Browsing Tag

Rehab

Concerns Grow for Alcohol Abuse During Coronavirus Lockdown

By Jennifer McDougall

While many people are stuck at home, finding themselves bored, with more time on their hands than they know what to do with, the number of people abusing drugs and alcohol is on the rise. According to Nielsen data, alcohol sales have risen 55 percent in the week ending March 21.

“U.S. sales of alcoholic beverages rose 55% in the week ending March 21, according to market research firm Nielsen. Spirits like tequila, gin and pre-mixed cocktails led the way, with sales jumping 75% compared to the same period last year. Wine sales were up 66% while beer sales rose 42%. And online sales far outpaced in-store sales.” – AP News

Evidently liquor stores are considered essential businesses in the United States, making buying alcohol convenient and available during this time of crisis. The trouble is that as more people flock to the liquor stores and back home to indulge in toxic self-soothing remedies to cope with the current pandemic, not only are these people exposing themselves to public places during a time where the majority of us should be staying home, the probability of them becoming dependant on substances increases dramatically. Fortunately, there are many resources for people who are struggling with drug and alcohol dependencies, such as here at Passages Addiction Treatment Centers.

Mental health is also a big concern for people in quarantine and struggling to stay calm with productive activities to help pass the time. More people than probably ever before are having a difficult time lowering feelings of stress and anxiety, causing them to crave substances to numb the pain and discomfort.

A lack of meaningful connections such as support from those who share common interests as you who are there for you to lean on and care about you causes a sense of disconnect during this time of quarantine. What we need to embrace most of all right now is staying connected with one another through text messaging, video chatting, and social media so that we can maintain and a healthy level of connectivity to each other. When people feel lonely or withdrawn from society, they tend to move towards drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with the pain of their feeling of not being part of the community or a strong support system.

At Passages Malibu, we offer a true alternative to 12-step addiction rehab. We have been providing holistic therapy for people seeking a non-disease model, non-AA, cutting-edge treatment since 2001.

Our alternative treatment program is designed to completely heal all aspects of your life damaged by addiction, including your physical health, your professional & personal relationships, your self-esteem, and more. No two programs are alike, and each alternative treatment plan is customized for you, by you, with your specific situation in mind.

At Passages Malibu, you can expect the very best from our alternative approach to addiction treatment:

We will truly represent the definition of holistic treatment, which means we heal the entire person, from the inside out, through a variety of different methods that address mental, physical, and spiritual health.
We will treat each client with respect and dignity, and we will never employ punitive treatment methods.
We believe that every person is dealing with unique circumstances, and therefore we make every treatment plan unique and do not adhere to the one-size-fits-all group approach.
We will focus on healing the underlying issues that are causing you to use drugs or alcohol, and we acknowledge that drug or alcohol abuse is a symptom of a larger underlying problem.
We will never make you declare yourself powerless with a disease.
We are accredited by the Joint Commission (JCAHO) and licensed by the State of California to offer drug and alcohol treatment, and we utilize diverse therapeutic disciplines from across the world in our program.

What sets Passages apart is that we thoroughly address and treat every aspect of dependency. Our alternative approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation is ultimately very straightforward: We do not believe that you are powerless against addiction, and we emphasize healing instead of labeling.

Don’t live the rest of your life one day at a time – live fully, peacefully, and free from addiction with the help of our alternative addiction treatment program.

Concerns Grow Over Alcohol Abuse During Coronavirus Lockdown

How to Contact Passages Addiction Treatment Centers:

Call Passages Addiction Treatment Centers today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by calling our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Passages, Where Addiction Ends and Life Begins™

by Passages Malibu

Break Free from Addiction - End the Cycle

How to End an Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol

By Jennifer McDougall

Falling into the cycle of addiction can happen to anyone and when treating a substance abuse related issue, one-sized-fits-all recover models simply are not the most effective way of healing. This is why at Passages, we customize a program tailored to each client’s individual needs. Our non-12 Step addiction treatment therapy focuses on healing the underlying condition driving a person to use and abuse drugs and alcohol.

