Many people seeking drug or alcohol treatment find themselves looking for a rehab center where they will be able to feel comfortable and accepted. Often, individuals feel uncomfortable with AA and 12-step programs heavily Christian-based. Luckily, many rehab centers have been created to fill this void and to treat peopleContinue Reading
The epidemic of drug abuse has swept across the nation, but people are often surprised to hear about a growing population of upper-class, successful individuals that is becoming increasingly addicted. In recent years, at Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura, we have seen a dramatic increase in high powered, Ivy League-educatedContinue Reading
Recently, it seems that whenever you turn on the television, radio, or browse the internet, there is a news story about a public figure seeking treatment for sex addiction or being involved in a sex-related scandal. Sex addiction is a disorder that is present in all walks of life, butContinue Reading
Anxiety disorders, affecting roughly 19 million Americans, are not just challenging mental health conditions but often coexist with substance abuse disorders, creating a complex battle for many. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), the most prevalent form, impacts about 4 million adults, developing slowly over the years and is characterized by excessiveContinue Reading
Many people seeking drug or alcohol treatment find themselves unwilling to subscribe to the disease concept of addiction and to want something more than just the typical, conventional 12-step programs. Many non-12 steps and holistic treatment centers fill this void and offer unconventional treatment practices that incorporate and respect allContinue Reading
LSD is a psychotropic hallucinogenic drug that has been popular and present in the United States for many years. Although LSD use does not result in extreme physical withdrawal symptoms, repeated use of the drug can lead to a very strong psychological dependence. When an individual repeatedly abuses LSD, aContinue Reading
It is estimated that at least 90% of Americans have been exposed to at least one form of addiction in their lives, whether behavioral or substance addiction. Behavioral addiction, or non-substance-related addiction, is a recurring behavior or compulsion where an individual participates in a particular activity, despite the negative effectsContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Drug and alcohol addiction doesn’t just affect the individual struggling with dependency—it impacts everyone around them, including friends, family, and colleagues. For employers, managing an addicted employee can be both challenging and uncomfortable. The repercussions of addiction in the workplace are far-reaching, leading to decreased productivity, increasedContinue Reading
Animal-assisted therapy (particularly equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) and canine therapy) is one of the most effective experiential therapy forms. It has proven fun, nurturing, and therapeutically beneficial for clients in inpatient drug and alcohol treatment centers. Rather than talking to a therapist, clients interact with a horse or dog in aContinue Reading
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
Ecstasy use has increased in recent years and is considered a fairly new street drug; however, the consequences of ecstasy abuse are very severe. Deaths from ecstasy can occur due to overdose, as well as from either electrolyte imbalances or impairment while driving. Hyponatremial is the term used to describeContinue Reading
Ecstasy use has increased in recent years and is considered a fairly new street drug; however, the consequences of ecstasy abuse are very severe. Deaths from ecstasy can occur due to overdose, as well as from either electrolyte imbalances or impairment while driving. Hyponatremial is the term used to describeContinue Reading
Chemical dependency is a term used to describe the condition of individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol. Essentially, chemical dependency is the compulsive use of chemicals (drugs or alcohol) and the inability to stop using them despite all the negative consequences caused by their use. There are numerous causes ofContinue Reading
Alcohol consumption is a very prevalent part of our society and has been for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, the drinking of alcohol is usually associated with celebration, often heavily consumed at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and many other types of parties. Social drinking is a phrase that refers to the consumption ofContinue Reading
Alcohol consumption is a very prevalent part of our society, and has been for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, the drinking of alcohol is usually associated with celebration, often heavily consumed at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and many other types of parties. Social drinking is a phrase that refers to the consumptionContinue Reading
When it comes to addiction treatment, there is no such thing as a one size fits all approach. People tend to get the best results when they are matched with a level of care that fits their needs, but in many cases, people suffering from stimulant addiction, such as methamphetamine,Continue Reading
Abuse of prescription painkillers in the United States increased 400 percent between 1998 and 2008, according to a study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Unfortunately, this problem is not just isolated to a particular group;Continue Reading
Many individuals who have sought drug and alcohol treatment, done the work, and made the change are often left wondering how to maintain it. How can you recognize when a relapse is likely? It is definitely understandable that a lifestyle change is sometimes not easy to make or maintain. LapsesContinue Reading
Abandonment and substance abuse are extremely complicated issues when considered separately, but most people don’t realize that abandonment is one of the key underlying causes of addiction. Depending on the age, gender, and background of the person experiencing the abandonment, the damage may vary. Common forms of abandonment reported byContinue Reading
Also known as “uppers,” stimulants refer to drugs that increase alertness and energy, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and their derivatives. Stimulants work in the body by acting upon the brain’s chemicals—known as “neurotransmitters”—such as norepinephrine and dopamine. These naturally-occurring brain chemicals are associated with the body’s “fight or flight” crisisContinue Reading