Understanding High-Functioning Alcohol Use, Hidden Dependency, and When It’s Time to Get Help “I’m Fine. I Go to Work. I Pay My Bills.” One of the most dangerous myths about alcohol addiction is that it only affects people whose lives are visibly falling apart. In reality, many people struggling withContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Alcohol withdrawal can be an intimidating process—one often punctuated by a range of uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms. Of these, headaches are among the most common and distressing. If you or a loved one is reducing or stopping alcohol use, you may be wondering: How long canContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall The holiday season is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and communal reflection. However, for many people, it can also be a period of intensified stress, heightened substance use, and emotional triggers. As a result, substance abuse treatment centers often notice a surge in admissions calls whenContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall April serves as a critical beacon for raising awareness about alcohol abuse, marking Alcohol Awareness Month. This period encourages us to consider the profound impact that alcohol can have—not only on individuals but also on families and entire communities. With research from the National Institute on AlcoholContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall In today’s fast-paced world, the phenomenon of binge drinking has emerged as a significant concern, posing serious threats to physical, mental, and social well-being. At Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura, we approach the challenge of binge drinking from a holistic and non-12-step perspective, focusing on the individualContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall As January draws to a close, you may find yourself reflecting on the experience of Dry January, a month dedicated to abstaining from alcohol. This period of sobriety isn’t just a fleeting challenge but a gateway to a deeper understanding of your relationship with alcohol and itsContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Embarking on a journey towards sobriety and wellness is a transformative experience that can significantly enhance your quality of life. At Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura, we understand the profound impact of an alcohol-free lifestyle on your mind, body, and spirit. Through a combination of personal insights,Continue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall In country music, the twang of a guitar often accompanies tales of heartbreak, hardship, and the occasional raucous night out. However, behind the scenes and within the lyrics, there is a more somber narrative that has woven itself into the genre: alcohol abuse. This piece will delveContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall In the world of alcohol consumption, there exists a nebulous zone known as ‘Grey Area Drinking.’ This term, often overlooked in conventional discussions about alcohol abuse, is becoming increasingly prevalent. This article aims to shed light on what grey-area drinking entails, its associated risks, signs to watchContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Alcohol consumption is a common social activity across the globe. However, excessive drinking can lead to severe consequences, including an alcohol-induced blackout. During such blackouts, an individual may continue to function but not remember their actions. This article aims to shed light on what happens to yourContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Binge drinking is a common habit among young people trying to fit in with their peers. However, binge drinking puts you at risk for alcohol poisoning and other severe health conditions. It increases your likelihood of developing long-term problems like addiction, cancer, and other serious conditions. SoContinue Reading
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
By Jennifer McDougall If you’ve been reaching for a drink more often than usual, or if the thought of going without alcohol is making you anxious, it might be time to get help. If you suspect that your drinking is becoming a problem, here are some questions to ask yourself:Continue Reading
by Jennifer McDougall If you’re tired of living with alcohol addiction, know that there’s no shame in wanting to get help. In fact, if you’re ready to stop drinking for good, you should be proud of yourself! The most effective way to end alcohol addiction is through detoxification and non-12-stepContinue Reading
by Jennifer McDougall Alcohol is mainly broken down by the liver, which can metabolize around one standard drink per hour for males. Age, weight, gender, and the quantity of food consumed can impact how quickly the body processes alcohol. Sleeping or drinking water will not enhance the rate of alcoholContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall More than 2.4 million people died from alcohol-related causes in 2019, accounting for 4.3 percent of all fatalities worldwide and 12.6 percent of deaths among males aged 15 to 49. Alcohol is a psychoactive and dangerous drug that can injure the human body significantly. Its consumption isContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Embarking on a journey free from alcohol can profoundly enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. At Passages Ventura and Passages Malibu, we are committed to supporting you in this life-changing decision with our comprehensive, holistic non-12-step approach to addiction treatment. Immediate Health Benefits of Alcohol AbstinenceContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall In the United States, many individuals drink alcohol for social reasons or relaxation, often believing that moderate consumption carries little to no risk. However, drinking alcohol every day—even in amounts that don’t seem excessive—can lead to significant short-term and long-term health issues. Understanding these risks is crucialContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Alcohol consumption not only wrecks a person’s personal life, but it also has a significant influence on every connection they have. The most potent and negative impacts are expected to emerge at intimacy, relationship, and marriage levels. Alcohol destroys many romantic relationships, resulting in estranged marriages andContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Alcohol abuse is a severe problem in the United States and worldwide. The drinking culture in America has normalized binge drinking to the point where casual or “responsible” drinkers do not consider themselves having a problem. Since there are many different levels of alcohol abuse, determining whetherContinue Reading