Miramar Recovery Center

I came to Miramar from DC in Dec ’11, hopeless & broken. I wanted a change but wasn’t sure anything could help. I’m so grateful my sister found this place for me as it – no exaggeration – completely changed my life.
The staff was unbelievable – from my wonderful and skilled case manager, to the client advisors who work tirelessly to make sure our stay is comfortable yet therapeutic, to my amazing therapist (who I still see) who not only helped me survive, but continues to help me thrive. I can’t leave out the massage therapist either, who not only offers that service, but the most sage advice and encouragement as she has been in our shoes too.
Our days were highly structured and routined, which I found I craved. We woke up early, got our meds (if on them), had breakfast, our morning meditation, went to the gym or yoga, then started the first of two groups. We were taken twice a week on «experientials” – activities like go-​kart racing – to remind us how to have fun sober. We finished our days with time to do homework, have dinner, and go out to our various 12-​step meetings (those were something I most adamantly resisted at first, but have proven to be critical – so grateful Miramar introduced me to those programs).
I made incredible friendships while I was there, most of which I still have today as supports. I am so saddened to read the 1-​star review. It’s not uncommon in any treatment program for there to be relapses occasionally, but I can say emphatically that Miramar staff does everything in their power to keep their clientele safe and sober.
I had planned to stay 30 days as that was all I thought I could afford – Miramar’s insurance people totally worked with my company to find a way for me to not only stay for 64 days, but come back for intensive outpatient, which I participated in for several months that spring and summer. Recovery isn’t easy, and there’s setbacks along the way, but Miramar leaves it’s arms open to any alumni needing help after leaving.
I should also mention the additional bonus of it being very small (10 women when I was there) and single-​sexed, both highly recommended as it allows for a more personal touch and a greater focus on recovery.
I know this review is long-​winded, but I just can’t say enough about this treatment center. Rehabs in Orange County are about a dime a dozen, but there is something so special about this one.

We sent my teenage daughter to Miramar and it was awful. There was almost no communication from them about her treatment, and she was very poorly supervised. She was on Facebook frequently and also using roommates cell phones to make calls. Not surprisingly, she ended up using while at the facility. Her case manager called us at midnight saying that she couldn’t even keep her eyes open at their meeting that evening, and they were asking her to leave first thing the next morning. We’re on the east coast, that phone call just sent us into a panic thinking that not only was she back on drugs while she was supposed to be safe from them, they were going to put her out on the sidewalk with only an address to a shelter. Suffice it to say, it was one of the worst experiences we have had to go through as parents. Please use caution in sending someone there who is young and not ready to give up using. This facility may be better suited to older individuals or those who are more serious about their recovery and/​or who have better self discipline.