Rehab: Heaven, Hell or Holiday?

This image suggests holiday to me. Idyllic blue skies, white sand and calm sea.
What if I told you it was a rehab destination? Would that change your opinion?

I've never been to rehab so perhaps could be forgiven for retaining the naiveté of the fictional Rachel in the book 'Rachel's Holiday' where she expects rehab to be akin to a health spa. I like the idea of rehab and think it may have made my early days much easier; removing the need for will power, social and professional support, and making relapse impossible due to the absence of access to any vice.  Not so easy in the real world. But I'm a realist and know at best it would be nurturing rather than pampering, the work still has to be done regardless of the surroundings and Amy Winehouse certainly did not want to go.

I surfed around looking at the most luxurious places one could attend for rehab (money being no object of course as it costs around $1000 per day to attend the luxurious SolutionsRehab in Florida without insurance) but once you get there, it's unlikely you will want to leave. Notably it has a very low self discharge rate (against medical advice) of 2% compared to many other facilities. Certainly with zen-like surroundings and resident support I don't think I would ever want to leave.

Treatment is tailored to either men or women and reassuringly, there are separate facilities for male and female clients recognising the vulnerability each of us have when we first give up our crutch.

Rehab and recovery is big business and you may wonder where to start deciding which one may be best for you. If you are not 'sent' to the nearest place or to one 'chosen' by your relatives, you should check out some independent reviews before making your decision. If you like the look of this place, take the plunge and give them a call.

If you're still undecided then drop a comment below and let's start some discussion around Rehab pros and cons, opinions and experiences. Don't hold back!