Frequently Asked Questions
It's normal to feel apprehensive about attending rehab in Thailand. Here are honest answers to the questions we're asked most often.
Making the decision to attend rehab is difficult enough. Doing it in another country adds a layer of uncertainty. We've put together the questions we hear most often from clients and families — and answered them as directly as we can.
Before You Arrive
Practical questions about travel, visas, and what to expect
Yes. Unlike some other affordable rehabs in Thailand, all our guest rooms are private with king-sized bed and en-suite bathroom. You'll have air conditioning, a personal fridge, and everything you need to feel comfortable during your stay.
Yes. A member of our staff will greet you at the terminal and make your journey to our center as stress-free as possible. You'll be transported to our facility by private vehicle. Airport pick-up and drop-off are included in the treatment fee.
Most nationalities get a free 30-day visa exemption on arrival. This can be extended for a further 30 days once you're in Thailand. Passport holders from most countries are also eligible to apply for a visa before leaving their home country.
We can advise you on visas, and you can also contact the Thai Embassy in your country of residence before arrival.
We strongly advise it. While it's unlikely you'll encounter problems in Thailand, accidents can happen and being prepared makes sense when you're outside your home country.
Most countries have direct flights to Bangkok. From there, you'll take a short one-hour connecting flight to Chiang Mai (CNX). There are frequent flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai throughout the day, so layovers are typically short.
If you need help with the journey, we also offer a professional travel support service.
To ensure you get maximum benefit from the treatment program, we restrict internet and phone use during the day to minimise distractions. You can keep your tablet and laptop to use in your room, where you'll have wifi access in the evenings. Phone use is permitted with approval from the clinical team.
Our Treatment Center
What life at One Step is actually like
No more than any other area of life. People dealing with addiction come from every background — teachers, lawyers, parents, athletes, office workers, tradespeople, business owners, and young adults still finding their way. You'll likely find people you genuinely connect with.
Family involvement in treatment has been shown to improve recovery rates, so your loved ones are encouraged to be part of your recovery process. Our optional Family Program can be attended by family members, where they learn how best to support you after treatment.
Visits can be arranged with approval from a lead counsellor. That said, we recommend minimising visits so you can concentrate fully on treatment.
Yes. We have a designated smoking area at the center. Smoking is not permitted inside rooms.
Very unlikely. Mornings are for group therapy and physical training. Afternoons include one-to-one counselling or massage, with downtime by the pool or working on assignments. Evenings feature additional groups — yoga, meditation, breathwork — and then free time until lights out.
Weekends are about getting out into the community: excursions to national parks, temples, local attractions, and more adventurous activities for those who want them. See the treatment schedule for a typical week.
Not unless you tell them. This is one of the advantages of doing rehab in Thailand. In many Western cities, it's possible to be spotted coming and going from city-centre clinics. Our center is far removed from your daily life.
When you return, you can tell people whatever you're comfortable with — a holiday in Thailand, a fitness retreat, or learning Muay Thai. That's entirely your call.
Our admissions team is happy to answer anything we haven't covered here. No pressure, no obligation — just an honest conversation about your situation.
Get in TouchThe Treatment Program
What treatment involves and how it works
That depends largely on how hard you work. What we find is that people who give it a genuine effort usually stay sober. But even for those who don't, there are often significant improvements in mental and emotional health.
We provide the tools to stay sober, ongoing support after you leave, and a detailed discharge plan. Many clients say the money they spent on treatment was the wisest investment they ever made.
No. While we do offer some optional 12-step meetings (such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous), attendance is entirely voluntary. Nobody is going to pressure you about religion or spirituality.
We believe that outdoor and fitness therapy is an important part of the program that supports better treatment outcomes. But activities are tailored to all fitness levels — your current condition, any mobility issues, and any injuries are all taken into account.
Nobody is expected to run marathons. Even gentle movement, swimming, and walking contribute meaningfully to physical and mental recovery.
Very unlikely. We have a 97% completion rate. Everyone is nervous when they first arrive, but that usually changes within the first week. By the time you leave, most people feel like they've made a brand new family — connections they keep for years afterwards.
We recommend a minimum of 28 days, but research consistently shows that longer stays produce better outcomes. A second and third month allow the clinical team to deepen therapeutic work and prepare you properly for life outside the center.
See our treatment duration page for more on this, or talk to our admissions team about what makes sense for your situation.
Costs & Payment
Transparent answers about pricing and what's covered
Month 1 costs $8,500 USD, Month 2 costs $7,500 USD, and Month 3 costs $6,500 USD. The fee covers accommodation, all therapy sessions, meals, activities, and aftercare. See our pricing page for full details of what's included and what isn't.
It's difficult to find quality treatment for less anywhere in the world. We keep costs low by being owner-operated — no expensive board of directors, no unnecessary luxuries. The focus is on what actually helps people recover.
If cost is a concern, talk to our admissions team. We can discuss your options honestly.
The fee covers all counselling sessions (group and individual), private accommodation, all meals, fitness training, yoga, meditation, Muay Thai, therapeutic massage, weekly excursions, airport transfers, and aftercare.
Not included: flights, visa extensions, nutraceutical supplements, medication, and personal expenses. If you need a medically supervised detox from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids, this is arranged through our partner clinic at additional cost.
No. The only additional costs are visa extensions and treatment for unforeseen medical issues. If you need hospital-based detox (for opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines), we arrange this with our partner facility at a small extra cost. Aftercare beyond what's included is also charged separately to keep residential treatment rates as low as possible.
Reach out for a confidential, no-obligation conversation. Our admissions team responds within 24 hours and is happy to address anything on your mind.
We'll respond within 24 hours