Serenity Malibu

When I requested a few pictures she responded haughtily "I will send pictures from the photographer but I don't have every view and it is 1100 square feet." As opposed to, "It is my pleasure to send a few photos so you have a sense of the room and the square footage is 1100 square feet." When I then asked about length of pool (a STANDARD question) she said it is a big pool. She has no idea and does not have a tape measure. A courteous and kind response would be, "good question, I will find out and call you back."

I then asked what temperature is the pool (I had written that I use a heated pool every day -- that is 92 degrees (mandatory) for physical therapy). She said (quote again) "in all her experience no one asked that and with angry arrogance I should see if I could find a treatment center that could answer that question." I thanked her very much. I feel that it is essential to report this as you may have a good facility but she needs caring training, anger management and to learn to be kind. Valued companies appreciate feedback, so I hope you appreciate the time this took to provide.

It was a bit of a blur the first time I was there but everyone was very kind and professional the whole time I was there, and they were very thorough about making sure that each person stays in compliance with the rules as far as bringing anything in. They checked my things, made sure that they knew everything that was in my system and that I was being cared for promptly and in the right way. Some aspects of the therapy are more beneficial than others but it’s just a personal preference.

I had a personality clash with my counselor so I asked to be reassigned to someone else. They challenged me to stick with it because it was going to give me life skills to work through my problems. My only hiccup was asking for something to be accommodating to me and my needs. They made the experience constructive and it turned out fine but if I was paired with someone else, I would have gotten more out of it. I didn’t feel like I was getting the most out of the experience. They made it constructive and it turned out fine but I feel like if I would’ve been paired with someone else, I would have gotten a little bit more out of it.

I’ve done very well and the help has been exceptional. It’s been three and a half years now that I’ve been out. It saved my life without any question. I’ve been to other treatment facilities prior to that and I wasn’t receptive to the care. But with Serenity, it was all inclusive. They nurtured the mind, body and soul. I got massages, acupuncture, therapy, outings and nutrition plans. It wasn’t just going up and getting meds. Also, it wasn’t like my other experiences and it was what I needed at the time. So, it’s great.

Some of the stuff at the beginning was a bit basic, but I think that’s common because most people don’t have the type of experience that I have. I’ve got a couple degrees and I actually work in drug treatment so I have some familiarity with processes and procedures. But after the first week and a half, I started diving into something that was more complex, deep and meaningful. Post treatment, they’ve contacted me three or four different times to check in. The therapists were fantastic. They’re educated, bright people and they listen which I think was really huge. The detox itself is always a stressful thing but all the doctors did a great job there as well. Their program director is a stellar guy and therapist. He was extremely helpful with me and a lot of the other clients said the same thing. Overall, it was an awakening experience and something that was well needed.

Serenity is a great place of sobriety, and it really helped me find my identity and why I was drinking. A lot of one-on-one time with the counselor was great. It motivated me more to do something about my problem. They helped me find myself a little bit, however, once I left, the biggest thing was to have a plan to stay sober. They also said that I shouldn't think Serenity is going to fix me. The staff said I'd be okay when I'm in Serenity, but I had to do a lot more work outside. They said I needed to find a sponsor, which I did. They helped me make a plan on how to stay sober outside once I left Serenity. I got into AA after that, and it's funny that I'm still in AA and I'm coming up on two years of sobriety in November.

It is quite expensive but if someone could afford it, I'd recommend it. Being two years in sobriety, Serenity is not going to make you sober. It depends on what kind of person you are. Some people need someone to motivate them. You have to put in the effort to stay sober, which was what I did. I went into Serenity, attended all the meetings, all the activities, and I got the most of what I can get out of it. Until this day, I keep in touch with three staff members and update them on how I'm doing on my sobriety. They've been really great to me.

I received exceptional care from an interdisciplinary treatment team, who were in constant communication about my progress and needs. Serenity also provided me with the option to participate in both 12-step and alternative methods to 12-step, such as meditation/mindfulness and SMART recovery as treatment modalities.

Lastly, Serenity ensured that I had an adequate aftercare plan after I completed my 30 days of treatment, which enabled me to maintain my sobriety during the often scary and difficult transition from rehab back to real-life. They also continued to reach out after I left rehab, to monitor my progress and check-up on me. I am proud to say I now have over one-year sober and in recovery, and it is thanks to the amazing team at Serenity. I could not recommend Serenity Malibu more highly for the chance at lifelong sobriety.

I learned so much about my addiction and how I got there. My time at Serenity allowed me to really work on myself and "get well." The staff supported and encouraged me every step of the way. From the housekeeping staff to the therapists and program directors they are each passionate about what they do and make it their goal to help you get sober. I am living an honest, happy, sober life today because of the efforts of the Serenity staff. For this I am forever grateful. I would not hesitate to recommend Serenity Malibu to anyone in need of treatment. They are not just changing lives for the better... they are saving them!