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Archive for July, 2007
Thursday, July 26th, 2007
Many of the residents we see at Cliffside Malibu arrive in poor physical condition. Addiction has taken its toll on their eating habits, their ability to recognize hunger and their overall nutrition. As part of our primary treatment and extended care treatment programs, we assist residents in developing the proper relationship with food and exercise.
Nutrition One of the more damaging aspects of addiction is malnutrition. In fact, research shows that proper nutrition plays a significant role in long-term sobriety. Cliffside Malibu offers all residents access to a registered dietician or nutrition counselor for assesment and meal-planning needs. These plans are then executed by our world class executive chef - who transforms proper nutrition into delicious and satisfying masterpieces. Residents with more acute defeciences may be started on a supplement regimen to help replenish the reserves drained by months or years of addiction.
Exercise At Cliffside, we understand that one’s physical health plays a large part in their willingness and ability to go through primary treatment. We provide numerous opportunities for both self-led and instructor led physical activity. Residents are encouraged to make use of our beautiful location to hike, surf or even go horseback riding. Within the residence, Cliffside offers multiple sessions with both a yoga instructor and a personal trainer. Each resident receives an individual fitness plan, which includes aerobics and weight training to strengthen and condition the body. Residents are also given specific nutrition and exercise aftercare plans to support their newfound sober lifestyle.
Posted in Addiction, Drug Treatment |
Thursday, July 26th, 2007
Battling crystal methamphetamine addiction can be a very challenging
ordeal. Not only has it ruined the lives of millions of Americans,
but it can also send the lives of family and loved ones on to a
downward spiral. Meth addicts can become liars and thieves and will
take financial and emotional advantage of friends and family. Users
abuse the drug to escape mental or physical hardships in their life
with the feeling of dealing with reality in a much easier way.
Obsession with meth cravings soon take over as one tries to match the
level of effectiveness as the first high. Meth’s ability decreases,
as the body adapts to this highly toxic chemical.
A meth rehab program is absolutely necessary to fight this life
threatening addiction. To make a successful recovery, the addict
needs to be taught how to deal with the situations that drove them to
seek the emotional painkiller they found in meth. Physical
detoxification alone is not enough. The percentage of addicts
recovering without the aid of a meth rehab is very low. The user can
find themselves to be tempted by stressful situations involving other
users, or by not being able to deal with the emotional stress that
got them hooked in the first place.
Most meth rehabs make the mistake of punishing the addict for their
addiction through treatment. Cliffside Malibu detoxifies and rebuilds
with the philosophy of respect and compassionate care. Individual
psychological evaluation determines personal treatment based on ones
own diet and ones own personally emotional life experiences,
maximizing comfort and the potential for great success in the meth rehab process as well as lasting sobriety.
Posted in Drug Rehab, Drug Treatment |
Thursday, July 26th, 2007
Methamphetamine, also known as meth, speed, tina, crank, or go fast, has
become an epidemic. A deadly drug which can enslave and destroy it’s
users in the blink of a dilated eye. The epidemic of meth has sprung up
virtually overnight and is a serious threat to not only the lives of
it’s users, but also to those around them and our society as well.
Serious steps are being taken to stem the rising tide of destruction
sweeping across America, but the war against this devastating drug is
far from over.
Amphetamine was created in Germany in 1887. As there were no apparent
uses for the drug, it stayed relatively obscure until the 1920’s, when
it was used in studies for everything from depression to decongestion.
During the 1930’s it was made available as an “over the counter”
treatment for sinus related problems. More than likely the popularity of
Benzedrine during this time was due to the fact that most were using it
to get “high” as Prohibition was still in full effect.
Methamphetamine, a more powerful, and easier to make version was
discovered in Japan in 1919. During World War II, and Vietnam,
amphetamines were widely used to keep the fighting men going.
Intravenous drug use reached epidemic proportions in Japan after WWII,
when supplies stockpiled by the military became available to the general
public.
In the US, during the 1950’s, amphetamines were once again made
available to the public, this time in tablet form under the names,
dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and methamphetamine (Methedrine). Used by
everyone from truck drivers to housewives, for everything from
depression to fatigue, once again Pandora’s box had been opened.
During the 60’s a newer, injectable form of the drug was created and the
tide of abuse continued to rise, until the 1970 Controlled Substances
Act, which called for the cessation of virtually all injectable
amphetamine production , causing a decline in it’s use.
