CONTACT MALIBU BEACH RECOVERY NOW!
A Confidential Recovery Specialist is waiting for you now!
“I am very impressed at what you have been able to accomplish… This type of Neurotransmitter agonistic therapy you have here at Malibu Beach Recovery Center reaches far beyond just overcoming an addiction; it prepares the individual for the first time to have a chance at living a happy and joyful sober existence for the rest of their lives.”
-Dr. Kenneth Blum. PhD, internationally recognized authority and researcher on neuropsychopharmacology and genetics. In 1990 Dr. Blum, together with Dr. Ernest Noble was the first to discover the link between genetics and addiction.
Aetna, Cigna and United Behavioral Health PPO insurance plans welcome. Also most out of state (non California) PPO Blue Cross / Blue Shield
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For qualified potential clients, long term low interest financing is available. |
“I am not sure I fully understand why MBRC is so profound. Perhaps it is the diverse, insightful and extraordinary staff you have handpicked to run the program. I would never have been able to handle 33 sleepless nights without loving, supportive people to help me get through that.
Perhaps it is the beautiful diet and the amazing yoga. Perhaps it is the intimacy that is created by sharing these events with a small group of clients that become real friends not just acquaintances. Perhaps it is the sum of all these parts. My guess is that is more ephemeral than that though. I believe the healing resides between the lines and in the spirit of the program much like the spirit of AA itself. It is mysterious and exquisitely effective. It is much more than putting down drugs or alcohol for me. It has put me on a path of reclaiming the parts of myself I threw away over the years. This gift is beyond my expectations of any rehab and I want to thank you and all the staff for the experience.”
-S.M., alumnae
At A Glance: The Malibu Beach Recovery Center®
The Malibu Beach Recovery Center® is a Residential Primary Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program, which includes medically-supervised detoxification, and is licensed and certified by the State of California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs.
The Brain is the New Frontier
The Malibu Beach Recovery Center® has long used a neuro-biological approach to immediately help restore and balance the chemistry of the brain, and rejuvenate the body's natural reward system. We are one of only a handful of alcohol and drug treatment programs in the U.S. based on neuroscience, totally in sync with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) which last year redefined addiction as a chronic brain disease which impacts the reward centers of the brain. Our treatment system utilizes very specific nutraceutical, Kurma Yoga (designed specifically for relief from addiction, depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia and other dopaminergic conditions), and the Malibu Beach Recovery Diet™ (a French low-glycemic diet) to begin the recovery process by naturally raising dopamine levels and expediting brain repair. Clients quickly achieve a sense of comfort and well-being which helps them to benefit fully from the daily educational groups, therapy groups, individual therapy and 12-Step work led by a talented clinical team, all of which create a solid foundation for long-term recovery.
Our residential program and detox center is located in a beautiful setting in the hills of Malibu, California overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains. The transitional living program is located in one of the loveliest areas of West Los Angeles..
Duration of Program:
Malibu Beach Recovery Center® offers and recommends a 90 day program. Residential Treatment is at our primary treatment location in Malibu, with transitional living at one our extended care facility In Brentwood Village or one of several others we work with in Malibu and West Los Angeles. In the transitional living phase clients can continue the healthy life style learned in the primary phase. For clients unable to stay for the full 90 days, we are able to offer other options, including the use of coaches and remote teleconferencing.
Special Track for Diabetics:
The low-glycemic Malibu Beach Recovery Diet™ includes a special track for diabetic addicts and alcoholics that helps maintain normal glucose levels after meals and enhances body sensitivity to insulin.
The Family Program:
Using a powerful family systems approach, the Malibu Beach Recovery Center® assists families through education, individual counseling, and a unique two stage reunification process.
12-Step Meetings:
Clients attend 12 Step Meetings in the community several times a week in addition to in-house 12 Step Panels and Big Book study.
After Care Program:
Recent studies by the National Institute on Drug Abuse confirm the importance of a 90 day program which combines residential treatment with transitional living. We offer several choices for the transitional living segment of treatment. Many of our clients elect to live at Brentwood House, an elegant sober living which is located in an exclusive West Los Angeles neighborhood, where clients can continue to adhere to a modified version of our exercise, diet and food supplementation programs. Residents of the Brentwood House are required to work/volunteer/study part time while working with Malibu Beach Recovery Center® staff to strengthen their sober life skills.
Others chose to remain here in Malibu, at one of the transitional living houses we work with. Established professionals, who do not have the luxury of time, often return to their jobs and families accompanied by a Malibu Beach Recovery coach, who helps them adapt their healthy new life style and mood sustaining tools to a non-clinical environment.
Malibu Beach Recovery Center® Staff:
Our team is comprised of selected professionals in the fields of addiction, general medicine, psychiatry, clinical psychology, nutrition, culinary arts and eastern exercises. All staff is certified according to their scope of practice and is chosen for their passion to help others heal. There are also caring and experienced “techs” who are not yet certified but able to profoundly impact the lives of our clients because they are in recovery from their own addictions.
Staffing Ratio (Residential):
Therapists to clients: 1:3
Day/Evening Counselors to clients: 1:3
Overnight Counselors to clients: 1:6
Number of days per week when program is fully staffed: 7
Professional Staffing: 24/7
Licensing and Credentials of Staff:
We have PhD-level psychologists, Social Workers with Masters of Family Therapy degrees from accredited universities and Certified Addiction Treatment Counselors (CAADAC and CAADE) All staff is chosen for their individual history of excellence in their chosen profession.
Admissions:
If you or a loved one need help in achieving and maintaining long term sobriety – we are here to support you all the way. Please call at any time, and our caring counselors will address your concerns and gently guide you through the admissions process. Call 1-800-366-8101.
News
Congratulations to LA Times photographer Liz O. Baylen
Congratulations to LA Times photographer Liz O. Baylen, a finalist in 2013 competition for the Pulitzer Prize in Photography. The Pulitzer committee commended her for “her intimate essay, shot in shadowy black and white, documenting the shattered lives of people entangled in prescription drug abuse.” Liz spent days and nights at Malibu Beach Recovery Center documenting client Edward Shut’s journey off a 10-year addiction to prescription pills for the LA Times investigative series “Dying for Relief.“ Click here to see “Bitter Pills,” her poignant photo essay about Edward.
After 30-40 days of treatment, we encourage clients to volunteer in the community. erenity Park Parrot Sanctuary and fell in love with Julian and Bacardi.
After 30-40 days of treatment, we encourage clients to volunteer in the community. Some groom dogs. Some work with horses. Recently Counselor Myra Estes accompanied a client volunteering at the Serenity Park Parrot Sanctuary and fell in love with Julian and Bacardi. |
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On March 13, 2013 Malibu Beach Recovery Center CEO Joan Borsten travelled to Sacramento with Alumni Krissie Bergo, Edward Shut and Jenna Wilemon...
On March 13, 2013 Malibu Beach Recovery Center CEO Joan Borsten travelled to Sacramento with Alumni Krissie Bergo, Edward Shut and Jenna Wilemon to testify before the Assembly Budget Committee in support of Senate Bill 809. |
| MBRC Team outside Capitol |
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| Bob Blumenfield and Joan Borsten |
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| Mark De Saulnier's Office |
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| Assembly Room |
On May 9 SB 809 was introduced by Senator Marc DeSaulnier
Committee on Senate Governance and Finance
Senator Lois Wolk (Chair)
Senator Steve Knight (Vice Chair)
Senator Jim Beall
Senator Mark DeSaulnier
Senator Bill Emmerson
Senator Ed Hernandez
Senator Carol Liu
Krissie Bergo Follow-Up: Detoxing from Suboxone
In June 2011 we wrote about Krissie Bergo, a workers’ comp claimant who was admitted to Malibu Beach Recovery Center in September 2008. She had carpel tunnel syndrome and, as a result of four botched operations, a syndrome called RSD. Krissie was addicted to an alarming array of Schedule II narcotics and benzodiazapines, all prescribed by a single Workers’ Comp doctor
After she spent more than 60 days detoxing off the fentanyl patches, actiq, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, flurazepam, and clonazepam (klonopin), a pain management doctor put her on “maintenance” suboxone.
