It’s no secret that celebrities in our country have it made (that is, if you consider “having it made” to mean that you receive a ton money and attention at the expense of your private life). And as a celebrity-obsessed culture, we’re watching their every move, from their achievements to their falls from grace. Nowhere is this more apparent than when a “star” checks him or herself into rehab for an addiction problem.
When headlines splash across papers and websites announcing that a celebrity has entered rehab, we often hear the usual names: Cirque Lodge, Promises, Crossroads, Wonderland. For the average person battling addiction, these centers are far too expensive. It’s easy to assume that because celebrities live posh lifestyles, that they get special treatment and amenities that other places either can’t or don’t provide – and stays at some of these locations can run upwards of $100,000 just to walk through the door. And with constant stories of relapses – the overall relapse rate in the U.S. is 40-60%*, however, some estimate that the celebrity relapse rate is around 75% – it seems as if many of them do not get the strict treatment needed to overcome their addictions. Let’s not forget, however, that at the end of the day these facilities are committed to helping people overcome serious addictions and serve the same purpose and mission as smaller, more affordable centers.
So, what is a day at celebrity rehab like? We pulled together a list of some of the more famous ones recently attended by celebrities to give you an idea of what you could expect at one of these facilities. (Hint: There’s a little less drama than you see on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.)
- Promises – Located in Malibu, Promises has worked with numerous celebrities, including Robert Downey, Jr., Diana Ross, Lindsay Lohan and Ben Affleck. Promises sits beachside and encourages patients to “relax” through treatment and provides patients with gourmet meals, gym time and outdoor activities, like rock climbing, in addition to structured therapy, detox, meetings and mandatory drug testing.
- Harmony Place – Also located in Malibu, Harmony Place is dedicated to serving women with alcohol abuse problems. The center resembles a ranch – which certainly helps with their Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions – and has an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, private library and meditation room.
- Wonderland – This Los Angeles-based facility has cared for Mike Tyson and Christian Slater, and boasts an extensive rehab program that tailors programs to individuals and their specific addictions. While it is teeming with luxury, such as swimming pools and a spa, the center is serious about recovery and even provides “Set and Tour Support,” during which an employee will follow around a patient to ensure he or she is behaving.
- Beau Monde – A chain of rehab facilities, each location will house no more than five people at one time. Guests stay in luxurious private houses and have access to gourmet meals, twice-per-week massages, whale watching, and shopping.
- The Sanctuary – Nestled in eastern Australia, The Sanctuary serves not only individuals with drug and alcohol addictions, but also works with people suffering from psychological disorders, such as depression, stress and trauma. Patients stay in private bungalows and have access to a chauffeured limousine, private chefs, acupuncture, yoga and meditation instructors and personal trainers.
*According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse.
