Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and was named for Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington. Māori oral tradition posits that Kupe, a legendary Polynesian explorer, discovered and explored the region in the 10th century.
Today, the wider metropolitan area has a population of around 441,000 people. The city has a primarily service-based economy with a focus on finance, business services, and the film industry.
Like the rest of New Zealand, substance misuse is also present within the population. There are some drug and alcohol rehabs in Wellington that can help people, and we will discuss them here.
However, in Malaga, Spain is Sierra Recovery, a world-class treatment facility that can also offer a different path to recovery.
Rehab Programmes Near Wellington
Because of the need for treatment in and near the capital, there are several rehab programmes that residents can turn to. These programmes include:
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment is a programme wherein a person voluntarily checks themselves into a treatment centre. In this form of care, they receive 24/7 support and monitoring. Patients in this type of care will participate in various treatments to overcome alcohol or drug addiction.
Inpatient treatment is the highest form of care available for addiction or mental health disorders. Patients will live in the treatment facility, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t have any free time. These facilities often have amenities such as game rooms and gyms so patients can enjoy themselves when they’re not in treatment sessions.
This form of treatment is most suitable for those who have severe addiction or mental health disorders. People with severe concerns may not be able to recover otherwise.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is a more flexible form of treatment. In this programme, patients will go to individual and group counselling sessions during the day, but they’ll return to their homes when those treatment sessions conclude. Depending on their specific programme, they’ll either spend all day in treatment or they’ll schedule their sessions into their day-to-day lives.
These programmes can be quite attractive as they allow a person to get the treatment they need without requiring them to put their life on hold by checking into a residential facility. However, while they can be appealing, they’re best suited for those with mild to moderate disorders or those who’ve already completed inpatient drug or alcohol treatment and need aftercare.
Types of Treatment in Rehab
Detox
Detox is the first part of addiction treatment. It’s focused on clearing drugs or alcohol from the patient’s body. However, this can result in withdrawal symptoms as a person adjusts to the absence of illicit substances. These symptoms can range from uncomfortable to potentially life-threatening.
Because of the risks involved, detox is best done in a medical facility or rehab centre. Under medical supervision, healthcare professionals can closely monitor patients, manage their withdrawal symptoms, and provide ongoing support to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Mental Health Treatment
Not everyone who goes to rehab does so for addiction support. Some people go to rehab to receive specialised care for mental health symptoms. Mental health rehab offers a range of therapies designed to help individuals healthily manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life.
Treatment plans are personalised to address the specific needs of each patient, with goals focused on improving emotional wellness, building effective coping methods, and long-term mental stability.
Dual Diagnosis
Some individuals experience both addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges simultaneously, as each condition can contribute to and worsen the other. This means that a person will have to seek treatment for both.
Dual diagnosis is designed to address both issues simultaneously. These programmes help individuals uncover the root causes of their struggles and build healthy coping strategies that can help them keep their symptoms and addictive compulsions under control.
By treating mental health and substance use disorders at the same time, dual diagnosis offers a more complete approach to recovery, as an incomplete approach can leave a person vulnerable to relapse.
Holistic Treatments
Holistic therapies are aimed at healing the whole person and not just their symptoms. They’re often used alongside evidence-based therapies and can be vital in treating both addiction and mental health disorders.
These therapies can be instrumental in helping patients develop life skills that can help them stay focused on their recovery and prevent a relapse.
Therapies and Modalities
Various modalities can be used in treating substance abuse and mental health issues. Cognitive behavioural therapy is one of the most versatile treatments available, and it’s used to help patients identify and change the thoughts that contribute to their issues.
Dialectical behaviour therapy can be used to help patients manage strong emotions without resorting to unhealthy behaviours.
Trauma can be at the root of many disorders, so Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy can be used to process traumatic memories. Motivational interviewing can resolve ambivalence and empower patients to want to change their behaviour.
How Much Does Rehab Cost in Wellington?
The cost of rehab in New Zealand can be difficult to determine as different centres will charge different fees based on the scope of their treatment and how luxurious they are. Private luxury facilities can charge around $17,000 or more for 30 days of inpatient treatment.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction in New Zealand
Drug or alcohol addiction is not just a problem in the capital city but across New Zealand as a whole. Across the country, there are about 720,000 adults who have a drinking problem, according to the 2023/24 New Zealand Health Survey. That same survey also reported that 1 in 12 adults had six or more beverages on a single occasion weekly.
4.8% of respondents also indicated using ecstasy or MDMA at one point that year, which is up from 3.6% in 2018 to 2019. 2.4% of adults reported using cocaine during that same period, which is up from 1.5% in 2018 to 2019. Furthermore, 3.1% of adults reported using hallucinogens.
These numbers are indicative of a rising trend of drug use and underscore the need for rehabs to protect the health and wellbeing of people in the country.
Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Wellington
Because there is a need for treatment in the city, there are some drug and alcohol rehab centres in Wellington. These treatment facilities include:
Red Door Recovery Limited
Located 40 minutes outside the city, this centre uses the ‘therapeutic whānau,’ which includes low patient numbers in residential and non-clinical settings. Their website features all the information needed to get to their facility.
Pathways
They offer alcohol and other drug services to communities throughout Aotearoa.
Salmond House 57 Vivian Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, NZ
Free Addiction Treatment in Wellington
In addition to the rehabs in Wellington, there are also other treatment options that can help residents with substance use disorder. These include:
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA is a worldwide fellowship made of and for people who struggle with alcohol use. They pioneered the 12-step model, and their services are free of charge.
Narcotics Anonymous
NA is a similar fellowship to AA. The primary difference is that instead of alcohol rehabilitation, their efforts are aimed at helping people overcome drug use.
Is a Private Rehab Centre the Best Option?
Private rehab treatment is often the best option for people with substance use and mental health concerns. One reason is that a private facility will have greater resources and fewer patients.
Staff members at private rehabs will also handle fewer patients, so they won’t have to spread themselves thin. This means that each patient who seeks private support services will get higher-quality care.
This is not to say that there is no place for free resources such as the aforementioned AA and NA. However, overcoming addiction will often require greater support than what free resources can provide. They can be a starting point, but they can’t be the only resource in a recovery journey.
Why Choose Us Over Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Wellington?
While there are drug and alcohol rehabs in Wellington, there are still various benefits to coming to Malaga, Spain, to seek treatment. Some of the benefits of coming to us include:
Price
A luxury rehab centre can be quite expensive. However, in Spain, we can offer luxury accommodations and world-class treatment at a cost-effective rate. This can make us a better value proposition, even after the cost of airfare.
Distance from Circumstances
Another reason to come to us is that the distance between New Zealand and Spain can keep you away from the circumstances in your life that may contribute to substance use. This way, you can focus on your treatment programme and learn how to deal with these circumstances.
Decades of Experience
Our English-speaking team is made up of experienced professionals. The treatment that they offer is backed by more than 30 years of combined clinical experience. This means that you can rest easy knowing that you’re getting the best care possible.
Rustic, Isolated Facility
Our facility is located in the mountains of Malaga and is surrounded by nature. This serene environment can help you relax, which can make you more receptive to recovery. The isolation can also keep you from being distracted by the outside world.
The Location
Another benefit of coming to Malaga is Malaga itself. The region has roughly 300 days of sunshine annually and has a subtropical climate. This can be incredibly relaxing and help make you more receptive to your treatment.
Discretion
Addiction is not something to be ashamed of, but there may be people in your community who will make you feel that way. By coming to us, you can seek confidential alcohol and drug rehabilitation without worrying that these people will judge you.
What to Expect in Rehab
The first thing that a person can expect in rehab is a comprehensive evaluation. This will help a treatment team determine how to best help someone meet their recovery goals.
People in rehab will also have a structured schedule that includes multiple treatment sessions a week. This structured schedule can help them develop discipline and find stability.
Many facilities will also have amenities, as patients will not spend the entirety of their time in rehab receiving treatment. The treatment in rehab will consist of group therapy and individual counselling. They may also participate in holistic therapies such as equine therapy.
What Happens After Rehab
What happens after rehab is that a person continues to focus on their recovery while rebuilding their life. A person may join a support group and find a therapist so they can continue getting treatment while they live their lives.
They may not return to their lives all at once. They may slowly reintegrate into their communities by going home, waiting a few weeks, and then going back to work once they feel they are ready. Transitioning back quickly may be overwhelming and could potentially trigger a relapse.
How to Get to Our Rehab Centre
There is quite a bit of distance between New Zealand and Spain, so there’s only one way to travel between the two countries, which is by flight.
Wellington to Malaga
- Flying: To fly to Malaga, start at Wellington International Airport. From there, a flight can take between 35 to 41 hours depending on the number of stops in between.
Choose Us Over Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Wellington
Addiction involves the loss of control. People who struggle with it have almost no ability to resist their compulsions. But it doesn’t have to be that way. At Sierra Recovery, we want to empower you to develop the skills you need so you can take control of your life and leave addiction behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is rehab in NZ?
It varies from person to person, but treatment typically lasts between 14 to 90 days with the option to extend based on your needs and resources.
What medication is used to stop drinking?
There are medications such as Disulfram that may be prescribed to make drinking alcohol physically unappealing.
What are the steps to be taken for rehabilitation?
It starts with intake and assessment, moves on towards detox, then therapy and counselling, and finally, aftercare and continued support.
Can I quit drugs on my own?
In theory, it is possible. But withdrawal symptoms may make quitting on your own unsafe, so it’s best to find a treatment programme.
Do addicts ever change?
Yes, with a determined effort, an addict can change their behaviour.
What is the most successful treatment for addiction?
Cognitive behavioural therapy can be effective for addiction and can be even more potent when combined with medication.
