By Jennifer McDougall, Staff Writer & Marketing Director at Passages Malibu
The Power of Recovery
Every September, communities across the United States come together to honor National Recovery Month, a movement that celebrates the courage of those who have overcome substance abuse and inspires hope for anyone still struggling. Founded in 1989 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Recovery Month raises awareness that healing is possible—and that with the right treatment, recovery can be lasting and life-changing.
At Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura, we know recovery is not just about breaking free from drugs or alcohol—it’s about healing the root causes of addiction and restoring your full potential. Over the last two decades, we’ve helped more than 20,000 clients rebuild their lives through our unique non-12-step, holistic approach.
This article explores the significance of National Recovery Month, common misconceptions about treatment, and how Passages stands apart with a philosophy that empowers instead of labels.
What is National Recovery Month?
National Recovery Month was established to promote education, awareness, and celebration of recovery. Its goals are simple yet profound:
- Honor those in recovery and their families.
- Highlight the effectiveness of modern treatment programs.
- Break the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health.
- Encourage individuals to seek help without shame.
How You Can Participate
Supporting Recovery Month can be as simple as:
- Wearing purple, the official color of recovery awareness.
- Sharing messages of hope on social media with hashtags like #RecoveryMonth and #RecoveryIsPossible.
- Hosting or attending sober events and celebrating with non-alcoholic alternatives.
- Educating yourself and others about the realities of addiction and recovery.
Misconceptions About Addiction
Despite decades of scientific progress, harmful myths still surround addiction:
- Myth 1: Addiction is a disease you’ll have forever.
At Passages, we reject this idea. Addiction is a symptom of deeper issues—not a lifelong identity. - Myth 2: Relapse is inevitable.
Relapse is common in traditional programs, but with holistic, individualized care, long-term recovery is absolutely possible. - Myth 3: Everyone needs the 12 Steps.
While 12-step programs have helped some, they are not the only path. Many people prefer a non-12-step, empowering approach.
By dismantling these myths, we open the door for more people to seek treatment that truly works for them.
Learning from Two Decades of Treating Addiction
For over 20 years, Passages has redefined what addiction treatment can look like. Unlike conventional rehabs that rely heavily on group meetings and disease-model philosophies, we use a personalized, one-on-one approach designed to uncover and heal the root causes of substance dependency.
Our team includes licensed therapists, psychiatrists, holistic practitioners, and medical doctors who bring decades of experience to the table. Their passion goes beyond clinical expertise—they are deeply committed to helping clients rediscover freedom, joy, and purpose.
The Passages Philosophy: Addiction Is Not a Disease
The foundation of our success lies in our holistic philosophy, developed by Chris and Pax Prentiss. When Pax struggled with substance dependency for nearly a decade, traditional programs failed him. Relapse after relapse, he was told he would always be an addict. But he and his father refused to accept that narrative.
Together, they discovered a better way: by treating the underlying causes of addiction, not labeling someone as diseased or powerless.
At Passages, we’ve identified four root causes of addiction:
- A chemical imbalance
- Unresolved events of the past
- Current conditions you can’t cope with
- False beliefs you hold about yourself or the world
By addressing these four causes, people can fully heal—not just manage symptoms.
How Non-12-Step Addiction Treatment Works
Unlike 12-step programs, where individuals often feel defined by labels like “addict” or “alcoholic,” our non-12-step model is empowering, science-driven, and deeply personal.
What to Expect at Passages
- One-on-one therapy sessions: Up to 70 per month, ensuring every client receives focused, individualized care.
- Evidence-based treatments: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma therapy, and more.
- Holistic modalities: Acupuncture, yoga, meditation, sound therapy, nutrition, and fitness.
- Comprehensive medical care: Safe detox with 24/7 nursing supervision.
- Aftercare planning: Lifelong relapse prevention strategies and continued support.
Our clients leave not only sober but equipped with the tools to thrive in every aspect of life.
Addressing Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Issues
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 50% of people with substance use disorders also live with a co-occurring mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
At Passages, we specialize in treating dual diagnosis by integrating:
- Psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
- Trauma-focused therapies.
- Medication management when appropriate.
- Lifestyle coaching and holistic support.
By healing both conditions simultaneously, we significantly reduce the risk of relapse.
The Role of Holistic Healing in Recovery
Healing extends far beyond detox. At Passages, we restore balance to the mind, body, and spirit with therapies such as:
- Nutrition and fitness programs to repair the body.
- Creative therapies (art, music, writing) for emotional release.
- Mindfulness practices to reduce stress and promote clarity.
- Spiritual exploration tailored to each client’s beliefs.
This well-rounded care ensures that recovery feels not like deprivation—but like transformation.
Why Choose Passages Malibu or Passages Ventura?
There are thousands of treatment centers worldwide, but none quite like Passages. Here’s why:
- 20+ years of success with more than 20,000 clients healed.
- Luxury environments in Malibu and Ventura for comfort, privacy, and peace.
- No labels, no shame, no disease model.
- Confidential care trusted by professionals, executives, and public figures.
- Empowerment-based philosophy that puts you in charge of your recovery.
Our clients often say: “Passages didn’t just help me stop drinking—it helped me rediscover who I really am.”
How to Know If Passages Can Help You
If you or a loved one is struggling with drugs, alcohol, or co-occurring mental health challenges, you may feel like there’s no way forward. But there is.
Passages Malibu and Passages Ventura are designed for people who:
- Want an alternative to 12-step programs.
- Prefer individualized, confidential care.
- Struggle with trauma, stress, or mental health conditions alongside substance use.
- Refuse to accept that addiction defines them.
📞 Call us today at (888) 397-0112 or visit PassagesMalibu.com to begin your journey.
Hope for a New Beginning
National Recovery Month reminds us that recovery is not only possible—it’s happening every day. At Passages, we believe you are not broken, powerless, or diseased. You are capable of healing the underlying issues that led you to use substances—and of living a full, vibrant, and meaningful life.
This September, let’s celebrate recovery, break the stigma, and spread the truth: freedom from addiction is possible for everyone.
✨ Ready to start your recovery journey?
Call (888) 397-0112 or visit PassagesMalibu.com today.