Unlike other rehab centers, we don’t believe that addiction is a disease. Our research shows that people become dependent on drugs and alcohol because of one of these four causes:

1. A chemical imbalance
2. Events of the past you have not reconciled
3. Current conditions you can’t cope with
4. Things you believe that aren’t true

Our empowering and non-12 step treatment methods include:

How to Contact Passages Addiction Treatment Centers:

Passages, Where Addiction Ends and Life Begins™

by Passages Malibu

Disclosing Your Addiction at Work

By Susan Finley, Ed.D., NCC

“Complete honesty is not the same thing as full disclosure.”
― Ron Brackin

When an individual seeks help for an addiction or substance use disorder, it is not surprising that other areas of that person’s life begin to shift as well. The workplace environment is no exception. Questions that may arise when considering whether to disclose an addiction in the workplace may include: “Whom should I tell?” “How much information do I share?” “Will I be fired?” “Is this confidential?” “Are there company procedures in place to help me?” “Will this affect my relationship with my employer?” and so on… Many companies and organizations do have procedures within their Human Resources Department that deal directly with drug and alcohol use. However, there is no set rule to follow when it comes to personal disclosure of one’s struggle with addiction. That is why consulting with a trusted individual, professional, or specialized department within the company prior to telling coworkers etc. is ideal.

Firstly, it is important to consider the reason for disclosure. Oftentimes when an individual gets sober, they want to share that information with others. Unfortunately, not every member of society is as enthusiastic about the process of getting clean or sober. It may not serve the person to vocalize past discretions, especially if they are newly sober. An individual should seriously consider the desired outcome when choosing with whom, and how much detail to share regarding their recovery process in the work environment. Unless one’s addiction is directly affecting their work performance, an individual may choose to share the process of getting and staying sober with personal acquaintances and mental health professionals outside the workplace. Realistically speaking, there are cases where the risk is high for disclosing one’s struggle with substances. Some common risks may include loss of job, reputation, financial, criminal, ethical, and legal action taken, etc. These potential risks are generally a direct result of abusing substances on the job. In situations such as these, the individual will want to consult with the appropriate person(s) first, setting a plan for how and when to tell their employer.

Regardless of whether the stigma towards individuals with substance use disorders and mental health challenges has lessened, many individuals still find that although no obvious prejudice may be directed towards them, an apparent change in the existing dynamic after disclosure (for better or worse) between employer and employee is not uncommon. Some companies offer employee health insurance that includes drug and alcohol treatment. An employee can take full advantage of these resources without the employer ever knowing.

There are times it is absolutely necessary to tell supervisors/bosses. These may include situations such as an inability to perform the duty of one’s job, putting the company at risk, damaging the reputation of the company, etc. In these types of situations, consulting the company’s Human Resources Department is an excellent first step for employees to discuss their substance use issues. The individual is well within their right to ask company policy, procedure, and guidance on how to seek and receive the appropriate resources. Some companies may even pay for and fully support, the employee to attend a treatment program for their addiction. An employee can research these areas of involvement and more by asking for company policy on such issues (sometimes this can be found directly on the company’s Human Resources webpage). It is not uncommon to have fears; however, a number of those fears can be addressed simply by asking the right questions. Many people find that reviewing the process of self-disclosure to an employer with a trusted therapist or counselor first helps to put worries in their proper perspective.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to get the person treatment. The decision of whether or not to disclose on the job should always favor disclosure if an individual is at risk for hurting themselves or others. It is more important to get life-saving treatment than none at all due to common fears such as losing one’s job. Obviously, the first scenario puts the individual in control of his or her own recovery by choosing to ask and receive help. The flip side, however, is that hiding one’s addiction comes with the added risk of incurring more severe issues down the line. Though it is necessary to be cautious when sharing personal information, a majority of companies have made great strides in investing in employee health and wellbeing. Therefore, if the opportunity to receive additional care covered by one’s employer is offered, an individual will want to take full advantage of that. One thing remains true: the strongest and most courageous thing a person can do is asking for help.

Susan Finley, Ed.D., NCC is an educator, published researcher, and social media consultant for therapists. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH), and Suicide Prevention Instructor (QPR) under the National Board for Certified Counselors.

How to Contact Passages Addiction Treatment Centers:

Passages, Where Addiction Ends and Life Begins™

by Passages Malibu

What are the Underlying Causes of Addiction?

