Outreach World

Drug Abuse Blog – OutreachWorld.org is owned and operated by Passages Malibu, a world-class drug rehab center located in Malibu, California. Passages Malibu is responsible for all website content.

The Passage Malibu Review

Most rehab centers dwell on 12 steps in handling the drug and substance addiction. The Passage Malibu rehab center however, does not believe in these steps of dealing with addiction treatment. The center’s founders Chris and Pax Prentiss believe in other alternative methods other than the commonly followed 12 steps. The center started operating in the year 2001. Its top notch services and high charge rates make Passage Malibu one of the most expensive rehab centers in Malibu. The center is ideal for people with heavy pockets. For this reason, the center is unique from all the other rehab centers in Malibu.


The rehab center has the best accommodation practices engineered to help the patients gear towards a quick recovery. Passage Malibu has luxurious rooms, which have luxurious bedding and plush mattresses that give the patients a peaceful and quite slumber which assists the patient recovery process. The Passage Malibu rehab center has clean and well maintained environment thanks to our experienced and devoted team of housekeepers. The center also has a nice and unique décor at the entrance that makes the patients feel at home and welcome since the rehabilitation process is more of the mindset of the person.

As a way of making our patients comfortable, we provide assistants who help them unpack and settle. During the period of stay, our experienced and most hospitable chefs cater for the patients’ food and ensure that they take healthy meals. The chefs also ensure that the food consumed all patients meets all of their dietary needs. In case you are an executive having trouble finding the best rehab center to get sober, Passage Malibu is the place to be.

Process of recovery

To ensure a quick recovery, our staff’s ratio to that of the patients is 4:1. This enables the patients to build a relationship with the staff which is a crucial step in the recovery process. Since we do not operate on the basis of the 12 steps towards being sober, we offer alternative methods such as tai Chi and acupuncture.

We offer meditation therapy, sound therapy, equine therapy and adventure therapy to our patients. These therapies play an important role toward addiction recovery. Passage Malibu has the best team of professionals that admit the necessary and required drug prescription to aid the healing process.

Passage Malibu center staff include masseuses, life purpose counselors, psychotherapists, acupuncturist and nutritionists who help provide a holistic experience here at the Passage rehab center. In Passage Malibu, an MD visits the center on the weekly basis.

In conclusion, not only does Passage Malibu center offer solution to addiction problems, but it also has a state of the art gym with a team of esteemed personal trainers available. Patients also get to enjoy the ocean view, play tennis, expand their knowledge in our modern library and they get to relax at the juice bars in our facility. Our center guarantees satisfactory and long lasting solution to the drug and substance addiction problem so why not visit the Passage Malibu center today for more information and consultation with our professionals.

You can read more Passages Malibu reviews on their Yelp and Trust Pilot page.

The Effects of Xanax Prescription Drug Abuse


What is Xanax Abuse?


Why is Abuse of Xanax so Common?


The Physical Effects of Xanax Abuse


Other Effects of Abusing Xanax


The Tight Grasp of Vicodin Abuse

Vicodin is a highly addictive drug, commonly prescribed to treat pain. The substance is very useful, and induces euphoria, enabling the user to get high. The combined relief from pain and the rushing sensation of happiness may entice users into abusers. That is when the actual pain of addiction begins.


Vicodin contains hydrocodone, an opiate drug with similar effects to morphine. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 136 prescriptions containing hydrocodone was dispensed. Despite the high risk of addiction, Vicodin was one of the most common drugs out of the 136 million.


According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the number of overdose deaths from prescription opioids outnumbered deaths from heroin and cocaine combined, in 2007.


Threatening Medication


Anyone who uses Vicodin may get addicted by accident. It is typically prescribed due to pain or injury, though over time, the body builds up resistant. The user will require a higher dosage to relieve the pain. After a while, the patient needs more than the physician is willing to prescribe and thus leading to illicit drug use.


Due to the opiate, the withdrawal symptoms may be severe, and mimic those of heroin. The pain of withdrawal may spur the addict into desperate actions to procure more and avoid becoming ill. Symptoms may include pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, cold sweats and insomnia.


