Rehab versus retreat

Holistic event organiser Jaynie Ralph weighs up a week at the Priory against a more alternative approach

When life gets too much, there are plenty of ways to ease the pain. From bingeing on cocktails to blowing a week’s wages on a pair of shoes, modern society is excellent at providing us with plenty of distractions.

But what do we do then when the distractions take control? The two Rs, rehab and retreat, are a couple of organised solutions - and are they really that dissimilar?

Thanks to our celeb-obsessed culture, rehab is no longer a dirty word. In the eyes of the world, whatever celebs do is acceptable - even fashionable. Behind the gloss, rehabilitation is a serious business and can be the only option when addictions, eating disorders, depressive illnesses or psychoses take over.

It’s certainly not an easy option. Going cold turkey is far from glamorous, especially when a person’s freedom is significantly compromised.

"As rehab centres go, the Priory is the favourite of the rich and famous. Its mission statement is to offer hope, healing and sanctuary"

As rehab centres go, the Priory is the favourite of the rich and famous. Its mission statement is to offer hope, healing and sanctuary, suggesting that one in six of us are affected by a significant mental health problem at any time. Small wonder it has centres all over the UK and Europe.

Away from the celeb sector, retreats can also be a profound experience for the desperate individual seeking solace and peace. Modern-day retreats are based on yoga, detoxification, healing, spirituality or all of the above. They are a pleasant way to gain equilibrium, take stock and breathe again.

Both rehab and retreat centres offer significant steps towards health, happiness and connection. But what does the presence of both say about life in a brand new century?

Whether it’s something we lack, or something too abundant in today’s society, retreats and rehab go a considerable way to address the crucial loss of balance, love and wellbeing.