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 and processes information. Three areas of the brain most affected by drugs and alcohol are the brain stem (controls heart rate, breathing, and sleeping patterns), the cerebral cortex (delivers information from our senses allowing us to see, feel, hear, and taste), and the limbic system (controls our ability to feel pleasure). After using drugs and alcohol for even a short period of time a person could experience immediate dependency (defined as an adaptive state associated with a withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of repeated exposure to a stimulus). They may feel the urge to continue using in order to keep them going and avoid the awful withdrawal symptoms that are associated with the use of drugs and alcohol.

In a recent study it was shown that an estimated 23.5 million Americans suffer from an addiction to drugs and alcohol. Of those 23.5 million only 1 out of 10 people receive the treatment they desperately need. About 570,000 people die each year because of an addiction to drugs and alcohol. So as you see, treatment is crucial.

At Passages, we do not believe that drug and alcohol dependency is a disease. Instead, we believe it is the result of one or more of the following four causes:

Chemical imbalance
Unresolved events from the past
Beliefs you hold that are inconsistent with what is true
Inability to cope with current conditions

Anyone who is abusing drugs and alcohol is doing so because of one or more of these four causes. Through extensive research and direct experience, we have learned that addiction is not the primary problem but rather the symptom of a deeper underlying issue.

Passages is proud to offer you the finest drug rehab & treatment program available anywhere. Our deluxe rehabilitation and treatment center has been rated #1 by Healthcare Global magazine. Forbes magazine also named Passages Malibu one of the most luxurious rehab centers in the world.

This recognition comes after years of perfecting our treatment program and sticking with our core philosophy for treating addiction. While most rehab centers still offer group meetings for treatment, we provide you with a customized, one-on-one therapy program tailored to your specific needs.

“I began asking myself just what my high was about. What did I do when I was high that I didn’t do when I was sober? What was wrong that heroin fixed?”
― Pax Prentiss, The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure

“A friend tells you the truth, that your breath stinks and you need a bath. An enemy tells you that you look great and you shouldn’t change a thing.”
― Nikki Sixx, The Heroin Diaries: A Year In The Life Of A Shattered Rock Star

“Alcohol and drugs are not the problems; they are what people are using to help themselves cope with the problems. Those problems always have both physical and psychological components- anything from anemia, hypoglycemia, or a sluggish thyroid to attention deficient disorder, brain-wave pattern imbalances, or deep emotional pain.”
― Chris Prentiss, The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure

“I spent the rest of that day and most of the night thinking about all the hundreds of people I had met in rehabs and sober living houses and on the streets. We were all medicating our fears and our pain!”
― Pax Prentiss, The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure

To avoid getting wrapped up in the awful cycle of addiction, we recommend practicing these 7 healthy habits everyday.

Surround yourself with positive influences who encourage you, motivate you, respect you, and tell you the truth.
Eat right, stay hydrated, and exercise daily. This is essential to your physical and mental wellbeing.
Practice meditation to care for your spiritual health.
Maintain a positive outlook and perspective on life and current situations.
Embrace a sober lifestyle. There are plenty of things you can do and enjoy without the use of drugs and alcohol.
Keep your mind active and challenged by reading, writing, and pursuing your passions.
Know when to put your foot down and say NO when you disagree or feel pressured into doing something you don’t feel right about.

At Passages Addiction Treatment Centers, we focus on helping our clients heal the underlying conditions that are causing them to use and abuse drugs and alcohol. Unlike most treatment centers, we do not label you an addict or believe that you are powerless. Instead we utilize a variety of 19 holistic healing methods that empower you to grow in ways you may never had thought possible before. Don’t wait another day to break free from the brutal cycle of addiction. The time has come to make a change and begin living a healthy, happy, and sober life. Call us today!

Call Passages Addiction Treatment Centers today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by calling our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Passages, Where Addiction Ends and Life Begins™

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Photo by: Jennifer McDougall

by Passages Malibu

How to Talk to Your Loved One About Going to Rehab

By Jennifer McDougall

Sitting back and watching 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 as their own, but that you helped open their eyes to acknowledge a life-threatening problem. Don’t wait for them to lose everything before you step in and lend a helping hand. There are many things to expect, as this is not always a comfortable or easy process. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you initiate the conversation to motivate them into the right direction.