In recent years meth has once again become an epidemic. Communities
across the United States are experiencing the effects of meth abuse and
trafficking. Almost all methamphetamine produced in the US is a product
of the secret “meth lab”. These clandestine labs are also a serious
concern to law enforcement and health officials, as they are often
unstable and very dangerous because of the chemicals and procedures used
to manufacture meth.
Methamphetamine’s destructive results can be seen almost immediately in
the average user. Rotting teeth, paranoid and violent behavior are just
a few of the more common symptoms of meth abuse. Increased sexuality
leading to promiscous and dangerous sexual practices and the spread of
STD’s, has been shown to be a direct result of meth use in a fair
majority of users, especially in the gay community. Meth also visibly
causes the user to “age”, with heavy use. An attractive 20 year old meth
user can become a sickly 40 something looking shell of a person in a
shockingly short period of time with heavy use. Even with all of these
dangers and risks being well known, the pull of “speed” is sitll too
much for some to heed the warning. Meth’s addictiveness and debilitating
effects have been called worse than the crack and heroin’s, and the
current epidemic is as prevalant and devastating as the crack scourge of
the 1980’s.
The plague of “Meth” is a war which must be won before more damage can
be done. The eradication and total criminalization of methamphetamine
should be the number one priority of all law enforcement, health and
government officials. On a community level,education, and awareness are
needed to prevent the further spread of abuse, and stem the current
tide.
Programs such as drug court, and initiatives like proposition 36 have
been helpful in rehabilitating those who are convicted of drug related
crimes. Sending addicts and users to rehab instead of jail or prison has
had a positive effect on a great deal of those sentenced under these new
programs. One can only hope that with programs like these, and newer,
specialized treatment and rehabilitation procedures, combined with
increased law enforcement, the epidemic of “meth” will soon be gone.
Posted in Drug Rehabilitation, Drug Treatment, Substance Abuse |
Thursday, July 26th, 2007
Mary Jane, Reefer, Pot, Grass, Ganja, Herb, Marijuana. A small plant/weed whose flower or “buds” have narcotic qualities when smoked or eaten. Some consider it a “superplant” whose many uses warrant it’s major study and legalization. While some consider it a dangerous natural narcotic, akin to cocaine or heroin, calling it a “gateway” drug, thats use leads to harder drug use. Some don’t even see the use of large amounts as dangerous or abusive and don’t see a need for marijuana treatment programs or research. One of the more popular marijuana myths, is that marijuana isn’t addictive, which is simply not true. Addiction to marijuana is possible and requires specialized marijuana treatment for detox and recovery.
With it’s popularization in recent years by actors, musicians, and even athletes in the media, and it’s current quasi-legal status in parts of the US, whether it’s for recreation, or as prescribed by a doctor, as in the case of medical marijuana, marijuana use is rising again. With this rise in use, more people are also becoming addicted, creating a need for new studies into marijuana treatment and abuse prevention.
When it comes to the subject of marijuana treatment and recovery, many believe the same techniques and methods used for treating heroin junkies, “crackheads”, and other hardcore addicts are to be used, because researchers and doctors involved in the study of marijuana treatment and abuse have looked at marijuana addiction in the same light as that of other heavier narcotics. While the nature of addictions can be similiar, the effects of marijuana abuse are rarely as incapacitating or enslaving as heavier narcotics, and seemingly should require different methods. This has caused more adventurous researchers to renew their studies and focus on marijuana treatment and addiction exclusively.
Some of these newer studies have shown that heavy users who abstain from marijuana use suffer some of the same withdrawal symptoms as users of other heavier narcotics, and that the heavy use of marijuana does have a negative, long term effect on the users health. Another major difference being, unlike most hardcore drug addicts, or alcoholics, most marijuana addicts are able to continue being fully functioning members of society. The effects of marijuana use may be more subtle, but should still be considered a threat to a healthy, productive life if abused. Further studies into marijuana treatment procedures and abuse prevention are needed to fully realize the potential effects of the long term use and abuse of marijuana.
Posted in Addiction Recovery, Drug Treatment |
Thursday, July 26th, 2007
In order to achieve marijuana rehabilitation one must first understand
marijuana. Marijuana is a green or gray mixture of dried, shredded flowers and
leaves of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. There are over 200 slang terms for
marijuana including “pot,” “herb,” “weed,” “boom,” “Mary Jane,” “gangster,” and
“chronic.” It is usually smoked as a cigarette (called a joint or a nail) or in
a pipe or bong. In recent years, it has appeared in blunts. These are cigars
that have been emptied of tobacco and re-filled with marijuana, often in
combination with another drug, such as crack. Some users also mix marijuana into
foods or use it to brew tea.
