By Jennifer McDougall Self-destructive behavior can be subtle, yet it has a profound impact on the lives of those who engage in it—and the people around them. Whether it’s you or someone close to you, recognizing these behaviors is the first step toward healing and change. Often, those exhibiting self-destructiveContinue Reading

Many people often hear the term “denial” or the phrase “being in denial” when discussing an individual with a substance abuse issue. Unfortunately, many individuals who have been abusing drugs or alcohol for an extended time get very good at hiding and covering up their actions and have a hardContinue Reading

What are the Early Signs of Alcohol Addiction

By Jennifer McDougall Alcohol addiction is a pervasive issue that affects millions worldwide, with significant impacts on health, relationships, and responsibilities. Recognizing the early signs of alcohol abuse is crucial for timely intervention, which can prevent the devastating trajectory toward full-blown addiction. Passages Malibu, the leader in innovative addiction treatment,Continue Reading

Is Marijuana Physically Addictive? While marijuana isn’t inherently physically addictive, some users—especially those with prolonged and heavy marijuana use—do experience symptoms of physical withdrawal addiction. What Causes Marijuana Addiction? Much of the addictions to marijuana that occur come from psychological addiction and behavioral addiction—the repeated activating of the brain’s rewardContinue Reading

What Are Amphetamines? Amphetamines comprise a powerful class of synthetic stimulants that first were created in 1887. Amphetamines’ stimulant properties make them medically useful for a narrow spectrum of disorders. In fact, amphetamines are often used to treat narcolepsy or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) under brand names such asContinue Reading

Are Amphetamines Physically Addictive? Amphetamines are a class of extremely addictive drugs, and occasional use can result in long-term physical addiction. Users rapidly develop tolerance, physical and psychological dependence to amphetamines. What Causes Amphetamine Addiction? Amphetamines create a sense of euphoria by affecting the levels of dopamine in the brain.Continue Reading

Marijuana addiction remains one of the most common—and most insidious—recreational drug dependencies. Across the nation, nearly 12 million individuals suffer from marijuana addiction, including over 33 percent of teenagers in the 13 to 18-year age range. While many chronic marijuana smokers often take measures to reduce the visibility of theirContinue Reading

Personality changes can occur as drug dependency begins to take a physical hold on a dependent individual. Illegal drugs start to affect brain function—including the areas regulating cognition and mood—by altering chemical messengers in the brain known as neurotransmitters. While some illicit drugs create specific and predictable alterations in personality,Continue Reading