In 2011 Krissie returned to Malibu Beach Recovery Center, not because she had relapsed but because she now wanted off the suboxone.
Before re-admitting she consulted with Malibu Beach Recovery Center advisor on neuroscience and took SynaptaGenX for two months in preparation for what she knew would be another difficult detox. Here is that story: Click Here or on the image to view the video
After detox from the opioids and benzodiazapines, Krissie found herself at an AA meeting chaired by her Workers’ Comp doctor, who himself was in recovery from alcohol. Krissie never returned to that particular meeting or had anything more to do with Dr. Glass, but she remembered him as someone who helped her when there was no one else to help.
| Dr. Glass committed suicide last year, reportedly addicted to prescription drugs.
Someone’s in the Kitchen with Chef Johnnie: Jamaican Mango Chicken and Coconut Rice
Watch the video for an excellent explanation of our treatment system, this time in the form of a cooking lesson. This is the first in a series of online cooking classes.Click Here or the image to view the video
Malibu Beach Recovery Center Expands, Second Location Opens in Upscale West Los Angeles
On December 3, 2012 The Brentwood House, Malibu Beach Recovery Center’s long time sober living residence in West Los Angeles transitioned into a licensed and certified alcohol and drug treatment center.Both the Malibu and Brentwood sites will use the Malibu Beach Recovery System® for treatment of addiction, depression and anxiety.
From Monday-Friday each week Chef Johnnie Handals prepare amazing meals based on the Malibu Beach Recovery Diet®, sometimes swapping locations with Malibu Head Chef Cyril Landrat On the weekends the equally talented Chefs Yannick Marchand and Sergio Galvao will be cooking.
Kurma Yoga will continue to be taught 2-3 times daily at both sites, with five rotating yogis led by lead exercise instructor Oleg Yevseyev. The team includes Alumni Shannon Scott and Ian Cooper.
What is different is the environment. Malibu is a laid-back beach town while Brentwood is in one of West Los Angeles' tonier residential neighborhoods, populated by actors, producers, doctors, professors, lawyers and other professionals. The Brentwood House is near enough to the Pacific Ocean that Brentwood clients will also do yoga on the beach, but they will be hiking through Will Rogers State Park instead of Solstice Canyon.
The Brentwood House is nearer to the Temple of Self-Realization which probably means more meditation at that beautiful, tranquil setting.
For those long-term clients who are ready to start integrating back into real life, The Brentwood House is close to UCLA and Santa Monica College, shops and restaurants, and many volunteer opportunities. You can read more about Brentwood House in the article Pat Olsen wrote for the Malibu Beach Recovery blog
For more info click here..
Treatment Magazine: Malibu Beach Recovery Expands with New Brentwood 6-Bed Facility
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RECKLESS PRESCRIBING:
LA TIMES publishes the second in a ground-breaking series by reporters Lisa Girion and Scott glover on the California’s prescription Drug Epidemic. Today’s story focuses on the difficulties the State Medical Board faces trying to police over prescribing doctors. In case you missed the first article in the series, please scroll down (bottom right) to watch “Bitter Pills,” Times photojournalist Liz Baylen’s amazing chronicle of how Malibu Beach Recovery Center client Edward Shut, now 15 months sober, kicked his prescription drug habit. Read more about it...
DYING FOR RELIEF: LA Times Publishes first in a comprehensive series on the Prescription Drug Epidemic Includes photo essay about Alum Edward S's journey to sobriety
Los Angeles Times reporters Lisa Girion and Scott Glover first came to talk about the prescription drug epidemic more than two years ago and have worked diligently since then, becoming experts on each of the many aspects of the exploding story: victims, doctors, lawyers. the government, the pharmaceutical industry. The article today is entitled "Legal drugs, deadly outcomes." It begins with a strong indictment of Dr. Van H. Vu, six of whose patients overdosed on pain pills he prescribed, interviews with three pain management doctors, a family whose son died of a pill overdose, and Malibu Beach Recovery Center alumni Edward Shut. Edward spent 111 days at MBRC for an addiction to suboxone and benzodiazapines, well-documented by LA Times photojournalist Liz O. Baylen, and recently celebrated his first year of sobriety. Kudos to the LA Times for committing the time and resources necessary for its reporters to do the required research and writing. September is National Yoga Month.
Having Panic Attacks?
It’s National Yoga Month, so we asked lead Yoga Instructor Oleg Flow (formerly Yevseyev) to demonstrate a quick exercise to diminish anxiety. Click here to see the video
From Xanax to Yoga
We asked Alumna Shannon Scott to tell the story of her alcohol and pill addiction, and her many years of self-medicating to cope with anxiety and lack of self-esteem. Now, she says, instead of taking Xanax to stay calm, she teaches yoga at Malibu Beach Recovery Center. Here is her story:
Malibu Beach Recovery Center Helps Advance What Science Knows About Addiction
Malibu Beach Recovery Center is proud to have collaborated with Dr. Kenneth Blum, PhD, and his distinguished colleagues around the country on the following editorials, review articles, and clinical studies about genetics and addiction. 1. Publication: Collier’s Magazine, April 2012 and Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
Article: All Roads Lead to Dopamine
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
Volume 44, Issue 2, 2012
Publication: Genetic Syndromes & Gene Therapy
Editorial: Neuropsychiatric Genetics of Happiness, Friendships and Politics: A New Era in Understanding Social Interface” (published)
Journal of Genetic Diseases and Disease Information
Editorial: Translational Research To Uncover Diagnostic & Therapeutic Gene Targets Emerging in a Genomic Era: From Bench to Bedside.
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Ian C (real name)
has recorded a compelling testimonial which documents for the first time how the Malibu Beach Recovery System℠ -- our French low-glycemic diet coupled with the Kurma Yoga System, dopamine-raising nutraceuticals, great therapy and the principles of the 12 Step program -- can positively impact clinical depression. A graduate of George Washington University, Ian began his studies at Georgetown Law School before falling into a depression so deep he did not leave home for six months. He is now enrolled at UCLA Extension and will soon start earning credits toward his certificate in counseling. In the interim has become an active entrepreneur. Here is a link to the blog about how MBRC first started helping those like Ian whose primary diagnosis is depression.Ian C: I suffered from depression and anxiety for almost my entire life
Chills Pills: A Growing Epidemic
The Malibu Beach Recovery Center, a rehab clinic for the rich and famous high, clings like a determined survivor to a picturesque hillside a short drive from the Malibu movie colony. In just the past year alone, street drugs have given way to something just as deadly among the high-end clientele seeking help here.“The biggest drug dealer around is your parents’ medicine cabinet,” the center’s owner, Joan Borsten, told NBC4.Borsten, a veteran of the movie business, described 60 percent of her new clients as addicts hooked on prescription meds – and not just the anti-anxieties, like Xanax or Klonopin.
More and more of them, she said, are zoned out on heavy-hitters like Fentanyl, often used by cancer patients.
“We had a client who came in here after eating a Fentanyl patch,” Bornsten said.
Fentanyl, a pain killer many times more powerful than morphine, is sometimes applied by skin patch.Borstein said its long term effects may not be well understood since it is designed to deliver fast, short-term relief for the terminally ill. Joan’s client, a hard-charging actress, overdosed and nearly died.
