Why Success, Stability, and Control Can Still Hide a Serious Substance Use Issue “I Have a Job, a Family, and Responsibilities—So I Can’t Have a Problem… Right?” One of the most overlooked and misunderstood forms of substance abuse is high-functioning addiction. These are the individuals who: Because their lives don’tContinue Reading
Understanding the Difference—and What Actually Leads to Lasting Recovery “If I Really Wanted to Stop, I Would… Right?” One of the most damaging beliefs people struggling with substance use carry is this: “I should be able to stop on my own.” Friends, family, and even society often reinforce this ideaContinue Reading
Understanding High-Functioning Substance Use and Why It Still Deserves Treatment “I Have a Job. A Family. A Life. So This Can’t Be Addiction… Right?” One of the most misunderstood forms of substance abuse is functional addiction—sometimes called high-functioning addiction. These are individuals who appear successful by most outward measures. TheyContinue Reading
Understanding the Psychological Barriers That Keep People Stuck—and How to Move Past Them “I Know I Should Get Help… Just Not Yet.” One of the most painful realities of addiction is that awareness does not always lead to action. Many people struggling with alcohol or drug dependency know something isn’tContinue Reading
Understanding High-Functioning Alcohol Use, Hidden Dependency, and When It’s Time to Get Help “I’m Fine. I Go to Work. I Pay My Bills.” One of the most dangerous myths about alcohol addiction is that it only affects people whose lives are visibly falling apart. In reality, many people struggling withContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall, Staff Writer & Marketing Director at Passages Malibu Why Personalized Care Matters No two people experience addiction in the same way. For one person, it may be tied to childhood trauma. For another, it might stem from unmanaged stress, false beliefs, or a chemical imbalance. This isContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall, Staff Writer & Marketing Director at Passages Malibu Why Holistic Wellness Matters in Recovery Addiction doesn’t just impact the body—it affects the mind, emotions, and spirit. That’s why lasting recovery requires more than just detox or abstinence. It requires holistic healing. At Passages Malibu, we integrate therapiesContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall, Staff Writer & Marketing Director at Passages Malibu Why So Many Treatment Programs Fall Short For decades, addiction treatment has been dominated by one message: you are powerless over your addiction, and you will always be an addict. For some, this approach provides comfort and community. ButContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall, Staff Writer & Marketing Director at Passages Malibu Why Alcohol Addiction Must Be Understood Alcohol is one of the most socially accepted substances in the world. It’s woven into celebrations, holidays, and casual gatherings. But for millions of people, what starts as social drinking can evolve intoContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall For many parents, realizing your adult son or daughter is caught in the grips of alcohol or drug addiction can be both heartbreaking and overwhelming. You may feel powerless—unsure of how to intervene when they’re legally an adult, yet desperately wanting to save them from harm. AtContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall When a loved one struggles with drug or alcohol abuse, deciding to enter rehab can be a transformative milestone in their journey toward lasting recovery. At Passages Malibu, we have seen firsthand how dedication, expert guidance, and holistic treatment can profoundly affect an individual’s life. However, despiteContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall The road to recovery from addiction is deeply personal, and no two journeys are the same. For years, many people seeking help for substance abuse have been directed to 12-step programs, but for some, this traditional approach doesn’t resonate or provide the long-term healing they need. AtContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall The journey to sobriety is a deeply personal and often challenging path, marked by victories and setbacks alike. One common hurdle many individuals face is the difficulty in maintaining sobriety for an extended period, such as 30 days. At Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura, we understand thatContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall In today’s fast-paced world, the phenomenon of binge drinking has emerged as a significant concern, posing serious threats to physical, mental, and social well-being. At Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura, we approach the challenge of binge drinking from a holistic and non-12-step perspective, focusing on the individualContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall As January draws to a close, you may find yourself reflecting on the experience of Dry January, a month dedicated to abstaining from alcohol. This period of sobriety isn’t just a fleeting challenge but a gateway to a deeper understanding of your relationship with alcohol and itsContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Embarking on a journey towards sobriety and wellness is a transformative experience that can significantly enhance your quality of life. At Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura, we understand the profound impact of an alcohol-free lifestyle on your mind, body, and spirit. Through a combination of personal insights,Continue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Nestled in the serene environment of Ventura, California, Passages Ventura stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for individuals grappling with the challenges of addiction. Unlike traditional rehabilitation centers, Passages Ventura distinguishes itself through a unique, non-12-step approach to addiction treatment. The Philosophy Behind Passages VenturaContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall In the ever-evolving field of addiction treatment, there is a noticeable shift towards holistic and individualized approaches. At Passages Malibu, we have been at the forefront of this transformative journey since 2001, understanding that addiction is not just a physical battle but also a complex interplay ofContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall Passages Malibu, renowned for its exceptional addiction recovery services, acknowledges a paradox in the realm of substance abuse treatment. While offering comprehensive and empathetic care, we observe that numerous individuals battling drug or alcohol addiction still hesitate to seek professional help. Let’s explore the multifaceted reasons behindContinue Reading
By Jennifer McDougall In country music, the twang of a guitar often accompanies tales of heartbreak, hardship, and the occasional raucous night out. However, behind the scenes and within the lyrics, there is a more somber narrative that has woven itself into the genre: alcohol abuse. This piece will delveContinue Reading