Zara Gemilyan On Redefining Recovery at West Valley Detox
Addiction doesn’t just steal years — it silences stories. In Episode 284 of The Strength Connection Podcast, Zara Gemilyan, co-founder of West Valley Detox in California, shares how her personal journey witnessing addiction and resilience shaped one of the most innovative recovery programs in the state.
Her message is clear: recovery isn’t about fitting into a program. It’s about finding a program that fits you.
From Struggle to Strength: Zara’s Story
Zara’s connection to the world of addiction treatment is deeply personal. Through close relationships, she witnessed the devastating effects of substance abuse and the gaps in traditional treatment models.
At the same time, she was carving out a very different path as a pageant contestant. For Zara, pageantry wasn’t about crowns or glamour. It became a platform to share stories, challenge stigma, and use her voice to advocate for others. What many saw as competition, she turned into a calling: to create visibility for issues that often stay hidden.
That unique combination of life experience and advocacy is what inspired her to co-found West Valley Detox in Tarzana, California — a treatment center built on authenticity, inclusivity, and the belief that healing is strongest when people are empowered to bring their full selves into recovery.
Lessons from the Podcast: Why This Conversation Matters
Zara’s interview goes beyond her story — it’s a blueprint for anyone searching for real recovery.
- Authenticity fuels transformation. You can’t heal while hiding.
- Vulnerability is power. Speaking your truth is the first step toward freedom.
- Recovery environments must adapt to people, not the other way around.
- Healing lasts longer when identity is affirmed, not erased.
West Valley Detox: Healing Without Hiding
At West Valley Detox in California, recovery means every part of you is welcome. Whether you’re beginning detox, moving into residential treatment, or exploring aftercare, you’ll find a space where your story matters and your identity is honored.
From medical detox for alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines to comprehensive residential programs, West Valley offers a level of care where healing isn’t just clinical — it’s human.
Because the strongest recovery begins when you no longer have to hide.
FAQs About West Valley Detox
Who is Zara Gemilyan?
Zara Gemilyan is the co-founder of West Valley Detox. Her lived experience with addiction inspired her to create an inclusive, client-centered approach to recovery.
What makes West Valley Detox different?
Unlike many programs, West Valley integrates affirming, trauma-informed care with medical expertise — ensuring clients feel safe, understood, and empowered.
Is West Valley Detox LGBTQ+ inclusive?
Yes. West Valley is designed to be affirming for LGBTQ+ individuals and anyone who has felt unseen in other treatment settings.
Where is West Valley Detox located?
Based in California, West Valley Detox serves clients statewide and beyond, providing medically supervised detox and residential treatment.
The Heart of the Message
Recovery looks different for everyone, and West Valley Detox gets that. Co-founder Zara Gemilyan is reshaping what addiction treatment can look like in California—making it personal, not clinical.
At West Valley, healing goes beyond detox and therapy sessions. It’s about finding your place, being truly seen, and rebuilding a life that actually feels like yours. Recovery really starts when you stop pretending to be someone you’re not—and at West Valley Detox, you don’t have to.