“She had been on it for three years,” Joan said.
“Her body was shutting down... more
From the Kitchens of the Malibu Beach Recovery Center: Sugar, the First Addiction
Licia recently posted a very comprehensive report on the malibubeachrecoveryblog (including a great brownie recipe) about what we are now all learning about the health problems that go with overconsumption of sugar. Here is some of the accompanying information, including reommended reading...more“Sugar is the new cocaine and it’s free. It is time that we, our elected officials, our health practitioners, our school boards, took a stand to protect and inform the general population on how to stand up to a greedy and ever changing enemy: Out from our schools, our restaurants, our prepared products… Out from the drinks we trustingly give our children… Those products have to come with a warning label similar to cigarettes: Beware, this product can and will kill you. It destroys our health, our genes, our immune system and the life expectancy of our children.”
- Chef Jamie Olivier, The New Food Revolution
Laurie Armstrong Kelsoe: Her Story
Laurie arrived at Malibu Beach Recovery Center in January 2010 at the urging of her brother, the late Russell Armstrong.Russell was a venture capitalist, originally from Dallas with plush office in Beverly Hills. On behalf of a wealthy client he had been learning the ins-and- outs of the addiction business. The client hoped to invest in a tony Los Angeles alcohol and drug treatment center. When that investment opportunity did not materialize Russell began looking at other alcohol and drug treatment centers.
On our third or fourth meeting he mentioned that he had a younger sister in Texas. Laurie, he said, “truly a wonderful person” was behaving “not unlike some of your clients.”...more
INTERVENTION UPDATE
Rachel’s Intervention episode will be broadcast again on Monday February 20, 2012. The episode co-stars Rachel’s then boyfriend, Joie. He was the villain of the show, the junkie panhandler, abusive boyfriend, drug addicted criminal who tried to stop Candy Finnigan from sending Rachel to rehab at Malibu Beach Recovery Center. After five months in prison for assault, Joie followed Rachel to Los Angeles and eventually decided to get clean (except for methadone and pot). When Rachel relapsed half a year ago it was Joie who stepped in and saved her. Joie, 30, then moved to San Francisco to start a new life and was working as a high rise window washer when he was found stabbed to death. It happened in a run down San Francisco neighborhood at 2:40 a.m. on January 18, 2012, the first San Francisco homicide of the year according the San Francisco Examiner. Rachel, who returned to New Jersey in December, has nor surprisingly been hard hit by Joie's death. She is wearing his ashes in an urn around her neck.US Sees Growing Problem With Prescription Drug Abuse
U.S. health officials say drug abuse is a major cause of death in the United States and that prescription drugs are a big part of the problem. Painkillers and mood-altering medications have left many people addicted, with serious results...more
ANGELINA GETS MARRIED
Here’s the latest news for those of you who watch A&E’s Emmy-award winning show Intervention. Angelina, who Candy Finnigan brought to Malibu Beach Recovery Center just over three years ago, just got married. I recently blogged about her bridal shower, her mom Peggy, and their reunion with Candy Finnigan. Now there are also wedding photos...More
ADDICTION IS A BRAIN DISEASE
The most important scientists in the field of addiction all believe addiction, whether the result of genetics or environmental factors, is a brain disease. Expediting brain repair, and giving our clients tools for long term sobriety, is what the Malibu Beach Recovery System is all about. Every day we are asked tough, probing questions about addiction by parents/spouses/families/friends. Some of the best answers can be found in an interview (http://www.hbo.com/addiction/thefilm/supplemental/624_nora_volkow.html) Dr. Nora Volkow, MD gave several years ago to HBO for its special called “Addiction.”...More
BEAUTIFUL MALIBU
Photo by Seth Isler:
Young brother and sister
embrace amid flags flown at
Malibu's Pepperdine University
in commemoration of 9/11.
For More photos click here
MALIBU BEACH RECOVERY CENTER BLOG MAKES TOP BLOG LIST
PhD Programs, a non-profit online guide for students considering pursuing their PhD degree online, was created by Tricia Adams, who just posted the article, “Top 96 Blogs for Recovering Alcoholics” ( http://www.phdprograms.org/top-96-blogs-for-recovering-alcoholics/ ). Our website came in #23.Thanks Tricia.
DOPAMINE FOR DUMMIES
Dopamine is sometimes called "the reward chemical" or "pleasure molecule" or the "anti-stress molecule." It is the primary neurotransmitter found in the brain which is responsible for happiness and other emotions. It is essential for the normal functioning of the central nervous system. Dopamine provides feelings of enjoyment and reinforcement that motivate a person proactively to "feel good."Read More...
HELP DECREASE PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE BY SUPPORTING SB 1071
SB 1071 is a bill designed to fund CURES, a real time online data
base that will allow doctors and pharmacists in this state to instantly
check whether their patients are doctor shopping or pharmacy hopping.
Read More...
FROM THE KITCHENS OF THE MALIBU BEACH RECOVERY CENTER
At the Malibu Beach Recovery Center clients eat a healthy alternative to diets heavy on high-glucose processed foods that actually feed destructive addictive behavior. Those who eat according to the MBRC Recovery Diet feel healthy, energetic and do not suffer from mood swings, sugar or insulin spikes. They also feel less addictive cravings while the body purifies itself. This food for recovery is simple to prepare, exciting and delicious.Read More...
THE 12 STEP PHILOSOPHY AS A GUIDELINE FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
It is our primary objective at Malibu Beach Recovery Center to deeply instill our recovery experience into each one of our clients. We view every client as a new opportunity. Clients that seek our help are agreeing to completely submerge themselves in new opportunities towards mental, physical and spiritual growth. Our experience has shown that no recovering addict can rely on philosophy alone. We believe recovery to be a process.Read More...
FUN IN RECOVERY
It is no secret that with recovery, there is work involved. The disease of addiction calls for close and diligent self examination. Addiction is a serious problem that calls for serious course of action. That said the life of a recovering addict is a joyous one. Questions that will often arise from addicts in early recovery are 1. What will I do with myself now? 2. What will become of my social life? 3. Will I ever have fun again? Your social life in recovery is nothing to get discouraged about.Read More...
THE ADVANTAGES OF RECOVERY IN A SMALL COMMUNITY
At Malibu Beach Recovery Center our counselor-client ratio varies between 1 and 3 and 1 and 6. Having 3 to 6 clients and 1 to 2 counselors on site at a time, allows for a great deal of intimacy and personal growth.Read More...
LEGAL PROBLEMS DUE TO YOUR ADDICTION?
Malibu Beach Recovery Center has partnered with a team of legal beagles whose job is to help your lawyer get you into treatment instead of jail. Their unique experience in California and across the United States can convince District Attorneys and Judges that treatment at Malibu Beach Recovery Center will benefit you far more than incarceration.
Call 1-800-366-8101 for more details.
Science
NEUROGENETIC IMPAIRMENTS OF BRAIN REWARD CIRCUITRY LINKS TO REWARD DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (RDS) AS EVIDENCED BY GENETIC ADDICTION RISK SCORE (GARS): A CASE STUDY
Published in the IIOAB Journal, 2013; Vol.4 (1):4--9.Last April Malibu Beach Recovery Center became one of ten treatment centers in the US chosen to participate in a clinical study to determine the effectiveness of a new test called GARS or the GENETIC ADDICTION RISK SCORE. Volunteers spit into test tubes which were then fedexed to Dominion Labs. Dominion used the saliva to evaluate 9 genes and 17 (male)-18 (Female) gene variants which it is believed can predict an individual's predisposition to addiction.
