2nd July 2020 • Sticky Post

Addiction Treatment in the USA: Why Are So Many Addicts Looking Abroad For Treatment Options?

America’s drug problem has gotten exponentially worse in the past two decades. As the opioid crisis rages on, the USA has stubbornly clung to an outmoded and ineffective method of dealing with addiction and the addicted. Unlike many other first-world countries, who have followed Portugal in adopting an approach based on the principles of harm-reduction, America still takes a reactionary “zero-tolerance” approach to drug use. Staggering numbers of US addicts are incarcerated for drug offenses, and while the country is beginning to explore new approaches to dealing with its substance abuse crisis, significant change doesn’t appear to be imminent. 

As a result, the country has become a poster-child for the failure of the “war on drugs.” Their archaic drug policy comes under criticism from pundits, social scientists, think tanks, and politicians all over the political spectrum for squandering public funds, destroying lives, and failing to rehabilitate those afflicted by addiction. It’s obvious that change is long overdue, but bureaucratic inertia and a fraught political climate are stalling life-saving reforms. If you’re one of the thousands of US addicts looking for solutions, turning your gaze abroad may seem like the wisest approach.

Why Are American Addicts Looking To Portugal For Answers?

Portugal was in the midst of an epidemic of heroin addiction when they made the dramatic decision to embrace the principles of harm-reduction and decriminalize the consumption of all drugs. As one of the architects behind Portugal’s new approach explains it: “We realized we were squandering resources. It made much more sense for us to treat drug addicts as patients who needed help, not as criminals.” By removing the threats of prosecution and incarceration, Portugal has reduced the stigma surrounding addiction, and the number of addicts receiving treatment has increased by 60% since 1998. The results the country has achieved simply by treating addicts with dignity and viewing addiction as a health issue has caused countries such as Canada, France, Switzerland, and Germany to embrace harm-reduction. Portugal’s clear-headed, compassionate approach to treating addiction makes it an ideal destination for those attempting to overcome substance-abuse problems.

America offers some publicly funded drug treatment options, and there are privately run residential treatment facilities. These centers have the benefit of being close to home, but for Americans without comprehensive health insurance, the cost of effective treatment in a comfortable setting can be staggering. Luxury private facilities have rates rising as high as $100,000 per month! And if you’re looking for a publicly funded facility, you need to be prepared for wait times of approximately 18 months! The shortage of treatment beds and affordable facilities has pushed many addicts to the brink of despair. 

In theory, seeking treatment in these centers will not put you at risk of increased attention from the police or the stigma of being an addict in a society that views drug use very harshly, but if you’re living in a small community, word might still spread. If you’re looking to be treated with dignity and respect, experience compassionate treatment, and maintain your privacy, going abroad might be your best option. Drug addiction is still viewed harshly in America, with studies finding that addiction carries more stigma than mental illness. In many communities, the addicted are still seen as criminals who have succumbed to a “moral failing” rather than sick people in need of medical treatment. If you’d prefer to be treated as a person, rather than a junkie, as you begin your recovery journey, you might want to consider seeking treatment in Portugal!

Why look at Addiction Treatment Options Abroad?

1) Environment

Leaving an environment full of familiar stressors and temptations can have a beneficial effect in treatment. And traveling abroad can bring a profound sense of relief and relaxation. Portugal is a picturesque country with a lovely Mediterranean climate. It’s dotted with quaint villages, ancient ruins, majestic castles, and miles of beautiful coastline. And there are few regions better suited to recovering your health than Portugal’s sun-drenched Alentejo region. A land of rolling hills and vast plains, the Alentejo offers visitors the opportunity to recover their health and connections to the natural world by riding horses, watching birds, stargazing, hiking and cycling. Many visitors are especially appreciative of the temperate climate, peaceful lifestyle, and delicious regional fare. All while enjoying a rehab facility that rivals a luxurious resort or hotel for a fraction of the cost of treatment back home. You’ll disconnect from a toxic environment and share amazing new experiences with people from all around the world!

2) Privacy

While increasing numbers of people are coming to the understanding that addiction is a medical issue, there is still a significant social and professional stigma that comes with seeking treatment for substance abuse. If you head to Portugal, it’s easy to tell friends, family members, and colleagues that you’re off on a much-needed vacation and avoid awkward conversations and prying questions. There’s also no risk that someone will spot you emerging from a clinic or support group meeting and start whispering.

3) Promising Treatments Unavailable At Home

We’ve written a lot about the undeniable power of ayahuasca and iboga to combat the addictive properties of opioids and other drugs and to open the addicted mind to the idea of a positive transformation into sobriety. Because Portugal has decriminalized all drugs, promising treatments that cannot be obtained in a safe medical setting in America can be accessed here with the supervision of health-care professionals. If you think a treatment that uses a psychoactive substance is your best option, we’d strongly recommend getting away from the United States, where strong anti-drug laws put you at risk of prosecution and incarceration. Iboga has been considered a “Class 1” drug in the United States for decades. Although the government has occasionally expressed interest in exploring medical use, and in spite of the tremendous power the substance has shown to combat opioid addiction, its legal status is unlikely to change at any time in the near future.

In spite of our belief in iboga’s remarkable ability to interrupt addiction, we would strongly advocate against using it in regions where draconian laws force its use underground, creating potentially fatal health risks.

4) Easy Intake

When you’ve reached rock bottom, a treatment center that can quickly start the process of detox and recovery can be a life-saver. The prospect of waiting eighteen-months for the in-patient treatment you need can be a heart-breaking, motivation-sapping roadblock. America’s drug programs are underfunded, one of the main reasons why the majority of US addicts are pushed into outpatient treatment programs. Treatment centers abroad can immediately start the intake process, allowing you to strike back at your addiction when you’re feeling hopeful and motivated. This can make all the difference in the world! 

Iboga Tree Healing House

At Iboga Tree Healing House, we have a unique ability to accommodate clients from around the world with our welcoming, open-minded, and international staff.. You’d be hard-pressed to find a treatment center more committed to the safety of their clients than Iboga Tree Healing House. We’re also deeply committed to maintaining a supportive and non-judgmental environment for facilitating recovery and personal growth.

In addition to offering iboga treatment, we also provide a wide array of holistic treatments, including breathwork, kundalini yoga, equine-assisted therapy, kambo, and more. All of these practices are extremely beneficial for re-energizing both body and spirit to pursue recovery. In combination with our ten-hectares of outdoor space, large terraces, and outdoor swimming pool, we let nature remind our clients to be grateful and receptive to new horizons and second chances. We have many testimonials from people around the globe who’ve benefited immeasurably from experiencing our addiction treatment in beautiful, sunny Portugal. If you’d like to experience treatment abroad, don’t hesitate to get in touch!