Why Success, Stability, and Control Can Still Hide a Serious Substance Use Issue “I Have a Job, a Family, and Responsibilities—So I Can’t Have a Problem… Right?” One of the most overlooked and misunderstood forms of substance abuse is high-functioning addiction. These are the individuals who: Because their lives don’tContinue Reading
Understanding the Difference—and What Actually Leads to Lasting Recovery “If I Really Wanted to Stop, I Would… Right?” One of the most damaging beliefs people struggling with substance use carry is this: “I should be able to stop on my own.” Friends, family, and even society often reinforce this ideaContinue Reading
Understanding High-Functioning Alcohol Use, Hidden Dependency, and When It’s Time to Get Help “I’m Fine. I Go to Work. I Pay My Bills.” One of the most dangerous myths about alcohol addiction is that it only affects people whose lives are visibly falling apart. In reality, many people struggling withContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall, Staff Writer & Marketing Director at Passages Malibu Why Personalized Care Matters No two people experience addiction in the same way. For one person, it may be tied to childhood trauma. For another, it might stem from unmanaged stress, false beliefs, or a chemical imbalance. This isContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall, Staff Writer & Marketing Director at Passages Malibu Why Holistic Wellness Matters in Recovery Addiction doesn’t just impact the body—it affects the mind, emotions, and spirit. That’s why lasting recovery requires more than just detox or abstinence. It requires holistic healing. At Passages Malibu, we integrate therapiesContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Alcohol withdrawal can be an intimidating process—one often punctuated by a range of uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms. Of these, headaches are among the most common and distressing. If you or a loved one is reducing or stopping alcohol use, you may be wondering: How long canContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall April serves as a critical beacon for raising awareness about alcohol abuse, marking Alcohol Awareness Month. This period encourages us to consider the profound impact that alcohol can have—not only on individuals but also on families and entire communities. With research from the National Institute on AlcoholContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall In today’s fast-paced world, the phenomenon of binge drinking has emerged as a significant concern, posing serious threats to physical, mental, and social well-being. At Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura, we approach the challenge of binge drinking from a holistic and non-12-step perspective, focusing on the individualContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall As January draws to a close, you may find yourself reflecting on the experience of Dry January, a month dedicated to abstaining from alcohol. This period of sobriety isn’t just a fleeting challenge but a gateway to a deeper understanding of your relationship with alcohol and itsContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Embarking on a journey towards sobriety and wellness is a transformative experience that can significantly enhance your quality of life. At Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura, we understand the profound impact of an alcohol-free lifestyle on your mind, body, and spirit. Through a combination of personal insights,Continue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall In country music, the twang of a guitar often accompanies tales of heartbreak, hardship, and the occasional raucous night out. However, behind the scenes and within the lyrics, there is a more somber narrative that has woven itself into the genre: alcohol abuse. This piece will delveContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall In the world of alcohol consumption, there exists a nebulous zone known as ‘Grey Area Drinking.’ This term, often overlooked in conventional discussions about alcohol abuse, is becoming increasingly prevalent. This article aims to shed light on what grey-area drinking entails, its associated risks, signs to watchContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Alcohol consumption is a common social activity across the globe. However, excessive drinking can lead to severe consequences, including an alcohol-induced blackout. During such blackouts, an individual may continue to function but not remember their actions. This article aims to shed light on what happens to yourContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall In recent years, we have witnessed an alarming rise in drug and alcohol abuse across the globe. Whether it’s due to increased stress, societal pressures, or simply the availability of substances, more and more individuals are finding themselves caught in the grip of addiction. While this trendContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Drug and alcohol addiction is a growing problem in America, claiming more lives yearly than any other preventable death. Thankfully, treatment options are available to help people struggling with addiction and restore them to a healthier life. One of the most successful rehab centers for substance abuseContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Overcoming cravings to drink or use drugs can be a significant challenge for individuals in recovery from addiction. While traditional 12-step programs have been the standard approach for many years, non-12-step therapy methods are becoming more popular as an alternative approach to addiction treatment. At Passages Malibu,Continue Reading
In the midst of addiction, it’s easy to lose sight of what you want and need. When your environment is filled with people addicted to drugs or alcohol, it can make it even harder for you to get clean. Many times, when people enter early recovery from addiction, they’re temptedContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Binge drinking is a common habit among young people trying to fit in with their peers. However, binge drinking puts you at risk for alcohol poisoning and other severe health conditions. It increases your likelihood of developing long-term problems like addiction, cancer, and other serious conditions. SoContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall A bad habit is something you do that you know is not suitable for you. It’s an action that may be hard to break, but it will not necessarily ruin your life (in most cases). On the other hand, addiction is a strong desire for something thatContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Addiction is often a complicated problem, especially when the person suffering from addiction is your parent. Addiction affects the entire family and can strain relationships, finances, and much more. If you’re trying to help a parent who struggles with drug or alcohol addiction, it’s important first toContinue Reading