The Treatment

Now it is up to you. You have got this far. It is important for you to know what to expect from this programme. There are four phases to it: Assessment, Preparation, Treatment, New Life. Each phase is important to the overall success of your journey. Each phase is designed to move you forward from the place you find yourself in today, towards your new life. It is vital that you consider all three phases and if you choose this path, commit to each phase in order to get most benefit from this particular path.

PHASE 1 – ASSESSMENT

When you first contact East-West Detox, you will be given a comprehensive assessment to establish

  • Motivation for both this particular treatment, and commitment to major life change
  • Suitability for all aspects of this treatment programme
  • Physical and mental health
  • Risk assessment

PHASE 2 – PREPARATION

It is important that you are as prepared as possible for this journey. It is not an easy option. It requires you to journey into the unknown and the unfamiliar and to trust in the process and in your own ability to complete. You need to want to do this for yourself; not for anyone else. In order to help you, there are several tools available:

  • Videos/DVDs – BBC documentaries
  • Books for reading and meditation
  • Ex-users’ support meetings
  • Counselling
  • Life Coaching
  • Design of an individual Care Plan – one that works just for YOU.

PHASE 3 – THE TREATMENT PROCESS

Following arrival at Thamkrabok Monastery the procedures are as follows:

  1. All new arrivals are processed through the Clinic Reception Centre.
    1. Admission forms are completed and signed (these should be prepared prior to departure).
    2. All valuables are taken for safekeeping.
    3. All clothing is taken and stored, treatment clothing is issued.
  2. All new arrivals are required to take their vows. These vows are recited in Sanskrit, which will be translated into English before they are taken.
  3. For the first five days you are restricted to one room. This room holds up to thirty addicts undergoing the primary herbal treatment.
  4. Each addict is allocated sleeping area; a sleeping mat and blanket will be provided. (However, we suggest you take your own blanket and recommend a double sleeping bag liner or cotton sheet folded and sewn to form a liner).
  5. During the treatment all male addicts are required to remain in this room and are expected to behave themselves. Should they become violent or aggressive they are likely to be restrained. During the stay in this room no outside contact is permitted. This area is off limits to visitors except the escort that has accompanied the addicts to the Thamkrabok Monastery. All addicts having made a commitment to complete the programme are required to do so regardless of how much they may object. If you promise to stay for 28 days then you are expected to remain at the Monastery for a minimum period of 28 days.
  6. Treatment commences with the first issue of herbal medicine. This is taken in a group of new arrivals, generally in the early evening with the moral support of other addicts that have recently completed the treatment. The treatment induces projectile vomiting for five to ten minutes, which is used to purge the body of toxins.
  7. The second to fifth herbal treatments are taken on consecutive days at 5.00 pm each evening. Most people do not engage in much activity during the first 5 days.
  8. Thai style meals are provided throughout your stay at Thamkrabok. However, you may experience a lack of appetite during the first five days. This is normal and not a cause for alarm, as your appetite will soon return.
  9. Each day all addicts are taken for an herbal steam bath (sauna), this is an integral part of the treatment and is continued for a further seven to ten days after the completion of the herbal medicine treatment.
  10. After the herbal medicine treatment you are then relocated into the compound. This is a larger area where you have more freedom to move around. Should you misbehave in the compound you are liable to be returned to the room.
  11. All addicts are provided with vouchers to purchase food and drinks from the canteen inside the compound, where they remain until their discharge after having successfully completed the full treatment programme.
  12. Upon discharge you will travel directly to Bangkok International Airport with your escort to return home free of your former addiction.
  13. On their return home ex addicts are required to follow a sensible nutritious diet regime for a least two to three weeks to give their bodies an opportunity to adjust to the changes brought about by their treatment at Thamkrabok. This includes the following requirements:
    1. Minimise taking caffeine in any form, tea, coffee and cola should be avoided.
    2. Alcohol should not be taken in any form.
    3. Avoid very cold or very hot drinks of any kind.
  14. Conditions at Thamkrabok are primitive and despite the advice given to addicts prior to their arrival most are shocked at the living conditions encountered. It must be stressed that the Thamkrabok Treatment Centre was established to treat Thai nationals and the facilities provided are poor even by their standards. What would be considered acceptable conditions of personal hygiene are difficult to maintain and remain the personal responsibility of each individual addict.
  15. In response to criticism of the conditions it must be stated that Thamkrabok is not a Holiday Camp or a Resort. It is the most successful Drug Detoxification Clinic in the world despite the poor conditions that exist. Nobody is admitted to Thamkrabok without their being advised of the prevailing conditions and having a need for the services that it provides, which can be summarised as a release from their addiction with far less withdrawal symptoms than normally experienced.

PHASE 4 – NEW LIFE

This is where your work truly begins.

When you leave home and make your way to the Thamkrabok Monastery, you are an addict. As you return home to all that is so familiar, you will very quickly come to appreciate that you have changed physically. The addiction, the physical craving and the need for a hit are not there. But nothing else has changed. All that you turn your back on as you head for the Monastery will be there when you return.

Your family, your addicted and non-addicted friends, your workmates, yes and even your supplier will be there. The supplier will do his level best to get you started again on your former addiction. Even a couple of freebees to start with, or, “No problem, pay me later.” There is no way he wants to lose your business. Will you be strong enough to face him and say, “No thanks, that’s all behind me now”?

Those who love and support you will be watching your every move. “Going out? Where are you going? Can I come along with you?” Will you be able to handle it? It will be very difficult for you, and for those who love and support you. Maintain your commitment, and as the days unfold you will regain your full strength and resolve, and your self respect and dignity.

East West Detox offers a range of residential after-care support in various locations, throughout the UK. We are committed to helping you make the long term changes required to support your new lifestyle. We encourage people to seek out their life purpose and to develop it through training, work experience and personal development – supported by one of our coaches. Many people for example have used their experience, turning it around to help others in a variety of areas including addiction. A number have returned to Thamkrabok as support workers. Others as monks and nuns. Whatever you decide, the support is there for you.

But only if you truly want it.