Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Austria

• Home
• Locations
• Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Austria

Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Austria

Rehabilitation is the name of both the process and the place in which individuals struggling with addiction are able to work through the effects of their addiction and work toward a sober future.

As a process, rehabilitation aids individuals in creating their own coping mechanisms and techniques for dealing with the long-term effects of addiction.

As a place, rehabilitation is the location in which individuals are aided in this process. It is also known as and shortened to rehab.

This article aims to explore and describe the process of rehabilitation, as well as focussing specifically on the rehabilitation services that are available in Austria.

Specific examples of rehab in Austria will follow at the end of this article, but it is first imperative that the process of and reasons for rehabilitation are understood.

What is the purpose of rehabilitation?

Any individual who is struggling with addiction – whether this is to a substance (as the primary focus of this particular article) or to a behaviour i.e., shopping, gambling etc. – should seek a suitable form of rehabilitation as soon as they are able.

This ability refers to both physical and mental factors; some individuals’ physical health or their denial of their situation may lead to delays in care.

However, in any case, these individuals should seek help sooner rather than later, as addiction is a disorder that can quickly and exponentially worsen over time. Attending rehabilitation is extremely beneficial at helping individuals to overcome the effects of addiction, as well as learning to deal with the long-term effects.

Addiction can never be truly ‘cured’, but with suitable and appropriate rehabilitation practises and applications, all individuals are capable of making a full and effective recovery.

Will drug and alcohol rehabilitation look different for every individual?

In terms of the specific treatments and therapies that an individual may attend while in rehab, these are unlikely to differ in terms of the actual treatments that an individual is receiving.

However, it is the content and motivation within these treatments that will differ massively from person to person as each individual will have different requirements for their care.

This may refer to the specific support that an individual needs, as well as the relevance of these treatments for their unique experience of addiction.

For example, many individuals struggling with addiction are recommended to partake in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) due to its flexibility in practice (1), but not every individual will have the same therapist, activities, or takeaways from these sessions.

The type of rehabilitation that an individual experiences may also be affected by whether or not they are attending rehab in a country other than the UK, such as Austria.

The three stages of rehabilitation

To have the best possible chance at a full and effective recovery, Rehab Recovery always recommends that individuals progress with the three stages of recovery.

These are as follows:

• Detoxification
• Therapy/treatment
• Aftercare

Following these stages with complete motivation, commitment, and the right attitude, individuals are far more likely to make a successful recovery when compared to those who do not progress through these distinct stages (2).

The following subheadings outline these different stages in further detail.

1. Detoxification

As the first stage of rehabilitation, detoxification is often one of the most important stages – though this can be argued for all of the three.

The effects of detoxification can last anywhere from 7 days to a year or more (dependent on the substance that the individual has been addicted to and for how long), making an appropriate detoxification session essential in the combat of long-lasting effects.

During detoxification (sometimes shortened to a detox) an individual will withdraw from the substance that they are addicted to. This involves stopping the consumption of the substance completely, either slowly and over time or as a sudden change. This is, again, dependent on the substance that the individual is addicted to.

Some substances, such as alcohol or heroin, are extremely dangerous to withdraw from all of a sudden, meaning that individuals often transition slowly, starting with a similar substance before progressing to less and less before eventually stopping completely.

2. Therapy/treatment

As the second vital stage of rehabilitative care, individuals are then encouraged to progress to the majority of treatments that they will participate in as a part of their recovery.

Where detoxification prepares the individual physically for the later stages of rehabilitation, the therapy/treatment stage prepares them mentally, helping the individual to overcome the mental health issues and root causes of their addiction through various forms of rehabilitative therapy.

As mentioned previously, CBT is a common therapy employed within the rehabilitative care field, though there are countless other forms of therapy that an individual will experience as a part of their rehabilitation journey.

The types of therapy and treatments available will also differ between care providers, with even more differing availabilities of treatment abroad.

If an individual is considering rehabilitation abroad in a country such as Austria, they should always ensure that they know exactly what makes up their treatment programme, and that this is something that is beneficial for them.

Consulting medical professionals or referral services such as Rehab Recovery are great ways to ascertain this.

3. Aftercare

As the final stage of rehabilitation, abroad or not, aftercare can have a duration equal to the individual’s needs.

This means that an individual who progresses through the three stages of rehabilitation will never be left completely alone after the completion of their therapy and treatment programmes.

Aftercare can also be as independent or supervised as the individual requires, meaning that there is a programme for everyone, and this can be tailored at any time.

As with all other stages previously mentioned, individuals must ensure that the rehabilitation programme that they intend to progress with consists of what they expect and that there are no surprises when it comes to actually participating in the programme itself.

The difference between inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation

As one of the first decisions that an individual can make as a part of their rehabilitation journey is whether or not they need to attend drug and alcohol rehabilitation on an outpatient basis or an inpatient basis.

In general, it is recommended that most individuals opt for inpatient rehabilitation. This is where an individual resides within a specialised or dedicated rehab centre, living within the centre throughout the duration of their care programme.

Due to the full-time and 24/7 support available, this is the most effective way of treating addiction, though it may not be suitable in every individual case.

Inpatient care is most often recommended for individuals with addictions to physically addictive substances such as alcohol and heroin, as these substances often have a more complex and dependent care programme.