Over time, desperate users may turn to criminal action to procure more money for drugs. Vicodin users may face legal and financial difficulties, and work, friends, and family may suffer due to the abuse.


Vicodin abuse may be connected with fraud, as the user will go “doctor shopping” to get more pills. Users may also modify their prescriptions, purchase illegally or make false pharmacy call-ins.


It is tough for families to witness the behavioral and personality changes caused by addiction. It is crucial not develop codependency with the addict, and counseling and group meetings are available for anyone needing the understanding support from others facing the same problems.


Serious health threats


Both long and short-term use come at a cost. The medication may cause some substantial side effects, even when taken as prescribed, such as nausea, constipation, confusion and even loss of consciousness.


Long term, users face dire consequences. Addicts may ignore these risks, due to the desire to get high and avoid withdrawal symptoms. Vicodin abuse poses health risks to the nervous system, slows breathing and heart rate, and may increase the user´s perception of pain.


Reclaiming Life


Many addicts are unwilling to admit to their problems, even though everyone around them knows they need help. However, the first step towards reclaiming life from addiction is asking for help and finding adequate treatment.


Vicodin abuse may require a monitored detox by trained professionals, in surroundings such as a rehab center or hospital. Some may even require medical detoxification. The duration of the process may vary according to the level of Vicodin abuse.


For the patient to maintain sobriety, an inpatient, outpatient treatment, or attending support groups, should commence immediately after the detox. Reclaiming life from Vicodin abuse is hard, but thankfully, no addict needs to face it alone, as long as they are willing to seek help.

Heroin Abuse, Seeking Treatment

One of the reasons it is so hard to quit heroin is the withdrawal process. When addicts don’t get the drug on a regular basis they go into severe withdrawal, which includes symptoms such as anxiety, depression, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle aches. It can be severely painful, and many heroin addicts feel like they are dying. It is so common among users that it’s often called “dope sickness”.


Because of the severe withdrawal symptoms heroin addicts can experience, it is imperative that heroin addicts seek treatment in a professional facility that can aid in their recover. During detox the drug is flushed from the user’s body. This lasts anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the program and the level of dependence. At first the patient is put under anesthesia and doctors literally flush the body while the patient is under. During the second phase of detox alternate opiates are given to a patient and then slowly tapered off. These legal opiates are less addictive and potent than heroin and can be administered regularly to ensure that the detox process isn’t unbearably uncomfortable for the heroin addict.


The next phase in heroin addiction treatment is the actual rehabilitation program. Not only is heroin a highly physically addictive drug, but it is also psychologically addicting. The psychological addiction is what is dealt with during the rehabilitation program after detox. There are often many issues that need to be dealt with during rehabilitation that caused the addict to start using and continuing to use in the first place. In addition to underlying issues that caused the addiction, quite a bit of damage is also caused once the addict starts using. They have often messed up most of their previous relationships with family and friends, have burned bridges with employers and may have committed crimes and must face the consequences. During heroin addiction treatment, the patient undergoes extensive therapy. There are usually three forms of therapy; one-on-one therapy sessions, group therapy and family therapy. These sessions help discover the root cause and primary motivators that have caused continued substance abuse.


After the intensive process of detox and therapy there is still much work that needs to be done in order to ensure a successful recovery. The real work begins when a former heroin user must go back to their normal life and get into a new routine of being a sober person. Putting the skills learned during the rehabilitation process is an important yet very difficult task. There are a number of support programs available that will aid a heroin addict in their continued recover. A lot of these programs are peer-to-peer groups with other former heroin addicts.


Heroin addiction is one of the strongest addictions known and one of the hardest habits to kick. Many people become addicted after one use of this drug due to its intense euphoric high. Many people who try it just for fun or recreationally end up becoming severely addicted.


Statistics on Cocaine Abuse

According to analyze by the US, in 2012 seventeen million people worldwide used cocaine about. This year 2010, it was estimated that 1700 people each day attempted cocaine use for the very first time. Cocaine in the next most popular medicine of abuse in America, and 10% of medical emergencies are usually as a result of cocaine abuse. This year 2010, cocaine mistreatment was implicated in around 36000 medical center admissions for suspected heart and soul problems, racking up a sensational eighty-three million us dollars in health care costs.

