By Dr. Kerri Heath
“Reserving judgment is a matter of infinite hope.”
-F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
I love visiting Passages in Malibu, as it brings a sense of peaceful re-centering every time I visit. The beautiful ocean views and perfectly groomed landscaping create the context, but it is the warm personalities that makes it feel like a home. This makes Passages a very unique place. It feels like the Prentiss family has opened up their home for addicts to come in and find solace, a place of refuge.
People who struggle with addiction are searching for peace. According to the philosophy at Passages, substances are used to cover up one or more of following: chemical imbalance, unresolved events from the past, beliefs you hold that are inconsistent with what is true, and an inability to cope with current conditions. People think they are coming to Passages to heal an addiction, but what they are really seeking is peace and that is what they leave with.
It is no coincidence that the name of the co-owner is Pax, which literally means “peace” in Latin because that seems to be his gift to the world. Pax helps people find true peace in their lives by identifying the real source of pain and offering a variety of solutions to create a better life. I met with Pax on a Thursday afternoon to hear more about his experience and his call to help lead others out of a life of addiction and into a life of peace and happiness. I had already read about his experience in “kicking” addiction, so I knew that I was meeting with a miracle man who was lucky to be alive. People who have come so close to death seem to be laser-focused on things that truly matter (not just material possessions, power, and privilege), and he did not disappoint. Pax was late for our meeting because he ran into a client in the garden who wanted to talk, and that is always a priority to him. This is the perfect example of how this man makes time for each one of the visitors that come to him for transformation and renewal.
In my brief time with him, I found myself sharing things with him that I have not told others. I mentioned to him several times “I don’t know why I am telling you this…” to which he replied, “I hear that on a daily basis.” I am not surprised that his clients find themselves sharing openly and honestly with Pax because he has a true sense of tranquility and unconditional love. Because of the lack of judgment, people can only find themselves in a safe place to open up, explore and seek honesty in his presence. One of the greatest things about Passages is that you are invited into a family that honestly cares about you as if you were their own child, because in a way you are.
If you are struggling with addiction, there will come a time when the need for peace far outweighs the need to continue down the path of pain and resistance. When you want to find the solutions to your problems and a road to recovery, Pax will be there to show you the way. He has walked the same road and he’s willing, to be honest about it. And just being in the same room with him will give you the peace that you need to make it through another day.
How to Contact Passages Addiction Treatment Centers:
Call Passages Addiction Treatment Centers today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by calling our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Passages, Where Addiction Ends and Life Begins™
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest! We love connecting with our audience.