Staffer Liz WInchell, now 17 years sober, was one of those who volunteered to be part of the study. Our Neuroscience adviser Dr. Kenneth Blum, Phd and his colleagues then took Liz's results and compared them to her life history to illustrate the usefulness of the GARS model. From the results, with no help from Liz, they were able to blindly describe lifetime Reward Deficiency Syndrome behaviors in Liz. When Liz told them her personal story, they found that their assessment matched Liz's life. The scientific team has called for further study in what they believe to be "an important emerging field."
Malibu Beach Recovery Center Helps Advance What Science Knows About Addiction
Malibu Beach Recovery Center is proud to have collaborated with Dr. Kenneth Blum, PhD, and his distinguished colleagues around the country on the following editorials, review articles, and clinical studies about genetics and addiction.Neuropsychiatric Genetics of Happiness, Friendships, and Politics: Hypothesizing Homophily ("Birds of a Feather Flock Together") as a Function of Reward Gene Polymorphisms
Neurogenetic Impairments of Brain Reward Circuitry Links to Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS): Potential Nutrigenomic Induced Dopaminergic Activation.
Blum K, Oscar-Berman M, Giordano J, Downs B, Simpatico T, Han D, Femino J.
Source
Department of Psychiatry & McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA ; G & G Holistic Addiction Treatment Center, North Miami Beach, FL, USA ; Dominion Diagnostics, Inc. North Kingstown, Rhode Island, USA ; Path Foundation NY, New York, NY, USA ; Department of Addiction Research a & Therapy, Malibu Beach Recovery Center, Malibu Beach, CA, USA ; Department of Nutrigenomics, LifeGen, Inc., Austin, TX, USA ; Institute of Integrative Omics & Applied Biotechnology, Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.
Abstract
Work from our laboratory in both in-patient and outpatient facilities utilizing the Comprehensive Analysis of Reported Drugs (CARD)(™) found a significant lack of compliance to prescribed treatment medications and a lack of abstinence from drugs of abuse during active recovery. This unpublished, ongoing research provides an impetus to develop accurate genetic diagnosis and holistic approaches that will safely activate brain reward circuitry in the mesolimbic dopamine system. This editorial focuses on the neurogenetics of brain reward systems with particular reference to genes related to dopaminergic function. The terminology "Reward Deficiency Syndrome" (RDS), used to describe behaviors found to have an association with gene-based hypodopaminergic function, is a useful concept to help expand our understanding of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), process addictions, and other obsessive, compulsive and impulsive behaviors. This editorial covers the neurological basis of pleasure and the role of natural and unnatural reward in motivating and reinforcing behaviors. Additionally, it briefly describes the concept of natural dopamine D2 receptor agonist therapy coupled with genetic testing of a panel of reward genes, the Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS). It serves as a spring-board for this combination of novel approaches to the prevention and treatment of RDS that was developed from fundamental genomic research. We encourage further required studies. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23264886
Diagnosis and Healing In Veterans Suspected of Suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Using Reward Gene Testing and Reward Circuitry Natural Dopaminergic Activation.
Blum K, Giordano J, Oscar-Berman M, Bowirrat A, Simpatico T, Barh D.
Source
Department of Psychiatry & McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA ; Department of Holistic Medicine G&G Holistic Addiction Treatment Center, North Miami Beach, FL, USA ; Dominion Diagnostics, Inc., North Kingstown, RI, USA ; Department of Clinical Neurology, Path Foundation, New York, NY, USA ; Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India ; Department of Clinical Medicine, Malibu Beach Recovery Center, Malibu Beach, CA, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, and Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract
There is a need for understanding and treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in soldiers returning to the United States of America after combat. Likewise, it would be beneficial to finding a way to reduce violence committed by soldiers, here and abroad, who are suspected of having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We hypothesize that even before combat, soldiers with a childhood background of violence (or with a familial susceptibility risk) would benefit from being genotyped for high-risk alleles. Such a process could help to identify candidates who would be less suited for combat than those without high-risk alleles. Of secondary importance is finding safe methods to treat individuals already exposed to combat and known to have PTSD. Since hypodopaminergic function in the brain's reward circuitry due to gene polymorphisms is known to increase substance use disorder in individuals with PTSD, it might be parsimonious to administer dopaminergic agonists to affect gene expression (mRNA) to overcome this deficiency
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23264885
Publication: Genetic Syndromes & Gene Therapy
Journal of Genetic Diseases and Disease Information Editorial: Translational Research To Uncover Diagnostic & Therapeutic Gene Targets Emerging in a Genomic Era: From Bench to Bedside.
Malibu Beach Recovery Center Helps Advance What Science Knows About Addiction
Malibu Beach Recovery Center is proud to have collaborated with Dr. Kenneth Blum, PhD, and his distinguished colleagues around the country on the following editorials, review articles, and clinical studies about genetics and addiction. 1. Publication: Collier’s Magazine, April 2012 and Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
Article: All Roads Lead to Dopamine
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
Volume 44, Issue 2, 2012
Latest Blog Entries
November 24, 2012 : The Brentwood House: Luxurious New Urban Setting for Addiction Treatment
Pat Olsen interviews Joan Borsten about the Brentwood House, MBRC's expansion to a second location in one of West Los Angeles's most fashionable and upscale neighborhoods. Find out more.
November 23, 2012: Chefs, Celebrity and Otherwise, and Addiction
As chefs are a big deal at the Malibu Beach Recovery Center Pat Olsen looks at addicted chefs from Douglas McNish who had an eating disorder to former heroin addict Anthony Bourdain to alcoholic in recovery Andrew Zimmern.
November 20, 2012: Predisposition to Addiction: MBRC Staffer Liz Winchell Shares Results of Genetic Testing
Joan Borsten interviews Liz Winchell about the correlation between her years of addiction and the results of her GARS test which reveals genetic predisposition to addiction.
November 19, 2012: Deadly Anti-drug Efforts in Honduras, and Iran as an Ally in the War on Drugs
Pat Olsen continues her series on how other countries deal with drugs and alcoholism, this time looking at Honduras and Iran.
November 17, 2012: Two States Ease Marijuana Laws
Pat Olsen woke up the morning after the presidential election to find that that Colorado and Washington residents had voted in favor of smoking pot recreationally.
November 15, 2012: Malibu Beach Recovery Diet: Thanksgiving Turkey Breast with Crimini Mushroom Gravy, Butternut Squash Gratin, and Apple Tart with Chocolate Drizzle
We are thankful for Licia Jaccard’s yummy new recipes.
November 10, 2012: Edward S.: I Was Addicted to Prescription Pills for 10 Years
Joan Borsten salutes the launch of a two year investigation by The Los Angeles Times into prescription drug addiction. Included in the first article in the series is a compelling essay by photojournalist Liz Baylen about Malibu Beach Recovery Center alumnus Edward S’ journey from pill addiction to sobriety.
November 8, 2012: Denzel Washington in FLIGHT, and Radioman - Movie Messages About Substance Abuse
Pat discovers new movies about alcoholism and addiction.
November 8, 2012: Academic Doping: Adderall
Allison Morris of onlinecollege.org shares a terrific article and poster about students abusing Adderall to study.
November 3, 2012: News about Teens Drinking and Driving, Ignition Locks, and The Cost of Driving Drunk
Pat finds teen drinking and driving numbers are dropping.
October 30, 2012: Prescription Pill Abuse: Confronting a Family Member, and Another Doctor Charged
Pat Olsen reads Dear Abby and her advice to family members about “Aunt Betty” who is abusing prescription pills.
October 27, 2012: Primary Care Doctors Screening for Alcohol Abuse Pat ends up in the ER for nosebleed and is questioned about possible alcoholism.
