When making the decision to recover from the bondage of addiction, choosing the right environment in which to recover is crucial. Many people struggle with shame and feelings of hopelessness before making the decision to recover. That decision to heal is the bravest, most courageous decision that can be made. It is on the scale of heroic because not only is it a choice to save your own life, but it can very probably effect the life of a spouse, children or those with whom you associate with on an intimate basis.

Numerous people struggling with addiction are very wealthy, successful in their chosen careers and seem to be highly productive to those who don’t know their secret. They could be functioning at what appears to be a high level, but the truth is that on the inside they are experiencing an emotional atomic meltdown. Often, feelings of extreme fear for their lives and futures overcome them. Overwhelming anxiety and tormenting thoughts of failure and hopelessness pervade their psyche day after day and seemingly endless nights.

Remember that addiction does not respect persons. Those afflicted individuals on the street are not the only ones suffering. Over 19.1 million Americans used drugs to get high in just the last month. They were not all living on the streets! It could be someone very close to and well respected by you. An addict does not need to lose family, fortune and home before qualifying for help. The clientele at a residential rehab center or even an outpatient clinic can include anyone from doctors, lawyers, business wizards, athletes or even artists of all types of genres. The census in a center can also include students over 18 or people who have hit rock bottom and have nothing. The population is all-inclusive.

No matter who you are or what part of society you belong to, brutal honesty is essential to the healing process. Once an addiction problem is identified, seeking help is the next step.

After choosing to undergo treatment, selecting the right combination of comfort, environment and professional care are critical to a successful and lasting recovery.

Following are two excellent examples of cutting edge staffs coupled with luxurious facilities. They are Cliffside Malibu and Sunset Malibu.

The plush Cliffside Malibu offers yoga, beach walks, Internet service, and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. Serenity is important to recovery. As the sun sets, the comforting sound of waves and the smell of the fresh sea air engulf the senses. Gourmet meals are lovingly cooked by the caring staff and are served three times a day. Special requests, if appropriate are granted such as rides, dry cleaning, etc. Every room is equipped with a large plasma screen TV and cable. Acupuncture and massage are tools used to increase comfort level and aid in the recovery process. Manicures, spa treatments and pedicures are also available. Hikes and beach walks allow clients to enjoy nature along the beautiful Malibu coastal area.

Sunset Malibu’s private rooms are equipped with elegant king-sized sleigh beds, which are essential for rest and recuperation. They also offer plasma screen TV’s with cable and beautiful views of the Coast. The luxurious bathrooms contain large spa-jet tubs and are furnished with toiletries that could compete with the most exclusive hotels. Community areas such as the kitchen, allow for elaborate food preparation with the huge island in the middle. Some of the activities in which clients can partake are horseback riding, hiking, and surfing. Herbal holistic medicines are offered, massage, fitness trainers and resident advisors, masseuses, and chefs. The professionals on the team at Sunset Malibu believe that clients should be treated with dignity and respect. Privacy and confidentiality is highly regarded and no one is made to feel that staying at the facility is a punishment. The aftercare program also includes a sponsor to keep the individual focused on recovery and sobriety.

These sister facilities located in the Southern California area possess a high level of competent professionals. Although slightly different in amenities-even twins have different attributes- each subscribes to the notion that every client is an individual with special needs. There is no one ‘blanket’ addiction treatment. Such haphazard care leads to failure and repeated relapse. Only a caring, highly skilled staff with a program designed especially for the individual and the specific diagnosis can have lasting effects. Patients are not being castigated or degraded for their disease. The staff administers counseling to make the client feel emotionally safe; achieving a sense of empowerment and faith in their incredible self worth.

Once a professional team is able to spot issues that have led to the addiction such as family history, traumatic life experience, social circles, and even professional environments, lifestyle changes are recommend, which are proven to be highly successful. Treatment for recovery may include individual, one-on-one therapy, group therapy, holistic medicine, conventional medicine, family counseling, a good exercise program, healthy, delicious meals and even seeking spiritual enlightenment. Again, it can be some or all of the above, depending on the needs of an individual. While addiction does not discriminate, there are different levels of the disease and different prescriptions for recovery.

No matter the level of addiction, being involved with a support group after exiting rehab contributes significantly to staying sober. Involvement in a 12-step group, or individual therapy program, while not guaranteeing 100%, increases the likelihood of living a recovered life and avoiding deadly relapse. Staying drug or alcohol free while in a clinic assures your victory until it is time to go back to your life. Everyone can live clean while participating in a residential rehab program. The challenge is staying that way after leaving and coping with your life free of substance abuse.

Both Cliffside Malibu and Sunset Malibu offer an after treatment program suited to the individual’s unique temperament, philosophical and physical needs. The web site is cliffsidemalibu.com and sunsetmalibu.com respectively. The number for Cliffside is 800-501-1988 and Sunset Malibu is 800-332-9202. Counselors are available 24/7.

Addiction kills every facet of life when it goes untreated. While the two residential rehabs suggested in the paragraph above are worthy of mention, if you live far away, go on line. The US Government has a program called Access to Recovery and the link is accesstorecovery.com. It is a program that the Bush Administration implemented which uses a voucher system. First a potential client receives a diagnosis for drug treatment, and then hands in a voucher to a participating clinic or rehab center. It is important to know that recovery is available to all—affluent or underprivileged. If no computer access is available, the national AA hotline is 800-923-8722. It’s no accident that you are reading this article. If not your life, someone who you love can be in jeopardy now. Contacting these references immediately could save you or your loved one.