You would not think a simple trip to McDonald’s with your son would put you back on the road to addiction. But as Liz stepped out of the car, she could see the people in the next car, doing meth. She could smell it. Her mouth starting watering and the craving hit her like a bulldozer. Not being able to get to a dealer, she went home and took more than the prescribed dose of Percocet for her sprained foot. From a doctor who knew about her past addiction. Up until now, she had just used it for the pain, but the need to get high was so strong, she did what she felt she had to do.

Addicts live in a fragile world. They put all of their resolve into getting off that “drug of choice” and getting their world back in order. The simple drinks that others take for granted, the short prescription by the doctor for pain suddenly become wardens over their life. One pill or one drink is not enough.

Addicts have daily cravings and constant thoughts, like an itch that can’t be scratched. Coupled with other addictions, such as depression or trauma, known as dual diagnosis they are battling thoughts that they have little control over.

In addition to trying to control the substance abuse, the depression, other substances or other mental conditions, they are trying to rebuild what once was considered a normal life. They are working to rebuild and repair relationships ruined by drug use. Oftentimes they are dealing with some sort of arrest record from dealing, buying or driving under the influence. It’s a whole basket of fruit, not just one apple. Many need to go to treatment centers, halfway houses or even jail while going through withdrawal.

And after they have gone through the withdrawal, the away-from-home-treatment and weeks of foreign environments, they have to return to the environment they lived in without the use of the substance they depended on. They have let go of the thing that kept the pain or the thoughts away and have to learn new coping skills.

So it is important that people recovering from addiction have all of the tools available in order to return home with a healthy, positive outlook on their future. Finding the best treatment center is fundamental in building a solid foundation for recovery. What better place than Malibu Hills Rehab Center, close to the ocean and surrounded by mountains, where you can feel your soul at peace and a real sense of contentment.

Malibu uses a comprehensive approach to treatment, so much more than stop-and-dry-out cold methods. With treatment such as Reiki, acupuncture and massage, Malibu therapists treat the physical effects of the body as well as the mind. With individual and group therapy, including spiritual counseling, individuals are able to arrest the glaring issue of addiction as well as the underlying issues that are rarely addressed. Addiction is a multi-layered problem, so treatment should be multi-layered as well.

Life can be hard and confusing, particularly for those with little to no coping skills, who know only to turn to a substance to deal with what they cannot deal with. Good treatment gives them the tools they need to deal with life’s ups and downs without falling down the rabbit hole.

An addict and their loved ones need every conceivable chance at making a full recovery. They need to be given the chance at living a life worth living. Malibu offers those tools in the best possible environment for peace of mind and lasting recovery.