A series of cellular reactions ultimately lead to
the high that users experience when they smoke marijuana. The short-term effects
of marijuana use include problems with memory and learning, distorted
perception, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, loss of coordination,
and increased heart rate, anxiety, and panic attacks.
Treatment programs based on marijuana rehabilitation are rare, partly because
many who use marijuana do so in combination with other drugs. Nowadays, with
more people seeking help to control marijuana abuse, research has focused on
ways to overcome this disease.
One study of adult pot users found that 14 session cognitive behavioral group
treatments and 2 session individual treatments that included motivational
interviewing and advice on ways to reduce use were helpful in marijuana
rehabilitation.
No medications are available to treat marijuana abuse. Recent discoveries about
the workings of THC receptors have raised the possibility that scientists may
eventually develop a successful medication for marijuana rehabilitation.
Such a medication might be used to prevent marijuana abuse relapses by reducing
or eliminating its appeal to the user.
Posted in Drug Rehabilitation |
Thursday, July 26th, 2007
Malibu, home to the stars and their palatial dwellings, the
magnificent cliffs and bluffs of Southern California, is also home to the silent
monster of intense drug addiction. In recent years, drug abuse in the least
expected places in America has grown at an alarming rate. Every day
suburban housewives admit to unsuspected drug addictions by the thousands.
Prestigious law makers come clean on the nightly news about hidden battles
with drugs and alcohol. And who can forget the droves of Hollywood icons
that accredit their erratic behavior to the extensive abuse of illegal and
prescription drugs? There is a Malibu Rehab available.
Deep within the hidden hills of the rich and famous lies an unspoken
evil. Nestled in the plush nooks and crannies of the Malibu residences,
drug addiction often rears its ugly head. Many of the residents in this
exclusive community often live the majority of their lives in the public
eye. Unfortunately, such lifestyles leave little room for error and even
less room for the correction of error. When afflicted with the pain and
horror of drug addiction, our high profile brethren search for the
compassion and discretion of safe and effective Malibu rehab.
Often times, drug abuse can be the invisible anchor that drags us into
the depths of oblivion. Lives, marriages, and careers have all fallen
victim to the harsh repercussions of this terrible affliction. Many would
say that the lack of understanding throughout our society and the lack of
readily available help could be the main reasons that the astounding
numbers of drug addicts still exist. But help is on the way.
Posted in Drug Addiction, Drug Treatment |
Thursday, July 26th, 2007
There are a thousand and one places to tackle your substance abuse problem.
Nice places, rural places, gritty urban places. But when thoughtfully
considered, what place could be more attractive and alluring than a Malibu
drug rehab? A Malibu drug rehab is a perfect environment to pursue what can
be the most trying and difficult period of a persons life.
Considering the location where one chooses to pursue something as important
as this is almost as important as choosing the place itself. Ideally, the
location would be peaceful, restful, quiet and urbane. All necessary
characteristics for a pursuit that can at times be painful, conflicting,
dramatic and psychically disturbing.
A Malibu drug rehab comprises all these benefits. Its geographic location is
such that it is close to the urban center of Los Angeles. It is also close
to the sea, a giant body of healing water that soothes and consoles by sight
and smell. A Malibu drug rehab would also be removed from the negative
energy and twisted motivation of a metropolis like Los Angeles. A necessary
factor when considering the amount of real emotional work that will be done
once the individual commits himself to the job of getting sober.
Malibu itself is like a paradise. Full of rolling hills and low lying scrub
brush. PCH runs straight through Malibu and it seems that any place within
the city offers a stunning viw of the sea or the carnival glitter of the
city lights of LA just to the south. It’s subtle energy is visceral and the
fact that even the most undesirable properties can’t be had for less than
one million is a testament to the mad scramble to be a resident.
In addition to it’s popularity for residents, a simple search for Malibu
drug rehab yields dozens of hits. For good reason. Along with its beach
style suburban utopia, Malibu provides the primo location for one to get off
the sauce. A Malibu drug rehab allows one to feel pampered, to be the center
of attention, to tackle ones problems with drug and drink in an environment
that says, ‘I am one with the land and I am stengthened because of it’.