The person you love and care deeply about is most likely in denial. They may not believe there is a problem to begin with. It will take time for them to accept the fact that they are on a dangerous path that could be fatal and completely detrimental to everyone involved. They may think they’re behavior is normal and since they are alive and functioning there is nothing to discuss. This is where they are wrong and you shouldn’t give up persistence on the matter.
Expect volatile and emotional behaviors as this confrontation will be upsetting for them. Try your best not to fuel the fire with more anger. Make your points clear to them in a way that will stop them from yelling after they’ve screamed at you, told you how wrong you are, and how little you know about anything they are experiencing.

Many of those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol spiral out of control whether it is immediately after being hooked on a substance or gradually over time. They desperately want to grab a hold of something that gives them purpose and fills void. Typically, they feel as though their lives are meaningless and no one really cares what they are experiencing.

Reaching for the bottle or a syringe to get high takes them away from the place they feel unwanted and forgotten. It’s painful for everyone involved: the addicted person, the family members, co-workers who witness the destruction, and friends who want to help. The addict may begin hearing that their condition is a disease and they are powerless over their own demons. That is not true. At Passages, we don’t believe that addiction is an incurable disease.

We believe in the empowering nature that as humans, we can overcome any obstacle that is put in our way; that if we look at what is causing the problem and focus on healing the underlying conditions then it is absolutely possible to break free and live an addiction-free life.

We believe that those who become dependent on drugs and alcohol do so for the following reasons:

A chemical imbalance
Events of the past you have not reconciled
Current conditions you can’t cope with
Things you believe that aren’t true

Chances are your loved one is struggling with one or more of these factors. In order for them to overcome their addiction, they will need to enter a treatment center, such as Passages Addiction Treatment Centers where the healing process is focused on treating the underlying conditions. Talking to your loved one may seem uncomfortable at first, but it’s important that you don’t hesitate as the problem could grow increasingly worse. Here are 7 key points to focus on.

Put a stop to enabling You may not realize it, but you could be making the problem worse by creating excuses for them, or sugarcoating the condition. Be stern about ground rules and the expectations you have for them. Hold them to their promises and commitments. Let nothing slide.
Educate yourself as well as friends and family on everything there is to know about addiction. Start by purchasing a copy of The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure, written by Pax and Chris Prentiss.
Ask questions. Find out what it is that is driving them to use drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms. Let them open up to you. Listen attentively and make eye contact assuring them that you care and hear what they are saying.
Make them feel loved instead of judged. Avoid using the term “addict” when addressing them. Don’t yell or make harsh threats. Try to avoid using phrases that belittle their worth. Instead, empower them and remind them of their strengths, aspirations, accomplishments, and how much they matter to you.
Consider hiring a professional interventionist to conduct an intervention at home or somewhere private.
Provide them with information on treatment centers. Give them brochures, contact information, photos, and enlightening reading material. Talk to them about the many treatment options available for them to get help and put a stop to this brutal battle.
Suggest alternative options for coping with pain, social anxiety, or trauma. Provide them with a list of things to do and give them a sense of hope that things can get better with change. Life doesn’t have to be unmanageable or painful. It can be fulfilling and full of life if you’re willing to make real lifestyle changes.

Passages, Where Addiction Ends and Life Begins™

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Photo courtesy of Jennifer McDougall

by Passages Malibu

Sobriety Discovered at Passages Malibu

I want to thank Pax by inspiring me to endure through the pains of my withdrawal symptoms. Thanks to him, I feel that I can work with any challenges in the future.

-from Sobriety

by Passages Malibu

Marijuana Addiction and Treatment

Cannabis (or more commonly known as marijuana, weed, or pot) is a very popular 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, difficulty with thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory. Several research studies have shown that chronic marijuana users have difficulty learning and decreased memory function, which can last for days or weeks after the actual physical “high” or effects of the drug wear off. Therefore, chronic marijuana abuser are functioning at a suboptimal intellectual and physical level of capability all of the time.