Physiological symptoms of cocaine abuse include small, uncontrollable movements in the physical body such as muscle tics, runny nosebleeds and nose. Psychological ramifications of cocaine include impaired concentration and a lower life expectancy ability to give attention to cognitively-demanding tasks. A cocaine abuser might be hyperactive, where the last mentioned may express it as failing to follow public norms or the inability to regulate the manifestation of strong thoughts. For example, a dis-inhibited person may swear in improper circumstances or explode with anger somewhat than expressing himself in an adult fashion. Furthermore, cocaine misuse via intravenous treatment of the medication puts an individual vulnerable to contracting blood-borne infectious diseases such as hepatitis C and the Individuals Immunodeficiency Pathogen (HIV).

Cocaine mistreatment can lead to psychiatric disorders, increase susceptibility to disease and, in severe situations, and cause death. Cocaine may affect the muscles of the heart and soul by inducing cardiomyopathy, which is the fatality of heart and soul muscle skin cells. If given via injections, cocaine can cause irritation in the center tissue, an ailment known as endocarditis. In severe circumstances, cocaine abuse can result in lethal cardiac arrhythmia’s, heart and soul episodes or aortic rupture. The harm to the heart triggered by cocaine considerably reduces the abuser’s health insurance and standard of living. It could also place the abuser vulnerable to heart stroke or brain destruction anticipated to disruptions to the brain’s blood circulation. Furthermore, cocaine use has been implicated in kidney destruction as a result of the infection of critical micro structures inside the kidney.

These substance chances create a physiological dependence after the medicine as well as mental and behavioral abnormalities such as symptoms of psychosis, new-onset Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and erratic action. In the long run, cocaine abusers may put up with impairments with their cognitive performance, attention and decision-making talents.

Behavioral therapies have been shown to benefit patients suffering from craving to cocaine effectively. Cognitive behavioral remedy seeks to discover the underlying motivations and psychological conditions that may have led the individual to abuse cocaine. The purpose of behavioral remedy is to improve the patient’s thinking, for example by lowering their propensity to charm to the medicine in times of psychological problems and instead stimulating these to find constructive answers to their problems. Medications such as methamphetamine are also available as the option for cocaine abusers.


Klonopin Prescription Drug Abuse

What is Klonopin?

Klonopin is a prescription drug that is used to treat insomnia, anxiety disorders, as well as to control seizures. The main ingredient in the drug is clonazepam and it tends to act as a sedative, which is why it is sometimes used to reduce panic attacks. The drug is typically taken orally and it starts to take effect within an hour of consumption. The drug has been known to have a depressant effect, which means that the body starts to feel relaxed and the person starts to feel calmer. Muscle tension tends to decrease and the person starts to feel less agitated. Klonopin also works to help the patients with regards to sleeping better.

However, the drug also has several adverse side effects associated with its consumption. These include reduction of appetite, dizziness, headaches, rashes, and also seizures in some rare cases.

Why does Klonopin Prescription Drug Abuse Occur?

Klonopin is extremely addictive because it belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Patients who tend to take this drug for a long time tend to get dependent on it and can get addicted to it. Since users of the drug feel a euphoric high when taking it, many tend to abuse it and can becoming addicted to it. Physicians often prescribe this medicine for short intervals so that the patients do not addicted; however, patients tend to abuse the drug and continue taking it long after they have been healed. The body also tends to develop a resistance to the drug, which is why more of it is required, resulting in the addicts taking more of it. Other than that, people who have not been prescribed the drugs also obtain it through illegal means and start abusing it.

What are the Symptoms of Klonopin Abuse?

Klonopnin abuse can have various signs and symptoms. It has been noted that the drug can cause lethargy in people, as well as slower reaction time and drowsiness. Addicts have also reported problems with learning and memory. It also works to suppress the motor responses in the body, making the users clumsy. The drug also causes mood swings, such as a person getting angered and/or depressed easily. Some users have also reported violent tendencies when on the drug with occasional psychotic breaks.

Aside from these mental effects, the drug can also have various physical effects, such as pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting and stomach problems. Klonopin’s adverse effects tend to get worse when the drug is combined with alcohol and opiates. The interaction between these substances can be extremely dangerous and in some cases can also cause death.