October 22, 2012 UMR and the CorVel Corporation: Buyer Beware
Joan red flags predatory practices of UMR, a health insurance company, and the CorVel Corporation which UMR hires to find ways to cut provider bills using unprofessional methodology.
October 20, 2012: Marijuana Laced with PCP and Formaldehyde
Pat writes about marijuana spiked with designer stimulants aned formaldehyde.
October 11, 2012: Malibu Beach Recovery Diet: Fresh Peas with Lettuce and Green Garlic, Coconut Chicken with Peach Salsa, Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Apple and Fig Tart
Licia's Birthday Menu
September 30, 2012: Online Meetings: 12-Step, Alanon and Others
Pat researches available online meetings.
September 29, 2012: University of Florida Scientists to Study "Bath Salts" Joan reports that the bath salt addiction of MBRC client Miles is now being studied by the University of Florida scientists.
September 17, 2012: Marijuana: Mothers Who Smoke, and a New Study on Pot's Effect on Adolescents
Pat looks at pot-smoking moms
September 8, 2012: Malibu Beach Recovery Diet: Simple, Tasty Ways to Curb Food Cravings
Licia Jaccard offers recipes for simple snacks to have on hand so you don’t reach for high-sugar, high-starch processed foods when you have a food craving.
September 6, 2012: Shannon S: From Xanax to Yoga
Joan interviews staff yoga teacher Shannon S., a graduate of Malibu Beach Recovery Center, who recently appeared on NBC News.
September 6, 2012: Living Clean and Sober: It's Not the Town
Pat Olsen discovers staying sober is not just about where you live.
August 30, 2012: Is Sober the New Black? Some in Recovery Say "Get Real."
Pat Olsen surveys milestones in the world of recovery and wonders about those who think recovery is now chic.\
August 25, 2012 Health News: Helping to Curb Cocaine Abuse with Enzymes?
Pat Olsen discovers that that there is hope enzyme therapy holds promise for treatment of cocaine.
August 18, 2012: Venezuela - Cocaine "Exporting" is Worse Than Ever
Another International Report from Pat Olsen.
August 11, 2012: Ian C: I suffered from depression and anxiety for almost my entire life
Joan Borsten introduces a video testimonial by Ian C, one of a group of alumni who came to Malibu Beach Recovery Center with a primary diagnosis of clinical depression and turned their lives around.
August 11, 2012: Alcohol News: Women Over 50 Drinking and What the Future Holds for Treatment
Pat Olsen finds that drinking in moderation may have positive health benefits for women over 50. But what if you cannot drink?
July 29, 2012: Malibu Beach Recovery Diet - Olive Oil Baked Shrimp, Cucumber Salad, Chocolate Sorbet
Licia offers some exciting new recipes for summer.
July 26, 2012: The Dangers of Unapproved Prescription Pills
Pat explores the FDA’s long history trying to protect Americans from dangerous substances.
July 6, 2012: Students Abusing ADHD Pills
Pat writes about prevalent abuse of pills meant for Attention Deficit Hyperactive
July 4, 2012: Malibu Beach Recovery Diet - Cherry Tomato Orzo Salad, Southeast Asian Style Turkey Burgers with Pickled Cucumbers, 4th of July Pie
Licia’s 4th of July recipes.
June 28, 2012: News About Drug Use in India and in the Netherlands
Another in Pat’s Olsen’s series about addition and treatment around the world.
June 23, 2012: Books on Addiction and Recovery - and Publishing Information for Medical Professionals
Pat Olsen reviews “Drunkard: A Hard-Drinking Life” by Neil Steinberg and other new books on addiction and recovery.
June 17, 2012: Book Review: Sober Siblings by Patricia Olsen and Petros Levounis
Susan Sulliver reviews "Sober Siblings" which Pat Olsen co-wrote with Dr. Petros Levounis, MD.
June 9. 2012: Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients Posted by Pat Olsen on June 09, 2012
Pat Olsen reports on the hot topic of testing welfare recipients for drug use.
June 5, 2012: The Controversy Over Legalizing Marijuana
Pat Olsen writes about legalizing marijuana and Connecticut which has become the latest state to legalize pot for medical use.
June 1, 2012: Malibu Beach Recovery Diet™: Fava Beans, Chimichurri, and Ice Cream Sundaes
Some more great recipes from Licia Jacard.
May 29, 2012: Malibu Beach Recovery Diet™ - 3 Legal Desserts to Take to 12 Step Meetings
Licia Jaccard helps one of the alumni decide which Malibu Beach Recovery Diet recipes are well suited for 12 Step Meetings.
May 27, 2012: Substance Abuse and the E.R.
Pat Olsen writes again about the link between the E.R. and substance abusers.
May 19, 2012: Pregnant Mothers Abusing Drugs and Meth-addicted babies
Pat Olsen reports on the steady increase in pregnant teens’ and women’s use of opiates in the last 10 years.
May 16, 2012: Dr. Kenneth Blum Joins Malibu Beach Recovery Center Team As Neuroscience Advisor
Joan Borsten announces that Dr. Kenneth Blum has become the Malibu Beach Recovery Center Neuroscience Advisor.
May 11, 2012: Pot-infused wine...Drinking hand sanitizer...Whip-It...What's next?
Pat Olsen discovers wine infused with pot.
May 8, 2012: Malibu Beach Recovery Diet - Going Vegan
Licia presents recipes that \make you want to embrace those meals that do not feature meat as an ingredient
May 6, 2012: New Jersey Fund Prescription Pill Database As California CURES Database Fails
Pat discovers that the East Coast is advaning quickly with online real time prescription drug data bases as California’s fails for budgetary reasons..
April 29, 2012: Bath Salts Part 2: Miles returns to his former self
Joan wonders if “bath salts” can have a rebund effect (like LSD) as she continues to follow the case of former client.
April 26 2012: Celebs and Addiction--Amy Winehouse, Stephen Tyler, Kristen Johnston, and Alex O'Loughlin
Pat finds celebrities do a public service when they bring attention to addiction and recovery.
April 21, 2011: Malibu Beach Recovery Diet - Sugar the Silent Killer
Licia explains why sugar is considered as addictive as drugs.
April 16, 2012: "Bath Salts:" A Designer Stimulant That Rebounds???
Posted by Joan Borsten on April 16, 2012 Joan writes about ex-client Miles and his “bath salt” addiction.
April 15, 2012: Klonopin, Ketamin and Levamisole - Dangerous When Abused
Pat writes about lesser known but frequently abused drugs.
April 9, 2012: Native Americans and Alcohol
Pat looks at alcohol abuse among native Americans.
April 5, 2012: A Clinical Trial for Predisposition to Addiction
Pat writes that Malibu Beach Recovery Center is one of 10 drug and alcohol treatment centers nationwide to participate in a clinical study to test GARS, assessment tool for determining a person’s predisposition to addiction.
April 2, 2012: Malibu Beach Recovery Diet™: Easter Favorites
Licia presents some amazing recipes for Spring.
March 31, 2012 Executives in Rehab
Pat writes again about rehab programs for executives.
March 30, 2012: Laurie Armstrong Kelsoe: Battling Meth
Joan Borsten profiles another Malibu Beach Recovery Center alum who talks about her battle with meth.
March 18, 2012: Standing up for Those Who Need Pain Management
Pat sets the record straight. We know there are those who genuinely need the drugs that others are abusing.
March 17, 2012: Malibu Beach Recovery Diet™ - Crustless Quiche, Arugula Salad, Strawberry Ice Cream
Licia shares recipes perfect for the months winter is transitioning to spring.
March 14, 2012: CURES Update: California's Online Prescription Drug Data Base Offline, No Funding in Sight|
Joan updates us on the status of CURES.
March 12, 2012: Drugs in Afghanistan
Another of Pat’s International Reports.
