Rehab NZ is here to help anyone considering a rehab option in New Zealand. We understand that this journey can come with a lot of uncertainty and anxiety, but don’t worry – we’re here to guide you through it!
At Rehab NZ, we’ll provide insights into what going to rehab is like and how to find the perfect fit for your needs.
We will even share with you a typical day in a New Zealand Rehab!
Remember, not all rehabs in New Zealand are the same; there’s a variety of options available to you. In Aotearoa, you’ll find different types of rehabs – some are free, while others may require a fee.
Let Rehab NZ break it down a bit. On one hand, we have community-based rehabs, like the Salvation Army, along with other charitable trusts that offer free rehab services. Here is a list of government-approved live-in Rehabs.
On the other hand, there are private rehabs that do come with a cost as well as 12step Rehabs. Whatever you choose, Rehab NZ will show you the different options.
When you’re searching for a rehab in New Zealand, it’s good to remember that not all facilities are the same.
As a rule, we have four types of rehabs being Government Funded Rehabs, Private Rehabs, Outpatient Rehabs, and the 12-step Rehabs.
Larger government-funded rehabs usually have a variety of professionals on their teams. You’ll find psychotherapists, social workers, trained alcohol counselors, and medical staff ready to help you.
Additionally, you’ll have direct access to social workers and support networks, not just during your stay but also after you finish your treatment.
On the flip side, there are private rehabs that offer similar professional therapy and services found in government-funded centers. The main difference is that these private options require a fee and may have a shorter waitlist.
If you’re juggling a busy schedule, consider outpatient programs, like the six-week option offered by the addiction clinic. It’s designed specifically for working folks, caregivers, and farmers who can’t escape their responsibilities.
We also have a lot of 12-step rehabs in New Zealand.They follow the Alcoholics Anonymous model and are based on the AA book known as the Big Book.
This rehab is based around reading the Big Book and group therapy. The ” Rehab” program is based on these 12steps. Rehab NZ explains this in more detail further down the page.
These private rehab facilities often attract individuals who seek quicker access to treatment or prefer a more personalised approach.
Unlike public rehab services, which can sometimes have long waiting lists due to high demand and limited resources, private rehab clinics tend to offer more immediate care. For many, this can make a big difference in starting their recovery journey without unnecessary delays.
Private rehabs in New Zealand are typically well-equipped with modern facilities and specialised staff. They often provide tailored programmes that focus on the individual’s specific needs, which can include a range of therapies from counselling to medication management.
Because they operate with more resources and staff, private clinics are better positioned to offer flexible treatment plans and a more comfortable environment.
However, it’s important to understand that private rehab comes with a cost. The expenses involved may exclude some people who cannot afford the fees. Rehab NZ, will looking into rehab nz prices as well.
But for those who can, these centres are seen as a practical choice due to their quicker admission times and often more extensive services.
For example, if someone needs urgent help, they may find it easier to get into a private rehab quickly, rather than waiting weeks or even months for a spot in a public facility.
Overall, choosing a private rehab in New Zealand can be a smart move for those who value prompt treatment and personalised care. These centres help reduce wait times and provide a supportive environment tailored to individual recovery needs.
This option can make a meaningful difference for people eager to start their path to sobriety sooner rather than later.
Prices for private rehabs in New Zealand will start around 25k to 50k for a one month to six week stay.
Outpatient rehabs or Alcohol Addiction Treatment programs are very popular with working people and caregivers.
The leading provider in New Zealand for one-on-one treatment programs would be The Addiction Clinic, as they offer a nationwide service.
An outpatient program is very much like rehab, but you do this from home. These programs are very popular with farmers and people who don’t have the time to go to a rehab. These programs are normally run by psychotherapists and sober coaches and involve daily check-ins with a sober coach and one-on-one therapy with a psychotherapist who specialises in addiction.
They will normally run for around six weeks and have shorter wait lists. If you’re working or a busy caregiver, this may be a great option for you.
This option sees great results, and they normally only cost around $12,995 for the full six-week program.
A 12-step rehab is a rehab based on the 12steps of AA or NA.
These rehabs focus on the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, and your time will be spent reading from the Big Book and learn the 12 steps.
New Zealand has many of these rehabs and are normally run by people in the 12-step fellowship. The 12-step programme provides clients with a set of twelve clear steps they must follow.
