One of the most debated questions surrounding substance use is:
Is addiction a choice, or is it a mental health issue?
Many people hold strong opinions about this topic. Some believe addiction is purely a matter of personal choice and willpower, while others view it as a medical or psychological condition that requires treatment.
In reality, addiction is far more complex than either of these explanations alone. Human behavior, emotional health, brain chemistry, and life experiences all influence why people begin using substances and why stopping can become difficult.
Understanding the true nature of addiction is essential for anyone struggling with substance use—or for families trying to support someone they love.
At Passages Malibu, we believe addiction is not a permanent identity or a lifelong disease. Instead, substance use is often a symptom of deeper underlying conditions that can be identified and treated through personalized care and holistic therapy.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you can speak confidentially with an admissions specialist by calling (888) 397-0112 or visiting www.passagesmalibu.com.
Why the Question Matters
The way society views addiction has a powerful impact on how people seek help.
If addiction is seen only as a choice, individuals struggling with substance use may feel judged or ashamed. This stigma can prevent them from reaching out for support.
On the other hand, if addiction is viewed only as a disease, some people may feel powerless over their behavior and believe recovery is beyond their control.
The truth lies somewhere in between. Addiction often begins with choices, but over time, it can become strongly influenced by emotional, psychological, and biological factors.
Recognizing this complexity allows individuals to approach recovery with both compassion and accountability.
The Role of Personal Choice in Addiction
In most cases, the first use of alcohol or drugs begins with a voluntary decision.
People may experiment with substances for many reasons, including:
• Curiosity
• Social pressure
• Stress relief
• Emotional pain
• Recreational enjoyment
• Escaping difficult life circumstances
At the beginning, substance use may appear harmless. Many individuals believe they can control their use or stop whenever they choose.
However, repeated use can gradually change the brain’s chemistry and emotional coping patterns, making it more difficult to stop.
This is where the conversation shifts beyond simple choice.
How Addiction Affects the Brain
Substances such as alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and sedatives affect the brain’s reward system, which is responsible for motivation and pleasure.
These substances trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of reward and satisfaction.
Over time, repeated substance use can:
• Reduce the brain’s natural dopamine production
• Increase cravings for the substance
• Decrease sensitivity to natural rewards
• Alter decision-making processes
These neurological changes can make it much harder for someone to stop using substances even when they genuinely want to.
This is one reason addiction is often associated with mental health and brain chemistry rather than simply willpower.
The Connection Between Addiction and Mental Health
Many individuals struggling with addiction also experience underlying mental health challenges.
Common co-occurring conditions include:
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Trauma-related disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Substances may initially provide temporary relief from these symptoms. For example, alcohol may temporarily reduce anxiety, while stimulants may increase energy or confidence.
However, substance use often worsens mental health symptoms over time, creating a cycle in which individuals rely on substances to cope with the very problems those substances are intensifying.
Addiction as a Symptom of Underlying Issues
At Passages Malibu, we approach addiction differently from many traditional treatment models.
Rather than viewing addiction as a lifelong disease that must be managed indefinitely, we see substance use as a symptom of deeper underlying conditions.
Our philosophy identifies four primary factors that often drive addiction:
Chemical Imbalance
Some individuals have neurological imbalances that affect mood, stress response, and emotional stability.
Substances may temporarily relieve these symptoms.
Unresolved Experiences From the Past
Trauma, grief, or painful life experiences can create emotional wounds that remain unresolved for years.
Substances may become a way to numb these feelings.
Current Life Stress
Major life pressures—such as work demands, financial challenges, or relationship difficulties—can lead individuals to seek relief through alcohol or drugs.
Limiting Beliefs
Negative beliefs about oneself, such as feelings of shame or inadequacy, can contribute to destructive coping patterns.
When these underlying conditions are addressed through therapy, the desire to use substances often diminishes.
Why Viewing Addiction With Compassion Matters
Understanding addiction as a complex psychological and emotional issue allows individuals to approach recovery without shame.
Shame often prevents people from seeking help. When individuals feel judged or labeled, they may hide their struggles rather than addressing them.
A compassionate perspective recognizes that people struggling with addiction are often trying to cope with significant internal pain.
Treatment that focuses on healing those deeper issues can create lasting transformation.
The Passages Malibu Approach to Addiction Treatment
Passages Malibu has been rated “The Number 1 Rehab in the World” by Health Care Global, and our treatment model reflects a holistic and individualized philosophy.
A Non-12-Step Treatment Program
Passages Malibu does not follow the traditional 12-Step model.
Clients are not required to identify themselves as addicts or alcoholics, and addiction is not framed as a permanent disease.
Instead, our focus is on identifying and healing the root causes of substance use.
Extensive One-on-One Therapy
Many treatment centers rely heavily on group meetings.
At Passages Malibu, clients receive 60–70 hours of one-on-one therapy each month, allowing treatment to be deeply personalized.
Clients work with a team that may include:
• Medical Doctor
• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Chemical Dependency Counselor
• Hypnotherapist
• Acupuncturist
• Spiritual Counselor
• Personal Trainer
• Aftercare Planner
This level of individualized care allows therapists to focus on each client’s unique life experiences and emotional needs.
A Luxury Healing Environment
Healing is often easier in an environment that promotes comfort, privacy, and peace of mind.
Passages Malibu offers a beautiful setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean where clients can focus entirely on their recovery journey.
Amenities include:
• Private suites with high-speed internet
• Gourmet chef-prepared meals
• Ocean-view pool and hot tub
• Tennis court and fitness center
• Personal training sessions
• Beautiful landscaped grounds designed for relaxation
Clients are also allowed to keep their cell phones and laptops, enabling them to remain connected with loved ones and responsibilities.
A Family-Run Treatment Center Since 2001
Passages Malibu was founded by Chris and Pax Prentiss after Pax struggled with addiction for nearly ten years.
Traditional treatment programs failed to address the underlying causes of his substance use, which led to repeated relapses. Chris developed a holistic approach focused on resolving those deeper issues.
That approach helped Pax achieve lasting recovery and inspired the creation of Passages Malibu.
Today, Pax continues to oversee the program and personally speak with individuals considering treatment.
Insurance Coverage May Help Make Treatment Affordable
Passages Malibu works with many major insurance providers, including:
Aetna
Anthem
Beacon
Blue Cross Blue Shield
ComPsych
HealthNet
Humana
Magellan
MHN
MultiPlan
Three Rivers
TriCare
Value Options
Our admissions specialists can help verify your insurance benefits and explain available options.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, understanding the underlying causes is the first step toward meaningful change.
Addiction is not a reflection of weakness or failure. With the right support, compassionate care, and personalized treatment, recovery is possible.
To learn more about the Passages Malibu program, call (888) 397-0112 or visit www.passagesmalibu.com to schedule a confidential consultation.
You deserve healing.
You deserve support.
You deserve a future free from addiction.
Addiction Ends Here®
