An Individualized Approach of Treatment

In The Words Of Our Founder - Dr. A. R. Mohammad

"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

A Dynamic Biological - Psychological - Sociological Approach

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.

Addicts and alcoholics often abuse drugs or alcohol as a way of self-medicating themselves, both physically as well as psychologically. When a person suffers from low blood sugar, for example, they will often use alcohol or drugs to help them feel better, right away.

Depression, Anxiety and Bi-Polar Disorder - 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.

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.

Blood Metabolic panel

As a part of our comprehensive medical evaluation, we perform a complete blood chemical analysis. A Blood Metabolic panel is a group of chemical tests performed to measure the amount of vitamins, minerals, cholesterol, protein, blood sugar, electrolytes and other bodily requirements and functions.

Neurological Imaging

In addition, we may recommend an EKG, CT/MRI, or PET scan as indicated on an case by case basis.

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.

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 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 womanwho have the desire to stay sober. Alcoholics Anonymous is not allied with outside organizations or institution. The 12 step program of AA is meant tobe a support group, not treatment.

Read More About Our Clinical Philosophy

Read More About Our Modern Approach to Treatment

Read More About Our Treatment Program

Non Liability for Professional Services

All patients and their doctors have individual treatment agreements for services rendered. All doctors of medicine furnishings services to clients at Malibu Horizon are independent consultants, not employees or agents.