What Makes Cliffside Better?

Our Approach

Cliffside Malibu is a world-class luxury drug and alcohol treatment center. We want you to recover for good, and we do that with seven major factors.

1. We Stand by Our Commitment to Your Success

Our main goal is: We only want you to come to treatment once.

2. We Recognize the Root Cause of Addiction as Pain/Trauma

Most treatment programs are based on the 12-Step Model. While 12-Step programs have been the go-to for over 75 years, they do not address the root causes of addiction. We integrate this approach with trauma-informed therapy to heal the pain that drives substance use.

3. We Use the Stages of Change Model as the Foundation of Our Treatment Protocol

Every person who enters Cliffside Malibu is assessed and placed into one of the Stages of Change. More on that below.

4. We Do Not Treat You as Diseased

We don’t focus on what’s wrong with you. Instead, we highlight your strengths and help you bring those to the forefront of your healing process.

5. We Use the Neuroscience of Addiction to Help People Recover

Addiction chemically alters the brain. Our evidence-based protocols use neuroscience to support real change, led by industry-leading professionals.

6. We Use Individualized, Holistic Therapies Alongside Psychotherapy

Your treatment plan is uniquely yours. We blend holistic therapies with evidence-based practices to align your mind, body, and spirit.

7. We Address Co-Occurring Disorders

Many of our clients also suffer from anxiety, depression, or other conditions. We treat the whole person—both addiction and mental health—to support true healing.

What to Expect at Cliffside Malibu

Each patient is carefully assessed and matched with one of five stages of the Transtheoretical Model: Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, and Maintenance. Treatment plans are customized to support progress at every stage.

We offer a full continuum of care including:

  • Medically supervised detox
  • Residential treatment
  • Day treatment
  • Outpatient services

The Stages of Change

Developed by researchers Prochaska and DiClemente, the Stages of Change model guides our treatment strategies at Cliffside Malibu.

The Stages

  • Precontemplation: The individual is unaware or not ready to acknowledge the problem.
  • Contemplation: Awareness of the issue grows, and they begin to consider change.
  • Preparation: The individual is ready and begins planning for change.
  • Action: Active steps are taken—such as entering treatment.
  • Maintenance: Sustained effort to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.

Medicated-Assisted Detox

Detoxing can be uncomfortable. We offer medicated-assisted detox to ease symptoms and improve your comfort as your body adjusts.

Common Withdrawal Symptoms

  • Sweating
  • Flushing
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea & Vomiting
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches or pains

Medications Used in Detox

  • Suboxone
  • Probuphine
  • Naloxone
  • Disulfiram

Holistic Therapies

Holistic therapy supports physical and emotional healing. It is used in conjunction with psychotherapy to align mind, body, and spirit.

Symptoms Holistic Therapy Helps Address

  • Lack of sleep
  • Poor diet
  • Emotional stress
  • Weight fluctuations
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Anger
  • Spiritual disconnection

Benefits of Holistic Therapy

  • Identifies root causes of addiction
  • Improves physical health through exercise and nutrition
  • Promotes self-awareness and self-esteem
  • Teaches coping mechanisms

Continuum of Care

Recovery doesn’t stop when treatment ends. Cliffside’s Continuum of Care ensures long-term support through aftercare and gradual transitions.

7 Core Service Areas

  • Extended care
  • Hospital care
  • Ambulatory care
  • Home care
  • Outreach
  • Wellness
  • Housing

4 Integration Mechanisms

  • Planning and management
  • Care coordination
  • Case-based financing
  • Integrated information systems

Industry-Leading Professionals

We staff credentialed specialists like addictionologists—physicians trained in the medical and psychiatric aspects of addiction recovery.

Certifications May Include:

  • American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM)
  • American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
  • American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM)
  • American Osteopathic Association (AOA)

These professionals guide safe detox, reduce relapse risks, and support lasting recovery.

Learn More About Cliffside

If you’re ready to begin or continue your journey toward healing, schedule a tour or give us a call to learn more.