March 10, 2012: Prescription Pill Abuse and Lawsuits
Pat writes about the lawsuits being filed as a result of the prescription pill abuse epidemic.
March 1, 2012: CA Doctor Charged with Murder in Prescription Pill Abuse Case|
Pat writes about doctors across the country being arrested for overprescribing prescription pills, and one in California charged with murder.
February 24, 2012: Prescription Pill Abuse -- Still More Pharmacy Robberies and Dirty Doctors
Pat’s local drug store is robbed by someone wanting drugs.
February 12, 2012: Rest in Peace, Whitney Houston Pat Olsen pays tribute to the late Whitney Houston.
February 12, 2012 Musicians, Addiction and Recovery Another in Pat Olsen’s series about professionals that form support groups such as MusicCares which helps pay for musicians to go to treatment for alcohol and drugs.
February 10, 2012 Does Blue Cross Fuel Addiction by Sending Payment to Addicts Instead of Treatment Providers? Joan Borsten questions the wisdom of some of some Blue Cross Health Plans to send payment for treatment directly to the addict, or mental health patient, instead of the facility that provided treatment.
February 8, 2012: Naloxone and Overdose Rescue Kits and Hangover Helpers Pat Olsen writes about “Overdose Rescue Kits” which can save lives.
February 6, 2012: Drunk Shopping Pat Olsen writes that some retailers have targeted advertising at those who shop drunk.
February 3, 2012: Malibu Beach Recovery Diet - Valentine's Day Licia Jaccard offer yummy dinner for two recipes.
January 25, 2012: Drugs in the Military Pat Olsen looks at drug use in our armed services.
January 20, 2012: News in the Addiction and Recovery Field Pat Olsen brings good news: For years Malibu Beach Recovery Center has been one of the few alcohol and drug treatment programs whose system of treatment is based on neuroscience. Now, at the end of 2011 the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) introduced a new definition of addiction that underscores the wisdom our the Malibu Beach Recovery System – “it
knocks the psychological element off centre stage, redefining addiction as a chronic neurological disorder and an imbalance in the brain’s ‘reward’ circuitry.” (That’s from an editorial in a nutrition and mental health newsletter from the International Schizophrenia Foundation.)
January 14, 2012: Malibu Beach Recovery Diet January 2012 - Creamy Cauliflower Soup, Sea Bass Steamed in Rosemary Oil, Chocolate Mousse Licia Jaccard shares her chocolate mousse recipe.
January 13, 2012: Methamphetamine still popular Pat Olsen looks at the continued methamphetamine use.
January 8, 2012: Drinking and Sexual Assault Pat Olsen examines what happens when alcohol and other drugs loosen people’s inhibitions, impair their judgment, and lead to semi-consciousness or worse.
January 2, 2012: Doctors Who Fuel Addiction and Relapse Joan Borsten shares her first hand experience with doctors who are insensitive to patients who tell them: “I am in recovery.”
December 28, 2011: Drug Treatment for Addicts with Limited Money, Medicare Pat gives out an 800 number for those looking for very affordable treatment.
December 25, 2011: Suboxone Smuggling – a New Prison Problem. Pat Olsen reports families are smuggling suboxone into prisons in very creative ways.
December 22, 2012: Drinking and the Holidays Pat Olsen reviews the rules.
December 16, 2011- Vietnam and Substance Abusers Pat Olsen writes another in her series on substance abuse problems around the world with a look at Vietnam.
December 9, 2011-Malibu Beach Recovery Diet™: Holiday Recipes 2011 Licia Jaccard recommends pan seared duck, a salad with twice baked goat cheese souffle, and strawberry cheesecake.
December 5, 2011- Group Therapy in Addiction Treatment Pat Olsen looks at the role group therapy plays in recovery.
December 3, 2011- Julia F: 90 Days of Rehab Courtesy of Starbucks Joan Borsten looks at “Cadillac” insurance policies and applauds Starbucks for being there when the insured really needed them most.
November 14, 2011 - Intervention the Sequel: Angelina Gets Married Joan Borsten goes to Angelina’s bridal shower and remembers back to the day three years ago when Candy Finnigan intervened on Angelina before millions of viewers, in one of the most dramatic episodes the Emmy winning A&E series has ever aired, and brought her to Malibu Beach Recovery Center.
November 19, 2011 - Professionals in Recovery Pat Olsen writes about recovery groups for specific professions such as lawyers, doctors and nurses.
November 12, 2011 - The Malibu Beach Recovery Diet Thanksgiving 2011 Recipes - Licia Jaccard offers recipes for a small Thanksgiving dinner: Turkey Cutlets; Arugula Salad with pears, cranberries and goat cheese; and a sugarless pecan pie.
November 8, 2011 - Checking In -- Four Loko, Bath Salts, and College Drinking Pat Olsen updates us on three important posts: Four Loko, Bath Salts, and College Drinking.
October 21, 2011 - Prescription Pill Abuse Tragedies - Will They Never End? Pat Olsen worries about the crackdown on doctors who abuse their Hippocratic oath.
October 16, 2011 - The "Recovery-Speak" Dictionary - More Definitions Joan Borsten adds more definitions to her dictionary.
October 13, 2011 - The Malibu Beach Recovery Diet - Red Quinoa, Wild Salmon, Pear and Fig Tart Tatin Licia Jaccard offers some elegant and tasty low glycemic recipes for the fall season.
October 12, 2011 - Substance Abuse on College Campuses Pat Olsen looks at how colleges from Rutgers to the Linn State Technical College in Missouri are dealing with drugs and alcohol.
October 1, 2011 - Alcohol Abuse in the U.K. Pat Olsen begins her series on substance abuse problems around the world with a look at alcoholism in England.
September 18, 2011 - Wet Houses, Where Alcoholics Aren't Urged to Get Treatment Pat Olsen discovers that there are “wet houses” in Minnesota where alcoholics live and drink.
September 18, 2011 - Relationships in Early Recovery Pat Olsen wonders about the rules for sex and love in early recovery.
September 13, 2011 - Malibu Beach Recovery Diet - Plum Tarte Licia Jaccard, who helped create the American version of the French low glycemic diet that is a key component of our treatment system, has two great recipes using the plums now available at the local farmers market.
September 8, 2011 - Nora Volkow and the National Institute on Drug Abuse Pat Olsen profiles Neuroscientist Nora Volkow who heads National Institute of Drug Absue, a branch of the NIH.
August 30, 3011 - Smoking: An Addiction in its Own Right Pat Olsen reminds us about nicotine addiction .
August 27, 2011 - Meth Inside Out Malibu Beach Recovery Center Counselor Susan S., herself an accomplished television and documentary producer, gives a thumbs up to Meth Inside Out, a new DVD series.
August 24, 2011 - Ambien--Sleep Medication That's Addictive Pat Olsen writes about the sleeping pill that many become addicted to.
August 18, 2011 - A&E's Intervention TV Show - Michelle from New Jersey : Joan Borsten profiles Michelle from New Jersey, the third client who has come to Malibu Beach Recovery Center through the award-winning TV Show Intervention and Interventionist Candy Finnigan. Joan also follows up on Angelina and Rachel, MBRC’s other two alumni from the Intervention Show and snaps a photo of the three New Jersey girls at a 12 Step Meeting.
August 14, 2011 - Xanax and Alcohol: Two Monsters at a Time
Joan Borsten tells about the new client who had a drink at the airport, xanax on the plane, and ended up in Los Angeles not knowing who she was, or where she was…
August 13, 2011 – Addicted Doctors Pat Olsen reports that 10 medical institutions have just introduced the first accredited residency programs in addiction medicine, where doctors who have completed medical school and a primary residency will be able to spend a year studying the relationship between addiction and brain chemistry.
