Understanding Alcohol Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

By Jennifer McDougall, Staff Writer & Marketing Director at Passages Malibu Why Alcohol Addiction Must Be Understood Alcohol is one of the most socially accepted substances in the world. It’s woven into celebrations, holidays, and casual gatherings. But for millions of people, what starts as social drinking can evolve intoContinue Reading

Embracing Sobriety: The Transformative Journey with Passages

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

“When people who believe themselves to be addicts or alcoholics come under great stress or trauma, they mentally give themselves permission to drink or use drugs as a remedy.” ― Chris Prentiss, The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure “Every person in the AA program who’s successful is living proof that heContinue Reading

By Jennifer McDougall Witnessing a loved one spiral out of control is heart-wrenching. The person you once knew has become angry, unstable, and quite possibly irresponsible. We know that you want to help them as best as you can. Without forcing them into rehab, it’s better if they see the choice asContinue Reading

Malibu, Calif. (May 17, 2012) Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura, the world’s leading drug and alcohol rehab centers, are proud to support the first annual National Prevention Week, held from Monday, May 21, 2012, through Friday, May 25, 2012. This health observance is an opportunity for community members and leaders to learn moreContinue Reading

The abuse of and eventual dependency on drugs and alcohol is merely a mechanism to cope with physical, mental, or emotional pain. To stop your addiction, you must first find the underlying causes of your behaviors and why you are choosing to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol in the firstContinue Reading

Many of the articles we read and the studies we observe discuss drug and alcohol abuse in the United States.  However, drug and alcohol abuse is a worldwide problem and has been an issue in numerous countries for centuries. Research studies show that specific drugs used vary from country toContinue Reading

Numerous studies indicate an alarming trend of drug abuse increasing amongst younger and younger individuals. Some social issues amongst teenagers have been decreasing and improving. However, drug and alcohol abuse remains prevalent and hard to control. • Teenagers are most likely to use alcohol, marijuana, or cigarettes. • Approximately two-thirdsContinue 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

The term “high-functioning alcoholic” is often used to describe individuals who regularly consume large amounts of alcohol while maintaining an outward appearance of normalcy in their daily lives. These individuals might perform well at work, maintain relationships, and avoid legal or financial issues, leading others—and sometimes themselves—to believe that theirContinue Reading

Non-AA Rehabs for All Religious Backgrounds and Cultures

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