• Sunrise over Thamkrabok Monastery, home to arguably one of the toughest and most successful drug detoxification centres in the world.
  • A patient drinks the concoction of 108 herbs which cleanses the body of addiction and helps ease withdrawal symptoms. It\'s unique to Thamkrabok and is thought to have no side effects.<br/><br/>
  • A Thai addict vomits after drinking the herbal medicine. The potion draws toxins from the body which are then expelled by forcibly making the patient drink a bucket of water to cleanse their system.<br/><br/>
  • After taking the herbal medicine, a Thai addict is given help in drinking the bucket of water to cleanse his system. Some describe the treatment as the most difficult and awful experience of their lives.<br/>
  • Detoxification is a physically and mentally exhausting process. Patients have to take the medicine for at least five consecutive days after which they will have hopefully lost the urge to take drugs.<br/><br/>
  • Newly cleansed patients relax near the pool after their fifth day of detoxification. Though physically drained by the experience they are also encouraged that they have been clean for at least five days.<br/><br/>
  • Phra Bomrand Pongarun in one of Thamkrabok\'s temples which have all been built by resident monks. He is in charge of the detoxification centre and like many monks here also went through the treatment.
  • Patients line up for evening roll call. The centre is very strict with patients locked in their dormitories at night. Many patients come here voluntarily but some are sent by the courts or the military for treatment.<br/><br/>
  • Patients can spend up to a month at Thamkrabok. After the physical detoxification patients spend their time meditating, having steam baths and drinking herbal tea to aid recovery.<br/><br/>
  • Patients can spend up to a month at Thamkrabok. After the physical detoxification patients spend their time meditating, having steam baths and drinking herbal tea to aid recovery.<br/><br/>
  • Patients complete general cleaning duties to occupy their day and minds. This time is given to reflect upon their experience and gain a more positive attitude towards life.<br/><br/>
  • Monks stress that this course is a chance at a drug free future but the long term results lies in the will of the addict. The greatest test will be upon their return home.<br/><br/>
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