10 Ways to Overcome Symptoms of Depression

By Jennifer McDougall Depression is an invisible anchor that pulls down millions globally, irrespective of age. This daunting adversary often brings along its companions: anxiety disorders and the lure of substance use. Many individuals caught in the clutches of depression’s gloom turn to drugs and alcohol, seeking a fleeting escapeContinue Reading

By Jennifer McDougall If you’re like me, you’ve been called courageous. It’s a compliment I don’t take lightly, but it also makes me uncomfortable sometimes. I know that courage is something anyone can cultivate in themselves. As it turns out, there are many ways to become more courageous (and theyContinue Reading

Surviving Drug and Alcohol Addiction

By Jennifer McDougall Are You Ready to Get Your Life Back? Passages is here to help you get back on your feet. When individuals with drug or alcohol addictions arrive at inpatient substance abuse rehab, many of them have found that drug dependency has pervaded and damaged almost every aspectContinue Reading

Many people often hear the term “denial” or the phrase “being in denial” when discussing an individual with a substance abuse issue. Unfortunately, many individuals who have been abusing drugs or alcohol for an extended time get very good at hiding and covering up their actions and have a hardContinue Reading

Beyond Group Therapy: Embracing Holistic Recovery with Physical Therapy and Fitness at Passages Malibu

By Jennifer McDougall In the United States, the approach to alcohol rehabilitation is often narrowly focused on group therapy, overlooking the multifaceted nature of addiction recovery. However, at Passages Malibu, we recognize that a comprehensive treatment plan must include more than traditional therapy methods. Physical therapy and fitness training playContinue Reading

Although it may seem like just an added perk and not necessary for complete healing, attending a luxury rehab center does have numerous therapeutic advantages.  Although there are thousands of drug rehab centers throughout the country, not many of them emphasize the treatment center atmosphere. Commonly, especially in 12-step rehab programs,Continue Reading

It is estimated that at least 90% of Americans have been exposed to at least one form of addiction in their lives, whether behavioral or substance addiction. Behavioral addiction, or non-substance-related addiction, is a recurring behavior or compulsion where an individual participates in a particular activity, despite the negative effectsContinue Reading

What are the Early Signs of Alcohol Addiction

By Jennifer McDougall Alcohol addiction is a pervasive issue that affects millions worldwide, with significant impacts on health, relationships, and responsibilities. Recognizing the early signs of alcohol abuse is crucial for timely intervention, which can prevent the devastating trajectory toward full-blown addiction. Passages Malibu, the leader in innovative addiction treatment,Continue Reading

There are numerous benefits of attending an inpatient drug rehab program.  Alcohol and drug addiction wreaks havoc on the body, causing  vitamin deficiency, extreme fatigue and an inability to focus or remember little things, stomach problems, kidney and liver failure, yellowing of the skin, eyes, and nails, heart disease, andContinue Reading

Also known as “uppers,” stimulants refer to drugs that increase alertness and energy, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and their derivatives. Stimulants work in the body by acting upon the brain’s chemicals—known as “neurotransmitters”—such as norepinephrine and dopamine. These naturally-occurring brain chemicals are associated with the body’s “fight or flight” crisisContinue Reading

What Is GHB? Naturally produced by the body, Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate—commonly known as “GHB”—is a neurotransmitter that helps transmit messages in the brain. When produced synthetically, GHB is a central nervous system depressant, with intoxicating, euphoric and dissociative effects. With effects that resemble a combination of alcohol and ecstasy, GHB is referredContinue Reading

What Are Amphetamines? Amphetamines comprise a powerful class of synthetic stimulants that first were created in 1887. Amphetamines’ stimulant properties make them medically useful for a narrow spectrum of disorders. In fact, amphetamines are often used to treat narcolepsy or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) under brand names such asContinue Reading