In the past decade, the wealthy seaside enclave of Malibu has been dubbed the "Rehab Riviera" and the "Lourdes of Luxury Rehab." People from all over the world come to the city's rehabs, often because of the free publicity generated by famous patients like Lindsay Lohan, Robert Downey Jr., and Charlie Sheen. These luxe facilities have many opponents in the mainstream rehab community, who view their exorbitant fees, lack of medical staff, and coddling of patients as unethical and ineffective. Opponents also include many residents and government officials, who claim parts of Malibu are being turned into a giant "medical subdivision." In 2013, there were 35 rehab centers in Malibu, a city of about 13,000 residents. They say the rehabs are gobbling up land, affecting land values, and scaring locals.
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