August 5, 2011 - Actor Martin Sheen to Congress: Drug Courts Effective Hollywood star and activist, former Malibu mayor Martin Sheen goes to Congress to testify in favor of drug courts.
July 24, 2011 - The Malibu Beach Recovery Diet: Summer 2011 recipes
Joan Borsten contributes a new recipe for Citrus Salad and Chef Mitch adds a vegetable soufflé.
July 19, 2011 - Robert Garrigus, Daniel Radcliffe Come Clean about Substance Abuse Pat Olsen writes about Robert Ggarrigus and Daniel Radclife who have come forward to talk about their problems with substance abuse.
July 16, 2011 - Substance Abuse and Pharmacy Robberies Pat Olsen writes about thieves who rob pharmacies looking for cough medicine and prescription pills.
July 11, 2011 - Betty Ford: Champion of Women Pat Olsen pays tribute to Betty Ford, with personal insight from Lisa Anne Penny whose dad worked for President Ford. Lisa reports that during her own struggle with drugs, she looked to Betty Ford for inspiration.
July 10, 2011 - Drinking Diaries: Women Writing about Alcoholism Pat Olsen writes about she had done on a site called Drinking Diaries, a forum for women to share, vent, express, and discuss their drinking stories without judgment.
July 3, 2011 -- Swedish Study: Alcoholics Predisposed to Addiction Relapse More Frequently Joan Borsten looks at a new Swedish study which found a 90% relapse rate among alcoholics genetically predisposed to addiction.
July 1, 2011 - Heroin and Portland, Oregon Pat Olsen finds that kids are still flocking to Portland for heroin.
June 25, 2011 - Marijuana, the Most Commonly Used Drug Pat Olsen discovers that the National Institute of Drug Addiction now considers marijuana“the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States.”
June 21, 2011 - Addiction - An Equal Opportunity Disease Or, Meet David Carr Pat Olsen reports on New York Times columnist David Carr and his battles with addiction.
June 17, 2011 -- California Workers' Comp - Fueling the Prescription Drug Epidemic? Joan tells the dramatic story of Krissie Bergo who came to Malibu Beach hopelessly addicted to narcotics and benzodiazepines. Her pusher was “Dr. X,” her Workers Comp Pain Management doctor.
June 6, 2011 -- 12 Questions to Ask When Considering a Treatment Provider Pat posts a list of 12 questions to consider when selecting a treatment program:
May 16, 2011 -- Caron Treatment Centers Pat writes about Caron Treatment Centers, and a man she met there who made an impression.
May 13, 2011 -- Alcoholics Anonymous--Time for a Change? Pat reports on a controversial article about alcoholism and anonymity which appeared in The New York Times Styles section. In it, NYT reporter David Colman used his first and last name when he revealed that he’s in recovery, which is a no-no in the world of Alcoholics Anonymous. Several Malibu Beach alumni and staff weigh in on the anonymity factor.
May 9, 2011 -- Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack Speaks Out Against Prescription Pill Abuse Pat salutes Mary Bono Mack for taking a stand against prescription pill abuse. The Republican representative from California is heading a commerce panel for the Energy and Commerce Committee to raise awareness of the problem
May 8, 2011 -- Five Addiction Interventionists Worth Hiring Joan recommends 5 interventionists who are not only effective professionals but seem to genuinely care about the people they intervene on and their families.
April 27, 2011 -- Yoga and Recovery from Addiction Pat Olsen writes about the impact yoga can have on addiction and quotes our own lead exercise instructor Oleg Yevseyev.
April 22, 2011 -- Malibu Beach Recovery Diet™: A Delicious Way to Help Sustain Long Term Sobriety Joan Borsten writes about Malibu Beach Recovery Center’s low glycemic diet and the positive impact healthy gourmet food, prepared by French chefs, has on the physical and mental health of clients.
April 21, 2011 -- thefix.com Pat Olsen found a new, commercial addiction and recovery website calledTheFix.com.
April 18, 2011 -- Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic Pat Olsen reviews the new book “Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic:Professional Views and Personal Insights” by Sarah Allen Benton.
April 15, 2011 -- High Level Executives Also Need Rehab Pat Olsen reports on the new CNBC episode that Marc Dreier, the high-profile New York lawyer who admitted to a $400 million investment fund fraud, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in July, 2009 an also treatment for alcoholism while locked up.
April 13, 2011 -- Anthem Blue Cross of California: As cheap as it comes. Joan Borsten follows up on a previous blog about Anthem of California and corporate reluctance to pay for chemical dependency treatment, or just to pay at all.
April 3, 2011 -- New York, New York Pat Olsen discovers prescriptions for oxycodone have doubled in the last three years in New York City.
April 2, 2011 -- Purdue Pharma Offers $1 Million to Help Fund Florida's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program What about California? asks Joan Borsten.
April 1, 2011 -- Los Angeles Civil and Criminal Defense Attorney Mary Masi reflects that in the modern world society is measured by the character and prevalence of its crimes and misdemeanors. Without a doubt, she writes, drug and alcohol related crimes are the most prevalent today.
March 23, 2011 -- It's Official - Gambling is a Behavioral Addiction Pat Olsen reports that for the first time, gambling will have its own category in the DSM, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: behavioral addiction. (The DSM is the "Bible" for the medical industry and required when providers bill insurance companies.)
March 21, 2011 -- Bath Salts--Not so Soothing Pat Olsen writes about a college student who killed his girlfriend using bath salts.
March 11, 2011 -- Kids and Prescription Drug Abuse Russell Armstrong lauds the efforts of the treatment center Promises to guide parents in how to keep their medicine cabinets safe.
March 2, 2011 -- Addiction Counselor, Poet and Song Writer Pat Olsen on Tim Conley, an assistant professor of Social Work at the University of Montana who teaches two courses on addiction and counsels addicts. He writes songs from the other side of the fence, capturing his clients’ experiences.
February 25, 2011 -- Dr. Gregory House, Addicted M.D. Watching “House” is different once you know about prescription pill abuse writes Pat Olsen who recently caught the episode where he goes to rehab solely to try and escape jail.
February 4, 2011 -- Pill Mills Pat Olsen takes on pill mills, “the places where bad doctors hand out prescription drugs like candy.”
January 29, 2011 -- Getting Sober Isn't Enough - Resolve Your Legal Issues Joan Borsten and Malibu Beach Recovery Center legal counsel Jeffrey Miles look at what happens when the newly sober do not take care of their old legal problems.
January 27, 2011 -- AARP Article on Seniors and Addiction Pat Olsen looks at AARP’s “Special Report on Older A
addicts” which quotes a report from SAMHSA as predicting that the “number of boomers with substance-abuse problem will double from 2.5 million in 199 to 5 million in 2020.”
January 14, 2011 -- Drug Makers Infiltrating a College Curriculum? Pat Olsen reports on how Purdue Pharma, manufacturer of oxycodon, funded a book on managing chronic pain that the author, who is a paid Purdue Pharma lecturer, managed to get in front of unsuspecting medical students attending a University of Toronto pain management course.
January 8, 2011 --Ted Williams--A Family Man with 2 Years Clean Taylor Armstrong covers the story of the week - Ted Williams, a man with a golden voice from Columbus, Ohio, who lost everything to alcohol and drugs and then became the luckiest guy around.
December 30, 2010 -- Linda Freud, Medical Intuitive Joan Borsten writes about Linda Freud, the medical intuitive who uses a pendulum and data base of diseases and remedies to diagnose and prescribe.
December 25, 2010 -- Malibu Beach Recovery Center to offer SAG Tier II Health Plan members creative financing options
Joan Borsten looks at serious setback for the entertainment industry - approximately 12,000 Screen Actors Guild members will now have to pay privately for chemical dependency treatment.