A Malibu drug rehab also permits one to be close to his family or friends. A
short drive from the city is all that’s required to receive a visit of
encouragement on visiting day. Its proximity to the city also allows for
important business to be conducted without too much difficulty.
Taking all this into consideration, it seems clear, a Malibu drug rehab is
the obvious choice for one who is serious about their sobriety. Thousands of
patients would testify, and nothing speaks louder or more clearly than
simple success. A Malibu drug rehab succeeds where others fail. A Malibu
drug rehab succeeds because others can’t.
Posted in Drug Rehab, Drug Treatment Center, Substance Abuse |
Thursday, July 26th, 2007
Most programs for those in need whether for shelter, mental health, or
rehab purposes are not insight oriented. Often, it can be a problem when
one cannot be effectively assisted due to lack of depth, or empathy. When
a client feels that his or her needs are not paramount to the provider,
they either leave the program, or spiral deeper into their
predicament. The key to being insight oriented is natural empathy, and a
keen motherly instinct which can be comforting and perceptive
simultaneously. That enables the person being assisted to feel as if
those assisting them have a genuine concern for their welfare. With them
feeling secure, they are more likely to open up to suggestions from those
attempting to help. Trust is very important to those in need of
assistance. When all is seemingly lost, one often need someone trustworthy
to serve as a beacon to safer territory.
The few insight oriented individuals find success within their
empathetic regiment used to build a solid foundation of trust, and good
advice with their clients. What those in any type of crisis desire is
that they are not alone in facing what seems like insurmountable
obstacles. A solid and healthy approach is suggested for people assisting
those in need to be effective. What can also help is a genuine will to be
out of the predicament that whatever circumstances caused. With current
problems this country is wrestling with, funds are diverted into special
interest plans, and as a result, many people become disenfranchised. Its
many of these people that fall through the cracks of society, sometimes
even turning to crime just to live. To be insight oriented in the face of
such a self absorbed country is very rare when its easier to just not
look.
In time, perhaps it will be encouraged to live within an insight oriented
society for everyone to reap the rewards of empathy and compassion. These
are the very cornerstones of diplomacy and maintaining the village style
of living will make this a better world.
Posted in Rehab Centers |
Thursday, July 26th, 2007

Insight-Oriented Therapy helps the individual understand how patterns that are repeated in adult life actually have a genesis in their formative years. Many people question why they are inclined to enter unhealthy relationships and situations with the expectation of a different outcome. Cycles of repetition are a hallmark feature in people who have problems with drugs/alcohol. In a nonjudgmental environment our therapists guide individuals in a variety of forums—individual, group, art, and equine—in a process of illumination of the causes of these old patterns, essentially making what was unconscious conscious. By helping individuals become aware of these underpinnings they have more freedom to make healthier choices for themselves.
Cliffside Malibu offers the finest clinical care in the most luxurious setting of Malibu California. Resting high up in the Santa Monica Mountains, Cliffside’s treatment center is an oasis of stunning views of the pacific ocean and Malibu beaches. This exclusive location provides our clients with the privacy and exclusion they need in order to focus on their road to recovery and sobriety.
The team of staff members at Cliffside Malibu are on hand 24 hours a day to provide top-notch care and support, in addition to providing endless services of pampered luxury. Cliffside Malibu is a premier drug and alcohol rehab center with the amenities and look of a five star hotel.

We at Cliffside Malibu believe that while undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, it is important for our patients to be rejuvenated and restored to their healthy and strong selfs. Therefore, we offer the finest of spa services, trips to the beach, hikes in the mountains and have chefs on-hand throughout the day preparing organic, gourmet meals. Cliffside Malibu is here to provide for each patient’s individual needs and to revitalize our patients to the best of our abilities.
There is no other rehab center that offers such luxuries and services, in additional and most importantly providing second to none treatment and clinical care. Call us today, at 1-800-501-1988, we look forward to helping you!.
Posted in Alcoholism, Anxiety, Depression |
Thursday, July 26th, 2007
Individual therapy is time for an individual to work on a range of issues. These include everything from identifying treatment goals and an accompanying treatment plan to doing deep personal explorations in an intimate and non-judgmental setting. The relationship with the individual therapist becomes a cornerstone for one’s healing and recovery process. Individual therapy is one of the most important aspects of our complete treatment program.
Posted in Drug Treatment, Group Therapy |
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