October is Depression Awareness Month
October is Depression Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to discuss this critical topic. In the U.S., depression is the leading cause of disability for people between the ages of 15 and 44—and it can be challenging to treat. But many treatment options are available, including holistic therapy andContinue Reading
Positive Affirmations & Mantras for Addiction Recovery
By Jennifer McDougall If you’ve ever struggled with addiction or substance abuse-related issues, you know how important it is to have a positive mindset. Positive thinking can help you stay sober and thrive in recovery, even if it takes time to feel like these affirmations are working. Here are tenContinue Reading
How to Deal with Judgment in Sobriety
By Jennifer McDougall If you’re recovering from addiction or living a sober lifestyle, judgment is something you’ve likely spent a lot of time dealing with. While it’s easy to focus on the judgmental people around us who seem intent on holding us back from making healthy choices in our lives,Continue Reading
The First 30 Days of Sobriety: What to Look Forward to
by Jennifer McDougall The first 30 days of sobriety are a critical milestone in your recovery. If you can make it through the first month without succumbing to old habits or temptations, you’re likely well on your way to maintaining sobriety. It’s not easy, but if you can get throughContinue Reading
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Crystal Meth?
By Jennifer McDougall Crystal meth, also known as “ice,” is an addictive drug that causes increased energy levels, euphoria, and excitement while increasing alertness and concentration. This high is short-lived but powerful. However, it can lead to paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and many other harmful effects. Crystal Meth Use Has ManyContinue Reading
September is National Recovery Month: Addiction Treatment at Passages
By Jennifer McDougall, Staff Writer & Marketing Director at Passages Malibu The Power of Recovery Every September, communities across the United States come together to honor National Recovery Month, a movement that celebrates the courage of those who have overcome substance abuse and inspires hope for anyone still struggling. FoundedContinue Reading
Do I Have to Label Myself an Addict or an Alcoholic?
by Jennifer McDougall Alcohol and drug addiction is a serious problem, and it’s essential to understand the signs of addiction. But is it also necessary to label yourself an addict? You Are Not a Label The first move you need to make in overcoming an addiction is to stop seeingContinue Reading
Non-12-Step Support Groups to Help You on Your Sober Journey
By Jennifer McDougall You’ve likely heard of 12-Step support groups if you’ve struggled with addiction. Fortunately, there are better options. 12-Step meetings don’t resignate with many people, so it is good news is there are more effective ways to get the proper help you need. These other options may beContinue Reading
The Science Behind the Advertising of Alcohol
by Jennifer McDougall The alcohol industry can be hard to avoid. You see advertisements for beer and wine on television, in magazines, and even on billboards and store signs. But do you know how these ads are made? The alcohol industry spends millions of dollars each year on advertising campaignsContinue Reading
Are Your Friends Holding You Back From Getting or Staying Sober?
By Jennifer McDougall You’ve finally decided to get sober. You’re ready to live a healthier and happier life, but you’re worried that your friends will think it’s boring or lame. The truth is, your friends can make all the difference when it comes to staying sober. If they party asContinue Reading
How to Discover Your True Self
by Jennifer McDougall You’ve heard it said that everyone has an authentic self. But what does that mean? How can you find your true self if you don’t know where to look? Your true self is hidden deep down under all that pain and hurt. It’s like an eggshell protectingContinue Reading
What to Say When Someone Asks Why You’re Not Drinking Alcohol
By Jennifer McDougall: “Why aren’t you drinking?” has become a go-to question for nosy people with no tact. Alcohol is the only drug you seem to need a reason for not using. People are usually trying to be polite by asking. Still, it’s often seen as an invitation to tellContinue Reading
At Passages Malibu, We Believe in the Power of Healing
By Jennifer McDougall We believe that you can live a happy, healthy life. We believe you can discover your life’s purpose and become more productive and successful when you break free from addiction. We believe you can repair broken relationships and improve your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. WeContinue Reading
Goals You Should Set in Addiction Recovery
By Jennifer McDougall: This is a significant time in your life. You’ve decided to get sober, but now you have to figure out what comes next. It’s normal to be overwhelmed at first. Still, soon you’ll start seeing things again and realize that there are many great opportunities in frontContinue Reading
Employment Resources for Individuals in Addiction Recovery: How to Find a Job After Rehab
By Jennifer McDougall If you are an individual who is in recovery from addiction, employment may be one of your biggest concerns. Many people in early recovery are worried about how they will survive financially and how they can continue to make money while working through their substance abuse issues.Continue Reading
Psychotherapy for Treating Substance Abuse
By Jennifer McDougall Do you ever feel like no one truly understands what you’re going through, whether it’s your personal struggles or life’s challenges? Have you tried to talk with friends, family members, or even a counselor at school or work? While those people may be able to provide someContinue Reading
What to Do When You Are Experiencing Low Self-Esteem
By Jennifer McDougall Have you ever felt that no matter what you do, it just doesn’t seem good enough? Of course, we all have our good days and bad days regarding self-esteem, but when those feelings of low self-worth can sometimes become too much to bear for many people. IfContinue Reading
How to Help a Parent Struggling with Drug or Alcohol Addiction
By Jennifer McDougall Addiction is often a complicated problem, especially when the person suffering from addiction is your parent. Addiction affects the entire family and can strain relationships, finances, and much more. If you’re trying to help a parent who struggles with drug or alcohol addiction, it’s important first toContinue Reading
What to Expect on Your Healing Journey in Addiction Recovery
By Jennifer McDougall Addiction recovery is a journey, but it is not a life sentence. Instead, it’s a process that should be explored with the help of professionals and loved ones. This guide will cover what you can expect from your healing journey and how to prepare for it. IfContinue Reading
6 Ways Having a Therapist Can Dramatically Improve Your Life
By Jennifer McDougall It’s easy to feel weighed down when your problems become too much to handle. But before you think the only option is to deal with things on your own, consider the alternative: therapy. Therapy can help you get rid of pent-up feelings, gain control of your emotions,Continue Reading