Solace Sabah Review
In February 2014, Solace Sabah in Malaysia opened its doors as an inpatient substance abuse treatment facility offering care for alcohol and drug abuse as well as process addictions (such as gambling, eating and work). While enjoying the luxury retreat-like accommodations, clients receive evidence-based, holistic treatment for the body, mind and spirit.
Founded by philanthropist Datuk Seri Ghulam Sayeed and psychologist Dr. Prem Kumar Shanmugam—both wishing to fulfill a need for ethical substance abuse treatment in Southeast Asia—Solace treats individuals from all over the world and remains one of the only private rehab options in Southeast Asia.
Accommodations and Food
Located on the Northwest coast of Borneo in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is situated in a secluded residential area surrounded with lush greenery. With gated and landscaped grounds, water features and pleasant outdoor living spaces, clients can enjoy the tropical environment and privacy from the outside world.
Solace sleeps 30 people with accommodations available in four options; a quad room, double room, single room and luxury suite. The quad rooms have two twin-sized bunk beds, a shared closet and small bedside tables for each resident. Twin rooms have two queen-sized beds, two closets and bedside tables. Clients in the quad and double rooms all share a bathroom with their roommates. The single room has one queen bed with a private closet and an en-suite bathroom. The luxury suite is spacious with a walk in closet, two seating areas with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grounds, a desk and office chair and a private Jacuzzi. All rooms are furnished with tasteful décor, luxury linens and touches of local flavor in fabrics, throw pillows and artwork.
Solace residents can work on their physical wellness in the on-site fitness center and swimming pool as well as on the spacious grounds that include a basketball court which the residents regularly use.
Solace has three separate dining areas for communal meals. The facility has six chefs on staff, including one that is trained in food art, who prepare a variety of Eastern and Western cuisines three times a day. Solace also has a pantry with drinks and snacks available for residents to eat throughout the day. Staff chefs will accommodate dietary restrictions or requests. Additionally, Solace serves traditional Halal cuisine for residents of Islamic faith.
Treatment and Staff
Solace interviews all potential residents to determine their level of commitment to recovery. If the person is in an unstable condition, he or she is assigned to one of Solace’s detox programs run out of two separate hospitals, one in Kuala Lumpur and the other in Malaysia. Both hospitals have private areas for Solace’s detox clients. Detox typically lasts from three to five days, after which the client is transferred to Solace for inpatient care.
Solace’s residential program lasts for 28 days but it is common for residents to extend the program to 60 or 90 days. Upon arrival, clients are assigned to personal counselors who helps to create an individualized treatment plan; a psychiatric evaluation determines if treatment for co-occurring disorders is needed. Solace provides dual diagnosis care; an on-site doctor and health consultants are available to prescribe required medication.
While in treatment, residents have a full daily schedule filled with a variety of interpersonal peer-led groups and individual sessions as well as CBT-based groups. In the evenings, residents have the option of attending 12-step meetings. Solace hosts optional 12-step groups in the evenings, but attendance is not required.
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is available for locals who wish to undergo treatment while continuing with school, work and other life commitments. Clients in the IOP check in daily with a coordinator to review their treatment agenda. The IOP’s programming, schedule and length mirror the residential program.
For residents with strong environmental triggers associated with their substance abuse, Solace stages scenarios to assist then with their reactions and behaviors. These staged events help staff gauge whether the client is ready for discharge.
In addition to traditional therapy methods, Solace offers art therapy, music therapy, equine therapy, acupuncture and hypnotherapy for those who are interested in alternative methodologies.
Solace staff includes five counselors and eight peer support coaches, including Certified Addiction Counselors, Registered Addictions Specialists, a CSW and a Recovery Support Coach. All counselors are Master’s level with specialties in addiction. New counselors undergo a 14-day training program to help them understand the culturally specific issues of South East Asia.
Extras
Solace treatment includes 18 months of aftercare for those who have completed either the residential program or IOP. Clients are expected to complete weekly aftercare related assignments and have access to Solace facilities for appointments with counselors. There are weekly and then bi-monthly Skype and online check-ins to help alumni during their first year transition into the outside world.
Solace’s family program includes private meetings for loved ones as well as workshops aimed at teaching family members about boundaries, assertiveness and co-dependency.
The facility also provides residents with a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Clients who enjoy outdoor adventure activities can participate in scuba diving excursions, snorkeling trips, mountain climbing expeditions, white-water rafting and horse riding. Zip-lining, paragliding and jungle treks are also available for adventure-seekers. For residents who prefer more of a cultural experience, Solace organizes cruises around the island, group movie outings, trips to a butterfly sanctuary or nearby Kinabalu Park and supervised shopping trips to the local villages.
In Summary
Solace Sabah is an excellent choice for both Southeast Asian residents and world travelers seeking a luxury holistic recovery experience in paradise for a non bank breaking cost. This private resort-like treatment option offers evidence-based recovery in conjunction with a variety of extracurricular activities, giving clients the opportunity to have a personalized experience building sobriety and life skills.
Solace Sabah Location
Lorong Apr Api, Menara MAA
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Malaysia 88000
Solace Sabah Cost
RM21,510.99 – RM59,800.56 MYR [$5,000 – $9,900 per publishing day exchange rate] (30 days). Reach Solace Sabah Rehab by phone at +60 19 715 4686 or email at mail@solacesabah.com. Find Solace Sabah Rehab on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
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