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
Exercise is a very crucial component for an individual recovering from any alcohol or drug abuse. Years of dependency on drugs and alcohol severely diminish your physical state and health, often leading to gaining of fat, loss of muscle tone, and deterioration of the bones and joints. Physical fitness andContinue Reading
Plastic surgery addiction is a term that is fairly new in the treatment world’s vocabulary. Plastic surgery has only been around for a small number of decades. The number of people getting cosmetic procedures has rapidly spiked in the short amount of time it has been available. Many people, especiallyContinue 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
Cannabis (more commonly known as marijuana, weed, or pot) is a viral and prevalent drug in the United States. It is even legal for medicinal purposes in some states; however, marijuana is highly abused. When an individual smokes or ingests marijuana, the individual will experience distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficultyContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall While the challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. With the right strategies, you can protect your sobriety and still enjoy the season. 1. Lean on Your Support System 2. Have a Plan for Social Events 3. Prioritize Self-Care 4. Set Boundaries and Manage Expectations 5. CreateContinue Reading
It can be very difficult to watch a friend or loved one struggling with an addiction. However, there are many things you can do and many ways you can help. Initially, it can be hard to recognize if your friend has a drug or alcohol addiction problem, because most likelyContinue 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
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
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
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
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
Is Nicotine Physically Addictive? Nicotine is a powerful drug resulting in physical addiction on par with that of cocaine. As with any chemical dependency, there can be both physical and psychological addictions that develop, serving to promote addiction. What Causes Nicotine Addiction? The most common forms of nicotine addiction areContinue Reading
What is Marijuana? Originating in Southeast Asia, marijuana has been cultivated around the world for thousands of years for its mild hallucinogenic and intoxicating properties. Also known as cannabis, marijuana is a dark green flowering plant that has distinctive long leaves grouped together in sets of five. Marijuana emanates aContinue Reading