Many studies also show a direct correlation between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and various mental illnesses. There are numerous misconceptions about cannabis addiction and treatment and about the actual addictive qualities of marijuana. Many pro-marijuana users ridicule the idea that marijuana is addictive. At Passages, we see people addicted to marijuana every day. Marijuana is a gateway drug, meaning that individuals who abuse it typically drink alcohol more and abuse other drugs, drastically increasing their chances for becoming addicted to numerous substances. Cannabis has definite withdrawal symptoms when an abuser stops using, which include vivid dreams (caused by the chemical THC), anxiety, irritability, decreased appetite, paranoia, tension and insomnia. At Passages Malibu, we treat marijuana addiction and provide a medically supervised detox.

Image via We Heart It

by Passages Malibu

Professionals in Addiction Rehab

Executives and high-powered career professionals who find they needing drug rehab often have specific needs, requirements and concerns. Professionals in demanding career positions tend to be high-functioning, and often have been maintaining their image at work in spite of their drug or alcohol abuse. Understandably, many people in these positions wish to keep their attendance of a drug or alcohol rehab program under wraps, fearing backlash at work or damage done to their reputation or career.

Another important concern for many of these people is being able to maintain their schedule while in rehab-it can be nearly impossible for executives or CEO’s to take off 30 days or more of work. Many individuals in executive positions actually become addicted to their work, or are “workaholics,” which is why they have the success that they do.

However, this can be emotionally and mentally unhealthy. Men and women in these high performance careers often turn to alcohol or drugs to ease work anxiety or to attempt to relax after a stressful day or some choose to use stimulants to enhance their performance on the job.

Treatment centers like Passages Malibu are very understanding of this situation and cater to executives and professionals. We offer a resort-style atmosphere and consider privacy and confidentiality to be top priorities for our clients.

We also allow clients to have full unrestricted access to their cell phones and computers, which is very important for people in the business world. Our therapists are experienced in working with these types of individuals who operate under extreme pressure, and they can help them learn how to handle their careers without turning to alcohol or drugs for relief. Our therapists help clients realize their underlying emotional issues that may be causing them to abuse alcohol or drugs to manage work stress.

Call Passages Addiction Treatment Center today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by calling our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Image via We Heart It

by Passages Malibu

Native American Influences in Drug Rehab Centers

Many people seeking drug or alcohol treatment find themselves unwilling to subscribe to the disease concept of addiction, and wanting something more than just the typical, conventional 12-step programs.

Many non-12 step and holistic treatment centers fill this void and offer unconventional treatment practices that incorporate and respect all cultures, religions, and backgrounds. This kind of treatment facilities often focus on a combination of culture, spirituality, tradition and healing.

Native American culture is very rich and complex, and many Native Americans wish to attend a treatment center that will allow them to focus on their Native American spirituality, beliefs, culture and practice. There are Native American rehabilitation programs available; these programs are not exclusive to Native Americans, however the majority of clients that attend have a cultural background of Native American tradition.

These treatment facilities often involve a combination of individual therapy, cultural understanding, traditional ceremony, and group therapy. There are also rehab programs that have a focus on Native American elements, but are not solely Native American in nature.

At Passages Malibu, we consider ourselves to be one of these types of treatment centers. We incorporate all forms of spirituality and cultural backgrounds into our program, and design a treatment plan designed for each individual’s particular needs.

Call Passages Addiction Treatment Center today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by dialing our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Image via We Heart It

by Passages Malibu

Therapeutic Benefits of Luxury Rehab Centers

Although it may seem like just an added perk and not necessary for complete healing, attending a luxury rehab center does have numerous therapeutic advantages. Although there are thousands of drug rehab centers throughout the country, not many of them place much of an emphasis on the treatment center atmosphere. Commonly, especially in 12-step rehab programs, the centers are set up with more of an institutionalized atmosphere in mind-facilities designed to treat a large number of people in a small space.

Why Choose Passages Malibu

Luxury rehab centers, such as Passages Malibu, provide clients not only with top-notch treatment but also with beautiful, peaceful, tranquil surroundings. Passages spans across 10 gorgeous acres with easy access to the beach, 5 large luxurious estates for treatment and client residences, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, top of the line amenities, pools, a tennis court, gym, large living quarters, and a full time housekeeping staff.

When individuals enter a rehab facility that is small, cramped, and have the feel of a hospital, that environment can be very stressful and traumatic. At luxurious treatment centers, clients are able to relax and heal in the comfort and beauty of their surroundings. Treatment centers that are focused on top-notch luxurious settings also tend to have top-notch treatment programs with more staff members, therapists, doctors and nurses per client.

