A Guide to Trauma-Informed Care in Thailand Addiction Treatment Centers

Are you considering addiction treatment at one of Thailand’s many addiction treatment centers? In recent years, this tropical destination has become more and more popular for people with addiction problems who want professional support without the expense of addiction care in Western countries.

But while these centers are often knowledgeable in certain aspects of addiction treatment, Thailand addiction treatment is sometimes not as effective as it could be, due to the lack of trauma-informed care. In this blog, we explore what trauma-informed care is, and let you know why it is so important for addiction treatment, whether you go to Thailand or any other country for treatment.

If you believe your addiction problems are related to trauma, Yatra Centre can help you, so long as you have already been through detox, or are using a substance which does not have withdrawal symptoms. Contact +66 96 916 3287 to find out more.

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach to healthcare, counseling, and social services that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma and emphasizes the importance of creating safe, supportive environments for people who have experienced it. 

At its core, trauma-informed care operates on six key principles:

1. Safety: Ensuring that environments are physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe for people. This involves clear communication, consistent boundaries, and sensitivity to triggers.
2. Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building trust through honest, respectful interactions and maintaining transparency about decisions that affect people.
3. Peer Support: Encouraging connection with others who have experienced similar challenges to foster a sense of community and shared understanding.
4. Collaboration and Mutuality: Valuing input from the individual receiving care and working together in a way that recognizes their strengths and autonomy.
5. Empowerment, Voice, and Choice: Supporting people with trauma in reclaiming control over their lives by honoring their choices and encouraging self-advocacy.
6. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Sensitivity: Recognizing the diverse impacts of trauma across cultures, identities, and histories, and adapting care to be inclusive and respectful.

Trauma-informed care shifts away from asking, “What’s wrong with you?” to a more compassionate perspective of “What happened to you?” This allows Thailand addiction treatment centers with trauma-informed care to better understand the root causes of behaviors or symptoms without judgment, helping to prevent retraumatization. 

This approach benefits not only people who have experienced trauma but also creates a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. It emphasizes resilience and recovery, focusing on the person’s strengths rather than their deficits. Incorporating trauma-informed care into any system has proven to enhance outcomes, improve relationships, and build pathways to healing. 

How Thailand Addiction Treatment Centers Fail Clients With Lack of Trauma-Informed Care

When addiction treatment centers do not incorporate trauma-informed care into their program, there is the risk of a plethora of problems which can affect clients negatively.

Focus Solely on Addiction

One of the biggest missteps in Thailand addiction treatment is treating addiction as an isolated issue without addressing the underlying trauma that often drives it.

Without addressing trauma, likelihood of relapse remains high, as the core issues remain unresolved. At Yatra Centre, we help our clients dive into and heal their trauma, which can significantly reduce relapse rates and improve long-term treatment outcomes.

Failure to Create a Safe Environment

Some centers have rigid rules or punitive measures that can feel unsafe to people with histories of trauma. Other centers demand their clients engage with a 12-step program while they are receiving treatment.

While 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous can be beneficial for many people with addiction problems, if you have severe trauma you may find meetings and the literature which goes with them triggering.

Lack of Staff Training

Trauma-informed care is impossible without staff who are trained in this approach. Unfortunately, Thailand addiction treatment centers often do not train their staff on how to work with people with trauma. This can lead to staff minimizing clients’ experiences of trauma, or responding with frustration instead of empathy to trauma-related behaviors.

Using One-Size-Fits All Treatment Plans

Many of the Thailand addiction treatment centers have large numbers of clients receiving treatment at one time. This effectively makes it impossible for these centers to individualize treatment.

At Yatra Centre, we only work with a maximum of seven people at any one time, meaning we truly can tailor care to your specific needs. We find that this type of care can make a big difference when it comes to long-term treatment outcomes.

Why Yatra Centre can be Ideal for People With Addiction 

Yatra Centre offers a uniquely supportive and effective environment for recovery for people facing addiction problems that do not involve substances with severe withdrawal symptoms. Our focus on holistic healing and trauma-informed care makes us an excellent choice for addressing the root causes of addiction, beyond just the symptoms.

A Trauma-Informed Approach to Healing

Unlike traditional Thailand addiction treatment programs that often only scratch the surface, at Yatra we address the underlying trauma that often drives addiction. 

Yatra’s therapists are trained in methods like Internal Family Systems and EMDR, which helps people with trauma process and release their trauma in a safe and supportive setting.

Individualized Care Plans

Every person’s journey with addiction is unique, and Yatra Centre tailors its programs to meet those specific needs. This flexibility ensures you receive care aligned with your goals and challenges.

Building Long-Term Resilience

You will leave our centre with tools for emotional regulation, stronger interpersonal skills, and a deeper understanding of your trauma, empowering you to sustain recovery in the long term.

If you are seeking a compassionate, holistic approach to overcoming addiction and do not need to do a medical detox, we offer you a nurturing space to heal and transform. For more information on how we can help you overcome the trauma that may be driving your addiction, contact us on +66 96 916 3287.