Non-physically addictive substance addictions may require inpatient care, but an individual may also be able to undergo an outpatient rehab programme i.e., where the individual continues to reside at home and partakes in treatment programmes on a far less regular basis.

Why might someone choose to rehabilitate in Austria?

Choosing where to rehabilitate is a big decision, and this may be based on many different factors.

There are many different reasons why an individual would choose to undergo a drug and alcohol rehabilitation programme in Austria, for example.

In general, rehabilitation abroad is often only recommended in extreme cases where the individual may be unable to continue to reside in their home country safely, or where the individual may require additional privacy and/or safety measures when undergoing rehabilitation.

For example, individuals who are well-known for a variety of different reasons may opt for rehabilitation abroad, away from individuals who may invade their privacy or to shield others’ awareness of their situation.

Austria is well known for its breathtaking scenery, meaning that individuals may also choose this option if they are looking for a complete change in surroundings or a rich environment in which to recover and reflect.

Austria was also mentioned in a Drug Demand Reduction report, stating that Austria is one of the countries that is working toward reducing drug addiction and the impacts of it (3).

Examples of rehabilitation centres in Austria

The next five subheadings outline some of the most popular rehabilitation centres available in Austria, as well as some of the specialities, key facilities, and other notable features.

It is important to note that these descriptions are not complete guides to each of the centres mentioned and that individuals should do their own research and contact relevant information sources in order to ascertain whether this may be a suitable source of rehabilitation for their individual case if they are genuinely interested.

1. Therapiestation Erlenhof

This 22-bed centre offers beautiful hilltop views and offers treatment and care through a variety of different holistic and traditional treatment types.

Mentioned treatments include 12-step programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), as well as inclusive family therapy, allowing children and other family members on site to partake in group therapy with their loved ones, as well as individual therapy.

Despite the small staff numbers, this centre offers a variety of different treatment options, as well as a number of “extra-curricular” activities such as rafting and hiking in spare time.

Address: Erlenhof Therapy Station, Taubing 7, 4731 Prambachkirchen, Austria

Contact number: +43 07277 6913

2. Parachute Luxury Treatment

Located in Vienna, Parachute Luxury Treatment is a private luxury treatment centre specialised in helping those with drug addictions and their associated issues.

Specifying treatment to age, gender, and cultural differences, this treatment centre offers a variety of evidence-based methods, holistic treatments, and associated therapies.

This centre also has a strong focus on fitness and wellness activities, with all individuals attending the centre being assigned a specific staff member to work with them on a 1-to-1 basis throughout their treatment programme.

Address: Parachute Vienna Austria, Parkring 12, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Contact number: +432252254530

3. Schweizer Haus Hadersdorf – The Main House

This is a 12-bed residential centre with a team of multidisciplinary staff members who are trained in supporting those with substance use disorders.

Most individuals in this treatment centre will share either a 4-bed dorm or an 8-bed dorm, with only a limited number of private rooms available.

Treatment programmes offered through The Main House include individual counselling, group-based activities, as well as leisure activities to create a ‘well-rounded’ approach to rehabilitation.

Address: Schweizer Haus Hadersdorf, Arbeitergasse 4, 1050 Wien, Austria

Contact number: +43 (01) 979 10 83

4. Schweizer Haus Hadersdorf – The Villa Atlantis

As the only male-only residential rehabilitation centre on this list, this centre is located only ten minutes from The Main House listed above.

This centre also benefits from a multidisciplinary care team, including psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and addiction counsellors.

In addition, there is a garden accompanying the villa, allowing for a greater connection to nature and the outdoors as a part of the individual’s treatment programme. Individuals in this centre can also benefit from a shared kitchen, living room, and recreational activities outside the treatment hours of 8am and 2pm.

Address: Schweizer Haus Hadersdorf, Arbeitergasse 4, 1050 Wien, Austria

Contact number: +43 (01) 979 10 83

5. Die Gesundheitsgreisslerei

As the last centre on this list, this is the only centre that was founded by women and women-only.

This is another centre associated with The Main House but specialises in aftercare for women who have undergone treatment in their centre.

Individuals who choose this centre can choose to attend regular sessions each week or opt for a single session per month, depending on their preferences.

Address: Die Gesundheitsgreisslerei, Columbusgasse 103, 1100 Vienna, Austria

Contact number: +43 (01) 890 45 43

How to get help today with Rehab Recovery

To learn more about drug and alcohol rehabilitation in general, as well as specifically in countries such as Austria, please get in contact with a member of the Rehab Recovery team today.

Our dedicated addiction hotline can be reached all day every day, so please reach out on 0800 088 66 86 today to Rehab Recovery to get the support needed for yourself or someone you know.

References

[1] Baker, A., Bucci, S., Lewin, T.J., Kay-Lambkin, F., Constable, P.M. and Carr, V.J., 2006. Cognitive-behavioural therapy for substance use disorders in people with psychotic disorders: randomised controlled trial. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 188(5), pp.439-448.

[2] Martinelli, T.F., Nagelhout, G.E., Bellaert, L., Best, D., Vanderplasschen, W. and van de Mheen, D., 2020. Comparing three stages of addiction recovery: Long-term recovery and its relation to housing problems, crime, occupation situation, and substance use. Drugs: education, prevention and policy, 27(5), pp.387-396.

[3] Haas, S., 2001. Drug Demand Reduction in Austria. Empowering NGOs.