These steps are structured to create a beginning-to-end transformation from the early stages of acceptance to rebuilding your connection with others. The 12-step rehabs can start at around 17k for a six-week stay. However, AA in the community does not charge – it is free.
You could go along and have a look at your local AA meeting and base your decision on the people you meet and the meeting you attend.
Here are the 12steps that you will study and follow.
1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
New Zealand offers several government-funded rehabilitation services to support people struggling with addiction. Among these, the Salvation Army Bridge Programme stands out as one of the most well-known.
This programme has a long history and is recognised worldwide for its work in helping individuals recover. The Salvation Army, established in New Zealand over a century ago, operates a network of rehab facilities that focus on both short-term detox and long-term support. It provides a structured environment where clients can access counselling, life skills training, and spiritual support.
Apart from the Salvation Army, many other rehab centres in New Zealand are run by private trusts or non-profit organisations. These centres often offer specialised services tailored to different needs, such as youth rehab or programmes for women. While government funding covers many of these centres, some rely heavily on donations and community support to stay operational. The trust-owned facilities also tend to have a broader range of treatment options, including alternative therapies like art or music therapy.
The Salvation Army’s rehab facilities are among the oldest on a global scale. They have built a reputation over decades for providing compassionate, practical help to those in need. Their approach combines medical care with spiritual guidance, aiming to nurture both mind and soul. Many of these services are free or heavily subsidised, making rehab accessible to more people.
Statistics show that New Zealand has made significant efforts to improve access to addiction treatment, but demand remains high. The Salvation Army, with its extensive network, plays a critical role in reaching underserved communities. Its programmes are often the first step for many who want to regain control of their lives but lack the resources for private care.
In all, New Zealand’s rehab landscape is a mix of government-funded centres like the Salvation Army and private or trust-run facilities. Each aims to support recovery in different ways, but all share the goal of helping people rebuild their lives. The Salvation
Going to rehab may seem daunting at first, but once you get there, you’ll find that it’s calmer and more organised than you might expect. A typical day at a Rehab NZ usually begins around 7.30 am, which is the time you are asked to wake up.
This early start helps set a steady routine for everyone, giving the day a clear sense of structure.
After waking, there’s often a short period to get ready, followed by breakfast in a shared kitchen area. This is where residents and support staff come together, creating a communal space that promotes connection and a sense of belonging.
The kitchen can be a busy or quiet place depending on the group, but it always offers a chance to share a simple meal and start the day on a positive note.
The breakfast might include toast, cereal, or fresh fruit, depending on what’s available. Sharing food and conversation helps build trust and foster relationships among rehab residents, which is an important part of the healing process.
Many people worry that rehab is intimidating, but in reality, it’s a calm place designed to help you move forward. The day is filled with therapy sessions that can include relapse prevention and risk management. Also, you will have personal counseling sessions and often some trips out in the van.
The day trips are called sober sampling, you will visit some cool new places. After tea people will often watch a movie but they also have other rooms you can use. Thet will have music rooms, craft rooms, table tennis etc.
Most rehabs in NZ do not start and stop – people are always coming and going from the rehab program.
Most rehabs run for 4 to 6 weeks, and you can have approved visitors in week two ( Normally on a weekend )
Not all rehabs will allow the use of mobile phones – they do have a landline you can use.
The financial commitment for addiction rehab varies significantly. One end of the spectrum offers entirely free services, exemplified by organisations like the Salvation Army. These facilities often rely on donations and volunteer efforts.
Conversely, intensive residential programs can reach substantial figures. A month-long stay at a private rehabilitation centre can cost upwards of $40,000.
We have observed 12step rehabs located in Auckland, New Zealand, offering comparable one-month programmes for prices starting around $17,000. This demonstrates a wide pricing structure based on facility amenities, programme intensity, and location.
An alternative to full-time residential care is an outpatient rehab. This model provides access to the same core therapeutic and counselling services found in private inpatient settings.
The key distinction is that individuals participating in an outpatient program continue to live at their own homes. This arrangement allows for continued engagement with work and family responsibilities. For instance, The Addiction Clinic offers a six-week outpatient programme priced at $12,995.
This particular programme proves beneficial for individuals with demanding professions, such as farmers or those with other essential jobs, who are unable to commit to a full month or six weeks away from their duties. Their schedules simply do not permit extended absence from their workplaces or farms.
Rehab NZ has an updated list of rehabs in NZ for 2025.
We are currently updating the New Zealand Rehab list.