December 23, 2010 -- An ER Doctor's Humanity Pat Olsen wonders what doctors think about their patients who drink or abuse other drugs and finds at least one answer.
December 14, 2010 -- National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse (NCAPDA) Taylor Armstrong looks at the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, one of her favorite non profits.. It was started by April Rovero when her son Joey, an Arizona State University student took a lethal dose of alcohol and prescription pills prescribed to him by Rowland Heights (California) osteopath Dr. Lisa Tseng.
December 6, 2010 -- Meet Candy Finnigan, Interventionist Pat Olsen interviews Candy Finnigan, part of the cast of the Emmy-winning A&E show “Intervention,” televised Mondays since 2005, co-author of the self-help book When Enough is Enough: A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Intervention. She’s privately helped many people get into treatment, including singers, actors, and politicians, but she has also educated millions about addiction and recovery through her regular appearances on “Intervention,” inspiring them to seek treatment for themselves or their loved ones. Candy has brought two clients from the Intervention Show to Malibu Beach Recovery Center for treatment. Angelina, now vibrant young woman who now lives in West Los Angeles, holds down a steady job, has reconnected with her family, is involved in a committed long term relationship, and participates fully in the 12 step community and Rachel. When Candy intervened on her she was homeless, sleeping on the steps of a Fifth Avenue Manhattan church. Now she lives in Malibu.
November 30, 2001 -- From Four Loko to Whipahol Pat Olsen finds that that just as Four Loko manufacturers agree to remove the caffeine and other stimulants from its drink, a whipped cream infused with alcohol makes the news.
November 22, 2010 -- When Babies Are Born to Substance Abusers Taylor Armstrong highlights a Discovery Channel program on women in prison who are pregnant.
November 17, 2010 -- You Oughta Be in Pictures Pat Olsen blogs about the Partnership at DrugFree.org’s Facebook Photo Campaign called: “Share Why You Believe in Drug and Alcohol Prevention.”
November 10, 2010 -- Innovative L.A. court program helps women get off drugs and turn their lives around
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and Malibu Beach Recovery Center co-owner Taylor Armstrong joins the blog as a regular contributor with her salute to a Los Angeles Superior Court judge and his successful program for women addicts.
November 7, 2010 -- Juiced, in More Ways than One Pat Olsen looks at the Four Loko scandal.
November 1, 2010 -- A Blog for Teens About Drugs Pat Olsen discovers that the National Institute on Drug Abuse has a blog for teenagers—The Sara Bellum Blog at http://teens.drugabuse.gov/blog/.
October 24, 2010 -- Understanding the Addicted Brain Joan Borsten tries to simplify for non-scientists the impact alcohol and drugs have on the brain. Addiction is a disease of the brain, she writes. Substance abuse shuts down the pre-frontal cortex which is responsible for functions such as reasoning, problem solving, judgment, impulse control. The decision-making processes pass to the unconscious Limbic system which associates alcohol and drugs with the principal source of pleasure and relief in life, and with survival itself.
October 24, 2010 -- The Physical Toll of Alcoholism Pat Olsen looks at damage alcohol can cause to one’s appearance and the impacts on one’s health including brain degeneration, cancer, depression, and insomnia.
October 14, 2010 -- A "Different" Addiction Blog Pat Olsen remembers a thought-provoking, literary blog is The New York Times’ blog called Proof.
October 10, 2010 -- Ready for Rehab Pat Olsen interviews Malibu Beach Recovery Center alumna Elizabeth M., an actress who just celebrated a year of sobriety, about what finally got her into treatment.
October 5, 2010 -- Meet Malibu Beach Recovery Center CEO Joan Borsten Pat Olsen, lead writer of the New York Times’ popular Boss column, joins us as a guest blogger. She begins by interviewing CEO Joan Borsten about her experiences in the field of alcohol and drug treatment, and her mission to draw awareness about the prescription drug epidemic sweeping California and the nation.
October 2, 2010 -- Addiction by Prescription – the Purdue Pharma-OxyContin Saga Continues Just three years ago Purdue, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures OxyContin was fined $500m. The US Attorney demonstrated that they were marketing and promoting OxyContin as less addictive, less subject to abuse and diversion, and less likely to cause tolerance and withdrawal than other pain medications. Yet young people all over California, and the nation, are still being prescribed lethal quantities of OxyContin, becoming addicts and dying. Something has to change.
October 1, 2010 -- Dr. Thom Lobe, MD, Brings Holistic Innovations to Malibu Beach Recovery Center Dr. Thom Lobe has joined the Malibu Beach Recovery Center clinical team. A medical doctor, surgeon, and naturopath Dr. Lobe is expected to add exciting new dimensions to our successful holistic approach to treating addiction.
September 19, 2010 "Recovery Speak" - A Dictionary for "Normies" Working in the Field of Addiction Joan published the first entries in the dictionary she has been creating for “normies” (non-addicts) working in the field of recovery. She calls it “Recovery Speak.” Bill and Lois Wilson probably never imagined that Big Book would spawn a whole new vocabulary.
September 17, 2010 -- Helping Defense Attorneys Creatively Extricate Addicts from Harm's Way John Tarasi founded Sober Guard to help defense attorneys get their clients into treatment and out of jail.
September 14, 2010 – Money and Awareness to Fight Addiction – the Brent Shapiro Foundation Oleg and I went to a glitzy Beverly Hills fundraiser on a mountain top overlooking Los Angeles with a serious message. Since losing their son Brent to complications resulting from drinking and ecstasy, Defense Attorney Robert Shapiro, his family and friends have made it their mission to educate the public about drug and alcohol addiction.
August 29, 2010: “Brave New World - Where Most Addicts Pop Pills to Stop Cravings and Stay Sober” Tom McLellan, PhD, outgoing Deputy Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, advocates “medication-assisted therapies”. He envisions the day when addicts will routinely swallow pills to stave off all cravings, the same way folks today routinely take pills to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol. McLellan spoke at a panel discussion organized by “Intervention TV” and “Hollywood, Health & Society” for addiction industry insiders.
August 12, 2010: “Dopamine for Dummies - Understanding Dr. Kenneth Blum and the Reward Deficiency Syndrome I loved trying to make the role dopamine plays in addiction so simple even I could understand it. Dr. Kenneth Blum, one of the foremost authorities on the relation between genetics and addiction, says he was highly controversial in 1990 when he co-founded what is known as the “alcoholic gene,” and is still controversial but less so. His current focus is on the Reward Deficiency Syndrome which affects most addicts, and is why he loved the “dopamine enhancing” aspects of the Malibu Beach Recovery System for Treatment of Addiction. If I was casting a movie, Christopher Lloyd would play Dr. Blum.
August 7, 2010 – “Addiction Industry Insiders Meet with Senator DeSaulnier at Malibu Beach Recovery Center” This was a fun event. The clients got to go out for a movie and lunch. We got to introduce State Senator Mark DeSaulnier to a group of industry insiders who heard first hand about his efforts to fund CURES, the online real time data base which allows physicians to check for doctor shopping and pharmacy hopping. Hoping the Senator went back to Sacramento with a lot of good ideas about what can be done in terms of prevention, treatment and recovery.
July 27, 2010 - Grace Slick and Michelle Mangione Give Back to Gulf Fishermen, Musicians. Grace Slick lives here in Malibu and comes from time to time to do co-dependency workshops with her daughter China. She is still unbelievably charismatic. I like to show the younger clients the You Tube video of Grace singing “White Rabbit” at Woodstock. As Chelsea B. once said – Wow, she was young like me once.” I hear the song she wrote with Michelle is doing well.
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