Our Modern, Individualized Treatment Program

Alcoholism and substance abuse are diseases of the brain

"We differ from other programs, because we approach addiction as a brain disease. Our state-of-science medical model of treatment can best be described as a multi-dimensional approach to drug addiction treatment, because we treat the entire patient -- along with any underlying disorders."

- Dr. A. Mohammad, MD
Founder


Read Our Clinical Philosophy

Malibu Horizon treats addiction in all its forms - alcohol, drug and behavioral addiction. Addiction is the result of changes in the brain function. This means that a major goal of treatment must be either to reverse or compensate for those changes. The most successful treatment methods are the ones that change brain chemistry or correct the brain's chemistry imbalance. Every aspect of our program is built upon a solid scientific foundation, and our approach to substance abuse treatment is clinically proven to be effective in overcoming addiction. Our treatment approach can assure you the lasting recovery at Malibu Horizon.

Our Biological - Psychological - Social Model

At Malibu Horizon we treat the whole patient, not just their substance abuse or mental disorder. Addiction is a chronic medical condition, a brain disorder. Just as hypertension and asthma have biological, psychological and social components, so does alcoholism and addiction. The diabetic can live a normal life with life adjustments and the recovering alcoholic or addict can live a normal life with their own life adjustments. A plan for a life of sobriety and relapse prevention techniques is a group focus at Malibu Horizon.

Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorder, is when a person is suffering from substance abuse and a simultaneous mood disorder such as depression, bi-polar or anxiety, panic disorder. The most effective form of treatment for these conditions is treating both of the conditions at the same time. This is very important in the dual diagnosis treatment process.

Empowerment

Most chemically dependent people and those with mental disorders want to feel strong and empowered. Other programs teach surrender and powerlessness as a way of life. At Malibu Horizon our treatment will include empowering the client, enabling them with strength to make good healthy choices in their lives.

CBT - MET Individualized Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the patient's thought process. If anyone has ever said "what were you thinking", that is what CBT does it helps you with your thought process. At Malibu Horizon we use Motivation Enhancement Therapy (MET) in conjunction with CBT. We use MET to move our patients along a path of recovery we call stages of behavioral change.

Art, Music & Equine Therapy

Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques with an understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process, especially the affective properties of the different art forms. Music therapy is used in a variety of ways and used to improve learning, build self-esteem, reduce stress, support physical exercise, and facilitate a host of other health-related activities. Equine Therapy is part of the treatment program at Malibu Horizon as patients who interact with a horse extend this to others and to form meaningful relationships with people.

Alternative to the 12 Step Approach

Malibu Horizon is the only Non-12 Step, disease model, therapy based program in the world. There may be other Non 12 step programs out there however, we are the only one who believes that Addiction is a chronic medical condition.

Most treatment centers model their program around the 12-Steps that was originated in 1935, by two men and has never changed. The 12 steps like Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) is a support group of men and woman who have the desire to stay sober. Alcoholics Anonymous is not allied with outside organizations or institution. The 12 step program of AA is meant to be a support group, not treatment.

Focus Groups

Anger Management
Pain Management
Relapse Prevention
Dual Diagnosis
PTSD