Call Passages Addiction Treatment Centers today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by calling our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Passages, Where Addiction Ends and Life Begins™

Follow Passages Malibu on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Jennifer McDougall

by Passages Malibu

LSD Effects and Psychological Addiction

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, a short-term tolerance is quickly developed, causing users to have to take more and more of the drug each time they use it to obtain the same initial effects. Repeatedly increasing the amount of LSD taken quickly reinforces a psychological addiction. LSD abusers also often develop a psychological addiction as a means of escaping emotional stressors, psychological pain, or low self esteem.

As with any addictive substance, users of LSD feel after awhile that they can no longer function without the drug. LSD is an incredibly powerful chemical compound, and even a very small amount creates significant changes in the brain’s chemical pattern and disrupts neurotransmitter levels. These powerful changes LSD addiction causes in the brain can bring on a slew of serious problems.

For individuals who are already dealing with underlying emotional or mental health issues, the repeated and intense effects of LSD abuse can aggravate and worsen the problems. There are many signs of LSD addiction, including paranoia, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, delusions, and erratic behavior. Passages Malibu treats LSD addiction, and can help if you or someone you know is struggling.

Passages, Where Addiction Ends and Life Begins™

Image via We Heart It

by Passages Malibu

Behavioral Addictions vs Substance Addictions

It is estimated that at least 90% of Americans have been exposed to at least one form of addiction in their lives, whether it is a behavioral or a substance addiction. Behavioral addiction, or non-substance-related addiction, is a recurring behavior or compulsion where an individual participates in a particular activity, despite negative effects it is having on their relationships, finances, health, or mental state.

Although behavioral addictions may not seem as harmful as substance related addictions, they are considered very detrimental for the person addicted and the people close to them.

Some common behavioral addictions are gambling, food, computers, pornography, sex, the internet, video games, work, exercise, “cutting”, and shopping. Although some people find it controversial to refer to these behaviors as “addictions” in the same way we view substance abuse disorders, they do tend to have the same ultimate negative effects. Substance addictions, to either drugs or alcohol, are typically much easier disorders for people to understand due to the actual pronounced physical and emotionally altered effects they have on the person abusing. We treat individuals dealing with behavioral, substance, or co-occurring addictions and disorders.

Call Passages Addiction Treatment Center today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by dialing our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Image via We Heart It

by Passages Malibu

Drug and Alcohol Addiction in the Workplace

Drug and alcohol addiction undoubtedly makes an impact on the lives of everyone it involves; not just the dependent individual. It effects friends, family, and often times co-workers experience the negative behaviors of addiction as well. For employers, having an addicted individual working for them can be a very difficult and awkward situation. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employees who abuse drugs or alcohol are 25 to 30 percent less productive on the job and miss work three times more often than non-abusing employees. Drug and alcohol addiction in the workplace also results in significantly higher safety risks, as 65 percent of all accidents on the job have been shown to be related to drug or alcohol use. As an employer, there are many early signs of drug and alcohol addiction to look for that can help you combat the negative effects of dependency in the workplace, and hopefully get your employee some help.

Sometimes, especially in a professional atmosphere where people are usually on their “best behavior,” recognizing signs of drug and alcohol dependency isn’t always easy, as some substance abusing individuals have had practice hiding their addictions for months or years. Some key signs to look for are: frequent tardiness or unexplained absences from work, extended lunch breaks, a distant attitude or avoidance of supervisors, missed deadlines or incomplete assignments, various excuses, a careless attitude, poor personal appearance, sudden or unusual weight loss or gain, odd mood swings or erratic behavior, sleepiness, or noticeable financial problems. If you notice these problems in your workplace, Passages Malibu can help.
Call us today at (888) 397-0112, or visit our website at www.PassagesMalibu.com for more information.

by Passages Malibu

Treatment Team Approach at Passages Malibu

We are the world’s most innovative and effective residential drug and alcohol treatment program, partly due to our treatment teach approach. Unlike other treatment centers, Passages is not 12-step based and rather focuses on a more individually tailored, holistic method of treatment. We believe that addiction is not a disease, but rather that it is a symptom resulting from other problematic issues. The abuse of and eventual dependency on drugs and alcohol is merely a mechanism to cope with physical, mental, or emotional pain. We believe that completely healing addiction is possible, and in order to do this, you must find the underlying causes of your behaviors. Each of our clients receive an individually tailored treatment team of 10 therapists.

Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, an undiagnosed physical ailment, childhood trauma, abuse, family problems, a chemical imbalance, or one of the many other underlying causes of addiction. Our treatment program of mainly one-on-one therapy will help you uncover what is driving you to use drugs and alcohol. At the end of each week, your treatment teams hold a meeting to discuss your progress and pool their insights and resources together. They do this in order to make sure you are getting the most comprehensive, diverse treatment possible, allowing them to alter your program each week and to progress as you progress. At Passages, we truly believe in healing all of you, from the inside out: you will receive primarily individual therapy sessions with a dynamic rotation of enriching groups mixed in, with a treatment team that is fully committed to your recovery.

Call us today at (888) 397-0112, or visit us online at www.PassagesMalibu.com

by Passages Malibu

Individualized Psychotherapy

We believe addiction is caused by various underlying and unresolved issues. Dependent individuals typically use drugs and/or alcohol as part of a coping mechanism to deal with past and/or present trauma and pain. At many 12-step rehab programs, substance abuse is treated as the primary problem. At our facilities, we believe that in order to end the cycle of dependency you must first uncover the reasons why you are choosing to numb yourself with drugs and alcohol in the first place. This is where individualized psychotherapy becomes critical for healing. Psychotherapy sessions offer safe space to discover the complex nature behind addictive behaviors, and allow each individual to learn how to resolve and heal each unique underlying issue. Being unable to cope with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, marriage, work, relationships, and the death of a loved one, financial burdens, illness, insecurity, or physical impairment are common reasons for substance abuse that psychotherapists are trained to help clients work through in their sessions. Many 12-step treatment centers rely primarily on group therapy and usually provide no individual psychotherapy with licenced psychologists. Our individualized approach allows for each specialized licensed therapist to treat each client uniquely based on their circumstance and uncover and explore the causes of each particular addiction.

Call us today at (888) 397-0112.

by Passages Malibu

Animal-Assisted Therapy and Addiction

Animal-assisted therapy (particularly Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) and canine therapy) is one of the most effective forms of experiential therapy available and has proven to be fun, nurturing, and very therapeutically beneficial for clients in inpatient drug and alcohol
treatment centers. With animal assisted therapy, rather than talking to a therapist, clients interact with a horse or dog in a series of exercises designed to strengthen and develop non-verbal and verbal communication, creative thinking, problem solving, leadership, trust, responsibility, confidence and relationship skills. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to
be successful in helping individuals with numerous issues other than just substance abuse, including eating disorders, adolescents with emotional problems, and with the rehabilitation of prison inmates. The distinctive experience of bonding with an animal offers several advantages. Working with an animal often allows individuals to let their guard down and reduce stress, as studies have shown that individuals actually have lower heart rates and stress levels when in the presence of animals. In addition,animals have the unique ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them; an individual’s reaction to the animal and the animal’s reaction them helps to highlight the behaviors, feelings and relationships that have caused pain and fed an addiction.

Call us today at (888) 397-0112.

by Passages Malibu

What are the Early Signs of Alcohol Addiction

There are several early warning signs to look out for if you believe yourself or someone you know is starting on the path towards alcohol abuse. According to the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 17.6 million Americans abuse alcohol or are full-blown alcoholics. The death toll is upwards of 100,000 people per year.

Luckily, there are early signs of alcohol abuse that if caught early on, could deter a full-blown addiction. Some key signs to look out for are:

Increased tolerance to alcohol (you have to drink more and more to feel the same effects)
Withdrawal symptoms and cravings when drinking is stopped
Blacking out while drinking
Drastic change in demeanor
Personality or mood while drinking (such as becoming angry or violent)
Drinking and driving, missing work or other responsibilities in favor of drinking
Lying to others about drinking or other deceptive behaviors
Sneaking drinks
Displaying a general attitude that drinking is a priority

The key thing to remember with all of these symptoms is that if the individual notices and acknowledges these problems yet continues to drink despite the consequences, there is a definite dependency issue. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs of early alcohol abuse, Passages Malibu can help.

