasts a 92 percent completion rate. While amenity-rich, it is an affordable rehabilitation option. If you don't mind traveling to Thailand, then DARA should meet your drug treatment needs. However, if you're hoping to receive insurance coverage, DARA only accepts insurance from five insurance companies.
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User Reviews
Star Rating
8 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Everything was awesome...food, massages, accommodation. Met some amazing people and I believe Dara has a gift of choosing unbelievable counsellors . Dara has not only changed my life, it has SAVED my life. Thank you! P.S. If you had jetski's it would be a perfect ten! :)
Dara has done a wonderful job for me! There is no doubt in that. From the first moment I arrived in Koh Chang I was met with a positive feeling. There is an overall sense of healing there. The programme is in itself a great treatment option for most people even the ones seeking wellness. Dara's dedicated staff would make any place feel good. I am thankful to Dara for every sober day i have ahead of me, without them i would never have gotten clean. Huge shout out to Ham, his unrelenting fitness regime showed me what structure in life really means.
DARA helped me identify the two things I needed most to transform my life away from addiction...First, they helped me get to the root cause of my substance use. By understanding why I used, I could tackle those issues once and for all and then make choices about NOT using. Second, they helped me develop a road map for re-integrating into the 'real world', post-rehab. They armed me with the tools and techniques for successfully dealing with the cravings and 'dangerous situations' that can't be avoided in life. Because of DARA, I am now both sober AND clean. It's a helluva lot of work, but the result can be expressed in two words....LIFE CHANGING. If that's what you seek, you can find it here.
Topic groups cover knowledge needed to promote recovery. The office staff are friendly and efficient. The meals incredible and staff hospitality welcoming. Counselling is a valuable experience. DARA is a positive environment, I have gained an amazing amount of knowledge, and made friends with inspirational people.
I don't understand the negative reviews. When I was at DARA the only people that complained were those who expected to be spoon fed their recovery – which begins with the addict, not the counsellor. I had an incredible experience and found the staff fantastic. They treat you like an adult and expect you to behave in kind. I tried to explain my time in rehab But they won't know, know, know… When I got back, I said it was whack But they say so, so, so They don't get the time, Not like the new friends of mine… I tried to explain my time in rehab But they won't know, know, know I'd rather be at process But I ain't got another 28 days And there's nothing I can teach them They need Nadine, Luke and Ray…. I didn't always get to class But I learnt joy don't come in a shot glass My friends said “do you think you're different back here?” I said “I got no idea, I don't wanna, wanna lose my sanity So I always keep my note book near” They said “I just think you're depressed” ‘Dis Nadine “yeah baby, and the rest.” I don't ever want to drink again And I sure, sure do miss my friends And while we spent those weeks Don't expect everyone to assume you're on the mend But now I have my pride I know who I am inside I tried to explain my time in rehab But they won't know, know, know… When I got back, I said it was whack But they say so, so, so They don't get the time, Not like the new friends of mine… I tried to explain my time in rehab But they won't know, know, know
When I left DARA, I felt the best I had, In a very long time, I wasn't sad, I felt strong in my mind, and emotionally, I walked out of DARA, a complete new me. ---- There was a time, I would use, There was a time, I'd abuse, The drugs and, dangerous alcohol, I lost my respect; and my soul. I was at a point of, desire straights, Even though I had, lots of mates, I just couldn't seem, to control myself, And I was losing, all my weath. I had almost, lost it all, My life had been, 1 big ball, Now it had got, really bad, I just woke up, really sad. I decided to go, change my life, And get myself, out of strife, I then found DARA, on the net, This is a choice, I won't regret. DARA was the best choice, I had made, All their counselors, came to my aid, Changed my life, and how I thought, And it was a new life, that I sought. When I left DARA, I felt the best I had, In a very long time, I wasn't sad, I felt strong in my mind, and emotionally, I walked out of DARA, a complete new me.
Dara provided me with an opportunity to pause and reflect on my life, which was invaluable in enabling personal improvement and self development. Set in a uxorious setting Dara also focuses on stress management, physical well-being and spiritual growth. I owe you my life guys! Thank you so much!
I was a returning client, and had a very good experience there in 2014, staff were professional and experienced. However, latest return in late 2015 the place had changed significantly, staff very poorly skilled, and uninterested, mainly non western staff. No structure or rules, and very unsafe practices. Most of the clients had no respect for the management who were clueless and more interested in themselves, or last nights activities. A lot of clients were drinking and using. I will not be returning if I ever need follow up, as the place has become tarnished.