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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
By Jennifer McDougall Substance abuse-related issues can have a profound impact on the lives of those who are affected by them. Individuals struggling with substance abuse-related issues may feel isolated from friends, family members, and other loved ones. This can make it difficult for them to get help for theirContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall: Equine therapy is a therapeutic approach to treating addiction and trauma. Equine therapy aims to help people learn how to trust themselves and others through interaction with horses. A person’s interactions with the horse may involve grooming or riding the animal. Still, usually, it’s much more thanContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug. It’s highly addictive because it increases levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in brain circuits regulating reward and pleasure, producing feelings of euphoria. As a result, cocaine use can lead to compulsive drug taking—repeatedly using the drug despite negative consequences. CocaineContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Addiction can happen to anyone, and it can consume your life and well-being before you know what is happening. Alcohol and drug abuse have significant effects on the body, especially as it relates to nutrient depletion. Individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol are often malnourished and sufferContinue 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
There is a lot of talk about whether or not addiction is a disease. The AA/12-Step community labels individuals who have used and abused drugs and alcohol as “addicts.” At Passages, we do not believe addiction is a disease. We believe that a person who is addicted to alcohol orContinue 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