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 Substance Use and Why It Still Deserves Treatment “I Have a Job. A Family. A Life. So This Can’t Be Addiction… Right?” One of the most misunderstood forms of substance abuse is functional addiction—sometimes called high-functioning addiction. These are individuals who appear successful by most outward measures. TheyContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Challenges and profound introspection often mark the journey to overcome dependency. Chris Prentiss, the late co-founder of Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura, pioneered the approach to addiction treatment. His insightful perspective on inner healing has left a lasting impact on recovery. Understanding the Essence of Inner HealingContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall The world of addiction recovery lost a pioneering spirit in August 2022 with the passing of Chris Prentiss, co-founder of Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura. Prentiss, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer, left behind a transformative legacy in the field of addiction treatment. His holistic approach to overcomingContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Discussing mental health issues such as depression, anger, or suicidal thoughts is often shrouded in myths and misconceptions. One common myth is that asking someone about their emotional distress could increase their risk of self-harm or harm to others. However, opening a dialogue is crucial to showingContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Those who struggle with constant mood swings often feel as though they cannot control what is happening to them. They may be happy one moment and in absolute despair the next. Extreme mood swings could be a sign of bipolar disorder in which they should seek professional medicalContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall “You can be happy if you are willing to let go of your past and leave yourself unencumbered so you can fly freely.” ― Chris Prentiss, Zen and the Art of Happiness One of the best ways to overcome the depressive state you’re currently in is toContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Accepting the loss of someone you loved and cared for, no matter the time or relationship, can be challenging. Leaning on loved ones and avoiding the urge to isolate into your shell is essential. When someone you love passes on, there is a numbing pain usually feltContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall The number of overdoses killing millions of Americans leave us to question, why don’t those who desperately need addiction treatment ever receive it? Some may ask, “What will it take for them to finally agree to get the help they need?” Even after multiple DUIs, years ofContinue 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
Cigarette addiction is one of the most common addictions around the world. An estimated 1 billion people worldwide smoke cigarettes; of those 1 billion people, 5 million die each year from nicotine related illnesses. Are you one of the many people fighting to quit this bad habit? Take a momentContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Addiction (defined as a state characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences) generally begins with the desire to escape—pain, loss, heartache, rejection, discomfort, anxiety, chemical imbalances in the brain, and depression. When drugs and alcohol are consumed they affect how the brain operates andContinue 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
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
By Jennifer McDougall Self-sabotage is a complex phenomenon that manifests in various mental, emotional, or physical forms. It’s a term that encapsulates the idea that certain destructive actions are directed at oneself. This behavior often stems from a place of self-infliction, though it might not always be apparent to theContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Pain is the most common reason behind addiction. It comes in many forms; physical, mental, and emotional pain. It stems from the brain and flows into your central nervous system. An extreme amount of pain and discomfort can potentially send you right over the edge, but itContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall When someone you know is battling an addiction and desperately needs help changing their current conditions and lifestyle the last thing they need is to be influenced by an enabler. If you are not careful, that enabler could be you. Do you have a loved one whoContinue Reading
By: Jennifer McDougall Just as alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy, and heroin provide a temporary sense of escape for a person from their reality, anyone who is addicted to love seeks similar relief and can face severe physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. Someone who is addicted to love develops obsessive behaviors andContinue 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