Non-12-Step Support Groups to Help You on Your Sober Journey
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
The Science Behind the Advertising of Alcohol
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
Are Your Friends Holding You Back From Getting or Staying Sober?
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
How to Discover Your True Self
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
What to Say When Someone Asks Why You’re Not Drinking Alcohol
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
At Passages Malibu, We Believe in the Power of Healing
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
Goals You Should Set in Addiction Recovery
By Jennifer McDougall: This is a significant time in your life. You’ve decided to get sober, but now you have to figure out what comes next. It’s normal to be overwhelmed at first. Still, soon you’ll start seeing things again and realize that there are many great opportunities in frontContinue Reading
Employment Resources for Individuals in Addiction Recovery: How to Find a Job After Rehab
By Jennifer McDougall If you are an individual who is in recovery from addiction, employment may be one of your biggest concerns. Many people in early recovery are worried about how they will survive financially and how they can continue to make money while working through their substance abuse issues.Continue Reading
Psychotherapy for Treating Substance Abuse
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
What to Do When You Are Experiencing Low Self-Esteem
By Jennifer McDougall Have you ever felt that no matter what you do, it just doesn’t seem good enough? Of course, we all have our good days and bad days regarding self-esteem, but when those feelings of low self-worth can sometimes become too much to bear for many people. IfContinue Reading
How to Help a Parent Struggling with Drug or Alcohol Addiction
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
What to Expect on Your Healing Journey in Addiction Recovery
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
6 Ways Having a Therapist Can Dramatically Improve Your Life
By Jennifer McDougall It’s easy to feel weighed down when your problems become too much to handle. But before you think the only option is to deal with things on your own, consider the alternative: therapy. Therapy can help you get rid of pent-up feelings, gain control of your emotions,Continue Reading
Why Behavioral Therapy is Essential in Treating Substance Abuse-Related Issues
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
New Book Release: That Was Zen, This Is Tao: Living Your Way to Enlightenment by Chris Prentiss
By Jennifer McDougall Chris Prentiss is a pioneer in the field of addiction treatment. He co-founded Passages Malibu with his son, Pax Prentiss, an exclusive residential rehab facility that’s known for its revolutionary, non-12-step approach to recovery. He is also the international bestselling author of books such as The AlcoholismContinue Reading
How Equine Therapy Can Help Build Trust in Addiction Recovery
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
The Long-Term Effects of Cocaine: What You Need to Know
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
What to Do When You’re Stuck in Your Head: Eliminating Brain Chatter
By Jennifer McDougall I’ve been there. You’re stuck in your head with thoughts and feelings and worries, and nothing seems to quiet that inner brain chatter. You can’t help but worry about the future or ruminate over the past. You feel overwhelmed by how many things you need to doContinue Reading
Self-Care Essentials to Thrive in Sobriety
By Jennifer McDougall Self-care is the foundation for a successful sober lifestyle. It allows us to make better choices, achieve our goals, and bring more meaning into our lives. But how do you know if your version of self-care is working? In this post, we’ll explore some of the bestContinue Reading
Nutrients That Become Depleted During Drug and Alcohol Addiction
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