By Jennifer McDougall “It takes practice, feeling happy about the ever-unfolding events of life, and, because of all the conditioning we have undergone before this, it may be very difficult to make the change, but if we take the saying to heart and practice it, as the days unfold weContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Being treated for substance abuse-related issues at Passages Malibu is the start of something beautiful. Anyone who has struggled to get and stay sober knows how challenging this process is. That is why at Passages, we are fully committed to providing our clients with the best possibleContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall “Emotion can be the enemy. If you give in to your emotions, you lose yourself. You must be at one with your emotions because the body always follows the mind. “–Bruce Lee Frustration over emotions may suggest that an individual lacks emotional intelligence. For example, if youContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Self-care is an essential practice in addiction recovery. When you don’t have a self-care routine, it can throw you off balance and make you feel uneasy. Many people who relapse in recovery lose focus on what’s important and forget to take care of the needs of theirContinue Reading
by Jennifer McDougall What is Trauma? When someone experiences a deeply distressed or disruptive event in their life, physical, mental, or emotional, they have been exposed to what is known as trauma. This event or experience can disturb a person’s thought process, emotional response, and behavior patterns that show significantContinue Reading
When you are in need of inspiration in your recovery from drug and alcohol dependency related issues, these quotes by Chris Prentiss will help lift your spirits and give you some wonderful insight to ease your mind. “You are not an alcoholic or an addict. You are not incurably diseased.Continue Reading
by Karin Burns I took a less traditional path to rehab than most people and avoided the DUIs, legal issues and job losses we typically associate with alcohol addiction by embracing change early in the progression of the issue and healing myself proactively with wellness. Since 2015 I have beenContinue Reading
By Dr. Susan Finley “Strumming my pain with his fingers Singing my life with his words Killing me softly with his song” — Roberta Flack Great musicians/bands CONNECT people. All over the world, fans gravitate to music that makes them FEEL something: “I relate to the lyrics,” “I feel theirContinue Reading
By Dr. Kerri Heath It will be difficult to overcome an addiction without a true spiritual practice. Substances are able to numb the pain when you are feeling lost, depressed, discouraged, or disappointed with how things have turned out. However, substances will not make any of your pain go away. TheyContinue Reading
By Susan Finley, Ed.D., NCC “He who takes medicine and neglects to diet wastes the skill of his doctors.” -Chinese Proverb What is the connection between diet, nutrition, and addiction? Each has a direct effect on our brain chemistry, our mood, and our physique. Maintaining a nourishing diet and balancedContinue Reading
By Susan Finley, Ed.D., NCC “You have to throw a gold brick into the uncertain waters of the future, and have faith because there will be many difficult days before you will see the returns start rolling in…” -P. T. Barnum Elephants in Captivity Have you ever attended a circusContinue Reading
By Susan Finley, Ed.D., NCC Mindfulness is the ability to steer clear from worry and anxiety bringing one’s attention to the present moment. Feeling overwhelmed and ill-equipped to deal with life’s challenges is not uncommon early in sobriety. The use of drugs and alcohol is no longer an option, norContinue Reading
By Susan Finley, Ed.D., NCC Google “online dating tips” and you will be inundated with article after article ranging from top ranking dating sites to online dating safety tips, to rules of dating, to how to set up a winning profile (or avoid a terrible one). “The Dating Game” ThereContinue Reading
by Kimberly Hayes The 12-Step program is what comes to mind when you hear someone talk about recovery from alcohol and drug abuse. However, there are many treatment methods out there that offer personal empowerment beyond breaking bad habits. Here are a few alternative therapies that can be pursued onContinue Reading
By Susan Finley, Ed.D., NCC “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” –Steve Maraboli Learning from past negative experiences including substance use and addiction can actually serve as your greatest asset when building a life free from drug and alcohol use. The cultivation ofContinue Reading
By Susan Finley, Ed.D., NCC “Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.”-Bruce Lee Exercise is an excellent tool for individuals who suffer from substance use disorders. It provides for practicing healthy coping mechanisms and an increased confidenceContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall A restful night’s sleep is crucial for our well-being, but the activities we engage in before bedtime significantly influence the quality of our slumber. Here are five essential habits to incorporate into your evening routine to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. “It’s in theContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Are you ready to eliminate stress from your life and become more at ease without fear and doubt? At Passages, we are here to help you achieve and maintain a stressfree lifestyle to help avoid from straying the course in your sobriety. Here are 5 of theContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Keeping your emotions in check can be difficult for those who have a mental illness, but it is generally something we should all learn how to manage. Balancing emotions is the key to keeping yourself in check when dealing with other people and the highs and lowsContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you quit drinking alcohol or how you would feel overall? Many people who get sucked into the destructive habit of drinking alcohol tend to forget who they are without substances. They fail to live without alcohol,Continue Reading