What are the Treatment Options for Klonopin Addicts?

Several treatment options are available for people who are suffering from Klonopin abuse. The best treatment options are those that focus individually on the addicts. This is because such programs are uniquely tailored and they provide a much better chance for the addict to recover and not to fall into relapse. The treatment program should include a complete detoxification of the body followed by various medications and therapy to help the patient recover.

It is recommended that the detoxification take place in a hospital or a rehabilitation center; however, once the detoxification process is complete, it is recommended that it is followed up by continued therapy whether at the patient’s home or at the rehabilitation center. This would include continued therapy and counseling, which can include group therapy. Full recovery is very possible if conducted properly.

Benzodiazepines Prescription Drug Abuse

What are Benzodiazepines and what are they used for?

Benzodiazepines are drugs that are prescribed for many different types of medical conditions, such as anxiety disorders and insomnia. They are also used for controlling seizures, as well as muscle relaxants. Such drugs tend to have a tranquilizing effect on the individuals taking them. Some very commonly known brand names of benzodiazepines are Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam). Even though these medications are prescribed for the aforementioned problems people are known to abuse them because of the calming effect that they have.

The Addictive Nature of Benzodiazepines

Abuse of benzodiazepines is very common, one of the biggest reasons why this is so is because such drugs are readily available. Other than that, they tend to reduce anxiety in people and produce a calming effect as well. When people feel less anxious and calmer, they are able to deal with the various stressful situations in their lives. However, the thing to note it is the people’s temperament only that becomes nonchalant, as the stressful situations remain as they are. Furthermore, people tend to develop a tolerance to the drugs that they are taking, which is why they need a higher dosage as time passes. People end up requiring an increased dosage for them to have the same effects as before. These are all the reasons why people – both who are using the drug legitimately as prescription medication, as well as those using them illicitly – end up becoming dependent on the drugs. People who take more than the prescribed dosage or those that want to take the drugs recreationally are all likely to become dependent on benzodiazepines.

What are the Symptoms of Benzodiazepines Prescription Drug Abuse?

An interesting thing to note about the abuse of benzodiazepines is that when users abuse this drug, the symptoms mimic the very symptoms that the drug is meant to address, as people start getting insomnia as well as anxiety. Frequent headaches, anorexia, problems with balance, blurred vision, as well as fatigue and weakness in the body are also signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine abuse. Aside from these physical problems, people can also face various emotional, mental, and psychological issues. Abuse can lead to depression, antisocial behavior, as well as loss of interest in the person’s life. When a person becomes addicted to benzodiazepines, he or she also starts to show signs of irritability, which can result in aggression and hostility as well.


Benzodiazepines tend to have extremely dangerous interactions with many other medicines, as well as alcohol. When they are mixed with other drugs or alcohol, they can cause the body to malfunction and even cause death. It has to be noted that several deaths – including of famous celebrities – have reportedly been caused by the negative interaction between alcohol and benzodiazepines.

How can the Abuse of Benzodiazepines be treated?

Several options and alternatives exist for the treatment of those that are afflicted with benzodiazepine abuse and addiction. This can take the form of in-house treatment, as well as treatment that is conducted at a hospital or a rehabilitation center. Benzodiazepines tend to be quite addictive and the abuser can face various negative and adverse withdrawal symptoms upon quitting the drugs. This can include itching and burning of the skin, depression, paranoia, insomnia, and anxiety. The extent of the withdrawal symptoms depends on how long the abuse has been happening.

Suddenly stopping the use of benzodiazepines can be extremely dangerous and it is not recommended. Doctors and other medical professionals must work to slowly and steadily reduce the dosage over a certain period of time. Other medications are also necessary to ease the withdrawal symptoms. After the initial detoxification has taken place, it is extremely important to continue the treatment and to make sure that the person is able to stop the abuse. This is because there is a very high chance of relapse into abuse. It is not the physical addiction that needs to be addressed but also the root causes of the dependency, such as any underlying psychological reasons. It is, therefore, also important to conduct psychotherapy in conjunction with the rehabilitation program.

