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 andContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Witnessing 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 asContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Self-destructive behavior can be subtle, yet it has a profound impact on the lives of those who engage in it—and the people around them. Whether it’s you or someone close to you, recognizing these behaviors is the first step toward healing and change. Often, those exhibiting self-destructiveContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Self-sabotage is a complex phenomenon that manifests in various mental, emotional, or physical forms. It’s a term that encapsulates the idea that certain destructive actions are directed at oneself. This behavior often stems from a place of self-infliction, though it might not always be apparent to theContinue Reading
By: Jennifer McDougall The signs and symptoms of drug or alcohol abuse can usually be recognized quickly. Sometimes though, it takes more time to notice the collective traits. If you are suspicious of a loved one abusing drugs or alcohol here are several clues: Bloodshot (glazy red) eyes Enlarged orContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Pain is the most common reason behind addiction. It comes in many forms; physical, mental, and emotional pain. It stems from the brain and flows into your central nervous system. An extreme amount of pain and discomfort can potentially send you right over the edge, but itContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Many times when ecstasy users grab ahold of this drug, they don’t realize the amount of danger they are putting themselves in. Ecstasy is one of the scariest drugs because a person can overdose on it before they have time to rewind and retrace their steps orContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Studies have found reading to be one of the most beneficial activities you can do that can help improve your life and physical well-being. Reading can help improve your memory, focus and concentration, vocabulary, writing skills, and reduce a large amount of stress. It also allows youContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Codependency is a term that describes a relationship dynamic where one person relies excessively on another for their sense of self-worth and happiness. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “a psychological condition or a relationship in which a person is controlled or manipulated by another who isContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall When it comes to addiction treatment, choosing the right approach can be life-changing. Passages Malibu stands out with its revolutionary non-12-step methodology, tailored to address not just the symptoms but the root causes of addiction. This article explores the unique aspects of our program, answering common questionsContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Besides not waking up with a painful headache and a list of regrets from the night before, there are several other reasons to quit drinking alcohol. The amount of damage alcohol does to your body should be enough to avoid alcohol altogether, but for many, it’s not.Continue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall When someone you know is battling an addiction and desperately needs help changing their current conditions and lifestyle the last thing they need is to be influenced by an enabler. If you are not careful, that enabler could be you. Do you have a loved one whoContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall GHB, short for γ-Hydroxybutyric acid, is another drug wreaking havoc on today’s club kids. It is popular among teens, young adults, and those in the bodybuilding community (used to increase muscle growth and athletic performance). So what exactly is it? GHB, otherwise known as “G,” was synthesizedContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Being the parent to a child of any age can be challenging at times, and there are all kinds of things parents worry about, but one widespread worry is keeping your child safe from drugs and alcohol. Preventing your child from being exposed to things that couldContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall The holiday season can be a challenging time for those in recovery. From social gatherings to family dynamics, the festive atmosphere often includes triggers that can test your resolve. At Passages Malibu, we believe in equipping you with the tools to maintain your sobriety while enjoying theContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Every year thousands of people gather together at music festivals such as, Ultra, which is held in Miami, Florida and large cities all over the world. There’s also the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, Nevada, Coachella in Indio, California, The Electric Zoo in New York City,Continue Reading
By: Jennifer McDougall Just as alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy, and heroin provide a temporary sense of escape for a person from their reality, anyone who is addicted to love seeks similar relief and can face severe physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. Someone who is addicted to love develops obsessive behaviors andContinue Reading
The misuse and growing dependency problems surrounding prescription painkillers have reached significant levels in the US. Forbes recently ran an article that reported how 40,000 Americans no perish each year from prescription medication overdose. In fact, more people die from prescription medication than by car accidents or violent crimes. ThisContinue Reading
Malibu, Calif. (May 17, 2012) Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura, the world’s leading drug and alcohol rehab centers, are proud to support the first annual National Prevention Week, held from Monday, May 21, 2012, through Friday, May 25, 2012. This health observance is an opportunity for community members and leaders to learn moreContinue Reading
Insomnia can have a debilitating effect on your daily life, causing daytime sleepiness, lethargy, and irritability, as well as cognitive and memory difficulties. For these reasons, many people living with insomnia turn to prescription drugs to alleviate their symptoms. Most drugs prescribed for insomnia are known as hypnotics, with oneContinue Reading