Why would people choose to come to a country in Central America like Costa Rica or Panama for drug treatment? Right now, top of mind, is the cold freeze going on in North America. Drug rehab is definitely not a vacation, but if you can fly to a beautiful tropical country as easily as flying to cold Minnesota, for example, why not?
The Republic of Panama, in Central America was carefully chosen as the location for Serenity Vista Addiction Drug Rehab, especially the temperate, beautiful verdant mountain highlands of Boquete in the province of Chiriqui. The weather here is likened to an eternal spring, warm and balmy, neither too hot nor humid. Both the Pacific or Atlantic oceans are an easy drive to the hot tropical sun and beaches.
Some rehabs utilize the local YMCA for recreation, and some have their own private luxury gym or pool. At Serenity Vista the guests take an overnight sail on the rehab’s own 36 ft sailboat, Decision, drop anchor at a deserted white sand, coconut palm covered island and swim with the dolphins and tortugas (sea turtles) to shore. Or they can go rappelling in the hot sun down a refreshing waterfall cascade with Panama’s passionate native son rock climber, Cesar Mendelaz. Or maybe this week it will be horseback riding through the rolling green hills of Caldera to the natural sacred hotsprings for a contemplative warm soak and then cool river swim. Zip lining, amazing hiking, coffee plantation tours and bike riding are other options.
Then there is the food. Serenity Vista’s chef is a vivacious and talented young woman dedicated to providing nutritious, delicious, locally organic farmer sourced food where ever possible. Boquete is the fruit and vegetable basket of Panama and it is wonderful. The guests at Serenity Vista start every day with a freshly made fruit smoothie alongside their lovingly prepared breakfast. The food is just amazing. Breakfast is right after the morning walk through the flowering countryside with Ceiba, the chocolate Labrador pet dog, and adorable canine therapist. Throughout the day Ceiba is available for love, hugs, stick or orange retrieving and general enjoyment for each encounter. The hectare of property has a river, and a creek, citrus trees, bougainvillea and hibiscus, eucalyptus and strategically placed hammocks.
Other reasons one might choose to leave the country is for privacy. There is a big difference between secrecy and privacy, and leaving the North American governmental medical system allows a person to keep their rehabilitation their own business. Plus the likelihood of running into acquaintances both at the facility or the community is almost nil.
Boquete has a thriving recovery community with many weekly 12 Step meetings and 12 Step fellowship activities. Rehab is still hard work, but being in such a warm, friendly community make the transition to recovery easier. If you or a loved one are ready to consider drug rehab, or alcohol treatment, we encourage you to look at your Central American options. Serenity Vista has a hammock here with your name on it.
