Journey to Wonderland: Rehab Facility or Celebrity Resort?

With all this talk about everyone in Hollywood shoving off to rehab, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look at what's really going on out there in "La-La Land." Since Lindsay Lohan's admission into a rehabilitation program on January 17^th 2007, websites have been abuzz with talk about her recent appearances seemingly everywhere BUT the facility itself.

Currently, fellow residents are fuming about the apparent "revolving door" access that Ms. Lohan seems to be fully utilizing. The center where Lindsay is supposedly receiving all this wonderful care for her alcoholism is called Wonderland. Stories circulating on celeb gossip websites are claiming that fellow residents are beginning to take offense to Ms. Lohan's comings and goings. Gossip sites also report that the other residents are beginning to request the same liberties that Lindsay's been privileged to have. Keeping this in mind, one has to wonder exactly how rigid the treatments REALLY are in Wonderland...

A TRIP TO WONDERLAND

With a name like "Wonderland", one would expect to find grand rooms, lush gardens, and Five-Star service. If that's what you were thinking, then you are correct. Located in the "Boho Celeb" area of Laurel Canyon, the facility is literally teeming with luxury. Inpatient rooms are adorned with high vaulted ceilings, huge fluffy beds, and high-end minimalist furniture. Some rooms in the private, gated estate overlook one of the center's two swimming pools. Located close to film and recording studios, the Wonderland Center actually takes pride in the fact that the accommodations more closely resemble a resort than a rehabilitation facility. Nestled in the rustic surroundings of the canyon, the three acres of land it sits on are fraught with exotic plantlife, winding trails, and all the makings of a Five-Star Inn. Amongst the amenities offered are first-class food service, and beauty and spa services. With treatment like this, who would ever want to leave?

THE "BUSINESS" AT WONDERLAND

Despite the beauty and poise of the estate itself, the residents never really forget the true reason they are there. To be quite frank, Wonderland's substance abuse program is rather extensive. Addictions are broken down into their various categories, so that the clients are able to deal with all aspects of their dependency. For instance, a crystal meth addict would more than likely need a different detoxification and treatment strategy than someone who is being treated for heroin issues. In addition to substance abuse issues, the center is also prepared to focus on any number of sociological issues including eating disorders, gambling, sex addiction, and even shopping dependency problems. It would appear that Wonderland has covered just about every addiction under the sun.

And because of the nature of the entertainment industry, the facility's programs have also been designed specifically to support the lifestyle needs of the famous. This kind of assistance comes in the form of "Set & Tour Support". "Set & Tour Support" is essentially a fancy way of saying that Wonderland will assign a person to attend functions with clients who are undergoing rehab treatment. Stars who have filming or recording deadlines are under contract to complete their work. This means that in addition to all the luxurious therapy, clients are offered the option of obtaining what's known as "Sober Assistants" and "Sober Companions." These people are dedicated to keeping the client from further damaging his/her progress while they attend to certain personal and business needs. This courtesy extends to other personal needs such as attending funerals, weddings, or other instances where travel is necessary.

THE VERDICT : REHAB OR RESORT ???

In light of the fact that Lindsay Lohan's fellow residents are clamoring for the same indulgences (being allowed to leave and return at will), it could be assumed that the goings on at Wonderland are on the up and up. On the surface, however, the center itself does indeed resemble a vacationer's paradise more so than an environment dedicated to substance abuse issues. But the level of care provided to clients is so comprehensive that it's tough to debate whether or not Wonderland is simply a stop-over to exacting some damage control for celebrities.