Understanding Alcohol Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

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

Why the Start of the Year Often Sees a Surge in Addiction Treatment Admissions

By Jennifer McDougall The holiday season is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and communal reflection. However, for many people, it can also be a period of intensified stress, heightened substance use, and emotional triggers. As a result, substance abuse treatment centers often notice a surge in admissions calls whenContinue Reading

By Jennifer McDougall Cocaine is one of the most addictive and dangerous illicit drugs available today. Its euphoric effects make it highly appealing, but this stimulant carries devastating consequences, both physically and psychologically. Understanding the warning signs of cocaine addiction is critical, as early recognition and treatment can prevent long-termContinue Reading

Addressing Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders: An Integrated Approach at Passages Malibu

By Jennifer McDougall At Passages Malibu, we believe that addiction is not a disease but rather a condition caused by underlying factors such as unresolved past issues, current conditions you struggle to cope with, false beliefs, and chemical imbalances. This perspective shapes our approach to treating substance use disorders (SUDs)Continue Reading

Passages Malibu's Approach to Healing for Festival Goers

By Jennifer McDougall In the dynamic realm of music festivals—a space where artistry, community, and celebration converge—participants often encounter an environment ripe with both exhilarating experiences and significant challenges. Among these challenges is the risk of substance misuse, a reality that can overshadow the vibrancy of festival culture. Recognizing theContinue Reading

Understanding Xylazine: The Emerging Threat in Substance Abuse and How Passages Malibu Can Help

By Jennifer McDougall In recent years, the substance abuse landscape has seen the emergence of new threats that pose significant challenges to public health. Among these, Xylazine, a non-opioid sedative used in veterinary medicine, has increasingly been found as an adulterant in illicit drug supplies. This development underscores the importanceContinue Reading

Overcoming Hesitation: A Deeper Look into the Reluctance to Seek Substance Abuse Help

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

Polysubstance Abuse Trends: Navigating the Rising Tide of Multiple Substance Use

By Jennifer McDougall In the evolving landscape of substance abuse, a concerning trend has emerged: polysubstance abuse, where individuals use multiple drugs concurrently. This practice, especially involving potent substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine, poses unprecedented challenges. The Rise of Polysubstance Abuse: Polysubstance abuse isn’t a new phenomenon, but its recentContinue Reading

Recognizing Substance Abuse Issues and Staying Sober During Thanksgiving

By Jennifer McDougall Thanksgiving, a time of gratitude and family gatherings, can also be a period of hidden struggle for those facing substance abuse issues. At Passages Malibu, we approach addiction with a holistic, non-12-step philosophy, recognizing the complexity of each individual’s journey. This article offers insight into recognizing signsContinue Reading

Staying Strong: How to Handle Holiday Triggers in Recovery

By Jennifer McDougall The holiday season, a time of joy and celebration for many, can present unique challenges for those in recovery from substance abuse. At Passages Malibu, we understand that navigating this period requires strength, understanding, and practical strategies. Our holistic, non-12-step approach to addiction treatment emphasizes personal empowermentContinue Reading

Genetic Predispositions to Addiction: Unveiling Truths at Passages Malibu

By Jennifer McDougall At Passages Malibu, we transcend traditional addiction narratives. Unlike conventional belief systems that attribute addiction to genetic predispositions, we delve into the emotional and mental landscapes. Our luxurious non-12-step addiction rehab focuses on resolving the core issues that fuel substance dependency. The Genetic Predispositions to Addiction MythContinue Reading

Lockdowns and Loneliness: The Surge in Addiction Rates During the Pandemic

By Jennifer McDougall The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to our global community. Among these challenges were lockdowns and social isolation, which significantly impacted mental health and well-being. Let’s explore how the pandemic, particularly the lockdowns and loneliness it fostered, led to a surge in addiction rates, and we willContinue Reading