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by Passages Malibu

What to Know About an Ecstasy Addiction

Hyponatremial is the term used to describe a condition where an individual who has taken ecstasy consumes a sometimes fatal large amount of water without having enough salts in the body; this is also known as water poisoning. This commonly happens to ecstasy abusers, and some have died because they felt overheated and drank excessive amounts of water with no food.

Addiction to ecstasy is driven by the withdrawal symptoms of the drug, such as depression, severe fatigue, loss of appetite, trouble concentrating, anxiety and an inability to feel pleasure. Addicted individuals become dependent on the good feelings they get while taking ecstasy, and when they stop using they often think their life seems dull and not worth living.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that 43% of young adult and adolescent ecstasy users met the accepted diagnostic criteria for dependence; they continued using ecstasy despite knowing that it could cause physical or psychological harm. An additional 34% of those ecstasy users met the criteria for drug abuse which in turn could lead to an ecstasy addiction. At Passages Malibu, we treat ecstasy dependence on a regular basis, and provide a safe, comfortable, and medically supervised detox.

Call Passages Addiction Treatment Center today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by dialing our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

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by Passages Malibu

Ecstasy Addiction

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 describe a condition where an individual who has taken ecstasy consumes a sometimes fatal large amount of water without having enough salts in the body; this is also known as water poisoning. This commonly happens to ecstasy abusers, and some have died because they felt overheated and drank excessive amounts of water with no food. Addiction to ecstasy is driven by the withdrawal symptoms of the drug, such as depression, severe fatigue, loss of appetite, trouble concentrating, anxiety and an inability to feel pleasure. Addicted individuals become dependent on the good feelings they get while taking ecstasy, and when they stop using they often think their life seems dull and not worth living. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that 43% of young adult and adolescent ecstasy users met the accepted diagnostic criteria for dependence; they continued using ecstasy despite knowing that it could cause physical or psychological harm. An additional 34% of those ecstasy users met the criteria for drug abuse which in turn could lead to an ecstasy addiction. At Passages Malibu, we treat ecstasy dependence on a regular basis, and provide a safe, comfortable, and medically supervised detox.

by Passages Malibu

Benefits of Inpatient Rehab Centers

There are numerous benefits of attending an inpatient drug rehab program. Alcohol and drug addiction wreaks havoc on the body, causing vitamin deficiency, extreme fatigue and an inability to focus or remember little things, stomach problems, kidney and liver failure, yellowing of the skin, eyes, and nails, heart disease, and numerous other serious and life threatening problems.

Although inpatient drug rehab cannot completely reverse all of these ailments, getting treatment for drug and alcohol dependency can stabilize and stop the progression of these diseases. Most treatment centers, including Passages Malibu, provide a diet plan prepared daily by an in-house chef, featuring organic foods that promote detox and replenish the vitamins and nutrients lost during the malnourishment that usually accompanies drug and alcohol abuse.

In addition to the physical benefits attained by attending an inpatient drug rehab program, there are numerous emotional benefits as well. Just as the body is devastated physically by drug and alcohol abuse, the condition also wreaks havoc on your mental, emotional and psychological state. Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab centers like Passages Malibu provide you with one-on-one therapy sessions, as well as peer support groups and unconventional therapeutic treatments that unveil your underlying issues and address why you turned to drugs and alcohol in the first place.

Call Passages Addiction Treatment Center today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by dialing our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

by Passages Malibu

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How to Contact Passages Addiction Treatment Centers:

Put a stop to enabling You may not realize it, but you could be making the problem worse by creating excuses for them, or sugarcoating the condition. Be stern about ground rules and the expectations you have for them. Hold them to their promises and commitments. Let nothing slide.

Educate yourself as well as friends and family on everything there is to know about addiction. Start by purchasing a copy of The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure, written by Pax and Chris Prentiss.

Ask questions. Find out what it is that is driving them to use drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms. Let them open up to you. Listen attentively and make eye contact assuring them that you care and hear what they are saying.

Consider hiring a professional interventionist to conduct an intervention at home or somewhere private.

Provide them with information on treatment centers. Give them brochures, contact information, photos, and enlightening reading material. Talk to them about the many treatment options available for them to get help and put a stop to this brutal battle.

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