A 12 Step Alternative

In the USA more than 90% of treatment is AA based. The disease model is widespread and free in many instances. But popular does not, necessarily, mean best. If you have little money then the 12 step programme offers a free resource and I am glad that it is there. In the UK the National Health Service now send drug addicts for treatment using CBT and Brief Solution focused therapy as it is seen as a more pragmatic and effective solution.

In SE Asia there is only one CBT Programme available, Channah Thailand.

We offer an alternative to the 12 steps. If you do not want the label of alcoholic or the burden of a lifetime’s illness then Channah’s Cognitive Behavioural Residential Programme could be just the type of programme you are looking for.

We work on the following principles

1. Addiction is not a disease

2. No one has to admit they are 'powerless' - factually one is fully   responsible for their own condition

3. Drug & alcohol abusers lack the skills and abilities to end their abuse, skills they can develop with us

4. One can, and should, end their dependency to drugs / alcohol through their own efforts (we provide the support)

5. The person themselves are responsible for their situation and, therefore, their recovery

6. Participation in the process of gaining greater control, responsibility and knowledge of their lives will assist their own recovery

7. Drug / alcohol abuse is just one of the issues to deal with at Channah,; factually drinking and drug use is not the root of the problem, it's a symptom

8. Recovering is not recovered.

9. Lastly addiction, like a bad headache or heartache, has an ending

Our CBT Programme deals with root issues, not symptoms of these issues (like drug abuse). Properly, one can't address these root issues while on drugs or alcohol so we offer detoxification at the start of the programme. The very corner stone of improvement and greater ability is self control and accountability. With these corner stones in place, Channah has a foundation. Therefore our programme will help you build up skills, natural health, abilities and confidence in yourself.

Can you gain self control and accountability without some help or specifically from a CBT Programme? If there have been many private and public attempts to regain control of oneself and there have been failures, look at the writing on the wall. If one can't or won't change, getting help is recommended as things are out of control.

Help can be initiated by oneself or by the family/friends of the drug or alcohol user. This means one can ask for help. Look closely at the different options as your recovery will be dependent on which method of rehabilitation you participate in. If the rehab method doesn't meet with your agreement and understanding, do you think you'll participate in it? Your participation is required and expected in your recovery.

Channah Thailand is one alternative to the 12 Step approach that achieves excellent success rates. We currently have a 95% completion rate. Our Programme is based on becoming powerful again without drugs or alcohol. Do not think that this is an easy option though. You will work hard on your physical and emotional health. But we start from the moment you stop drinking or taking drugs by acknowledging you as a former user. And every day you continue takes you one day further away from your addiction.

There are no magic wands with CBT. We open doors for you but you have to walk through them. You can no longer justify your behaviour by saying that it is a disease and you are ill. You take full responsibility for your situation BUT you also take full responsibility for your recovery. And that gives you power and control.

If this sounds like good common sense then we may be the facility you have been looking for. Once you arrive in Thailand we will take care of all your needs from picking you up at the airport to getting you back there at the end of your programme. We don’t make you do chores but we do work you hard with a combination of 1:1 (more than any other facility) group work and physical training with a personal trainer. But it is not all hard work. We have a great movie room to relax in the evening as well as a range of facilities that would put some health spas to shame.

For more information about this alternative to the 12 Steps download our brochure and give us a call.