Ativan Prescription Drug Abuse: Causes and Consequences

Abuse of any drug is a terrible situation for anyone to go through, whether you are the person using the drugs or the one trying to support them. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, also known as Lorazepam, are especially addictive and this is what makes Ativan abuse so common. They are one of the most commonly prescribed sedatives, and this makes them widely available to many different people. Doctors prescribe Ativan for sleep disorders and anxiety or panic problems. It works by stimulating a neurotransmitter in the brain which slows down certain body processes.

What is Ativan Abuse?

If someone is doing any of the following, they are abusing Ativan:

  • Obtaining and using Ativan without it being prescribed to them.
  • Taking Ativan more frequently that they have been advised by their doctor.
  • Using Ativan for the calming and euphoric feelings it creates rather than to treat a medical disorder.
  • Taking higher doses of Ativan than they have been told.
  • Taking Ativan alongside the consumption of alcohol or other depressive drugs.
  • Finding alternative methods to take Ativan rather than orally, such as injecting it or crushing up the tablets are snorting them.

What Effects does Ativan Prescription Drug Abuse have?

While someone abusing Ativan may use the drug to get high and enjoy its relaxing and euphoric effects, this comes at a high cost. There are many damaging effects of this type of drug abuse. The slowing of body processes leads to poor concentration, lack of coordination and a slower response time. It also slows your breathing down to dangerous levels.

Over time as the abuse continues these symptoms become more severe and lead to even more serious consequences. Memory loss and trouble recalling words and events is common. Someone struggling with Ativan prescription drug abuse is also likely to lose motivation and interest in many aspects of their life. Even things they previously thrived on and enjoyed, whether it is family time, hobbies or work, can become unimportant in their mind. Obtaining the drug will gradually become the most and sometimes only important thing to them.

This can lead to some nasty psychological impacts too. An Ativan abuser may become unnaturally aggressive, anxious or paranoid, particularly when someone tries to intervene or confront them about their drug habit. This makes is difficult and distressing for friends and family members who are trying to help. When Ativan is taken at extremely high doses, it can be fatal, leading to coma, kidney failure, difficulty breathing or seizures. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention right away.

How can Ativan Prescription Drug Abuse be Treated?

There are plenty of treatment programs available for people who are abusing benzodiazepines like Ativan. It is important to choose a treatment center that does not take a ‘one size fits all’ approach but appreciates that each patient is different and adapts the treatment program accordingly. With a carefully monitored detoxification program and follow up therapy, full recovery from Ativan abuse or addiction is possible for anyone.

Vicodin Prescription Drug Abuse

What is Vicodin and what is it used for?

Vicodin is a strong painkiller used to treat various kinds of pain. The drug comprises of two chemicals: hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is an opiate, which is primarily used as an analgesic, while acetaminophen is an antipyretic and analgesic. Even though Vicodin can be extremely effective in treating pain, it also has several adverse side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, constipation, drowsiness and confusion. These side effects tend to get worse when patients combine the drug with alcohol or other medication.

Why is Vicodin Prescription Drug Abuse so Common?

Aside from treating pain, Vicodin also produces a euphoric effect because of the opiate that is present in it. Opiates tend to be extremely addictive as well, which is why people tend to continue using the drug even if they do not need it. Both patients that are properly prescribed this drug as well as people who have not been prescribed it tend to become addicted to it and abuse it. Vicodin abuse allows the body to build up resistance to the drug, which means that people require taking more of the medication over time. If a person has a chronic pain problem, and that person has been prescribed Vicodin, it is likely that the person is going to start taking more of the drug more frequently to ease the pain. Other than that, people who take the pills for their high tend to want to take more of the drug to experience the same amount of euphoric high.

What are the Signs of Vicodin Abuse?

People who abuse Vicodin tend to start showing various different signs and symptoms. These include both physiological and psychological symptoms. Since opiates are extremely addictive, the abuser might get so addicted to the drugs that he or she might go to severe lengths – such as stealing or begging – to get the money to continue affording the addiction.

The psychological effects of Vicadin abuse include stress, mood swings, irritability, aggression, and anxiety. Addicts who no longer have access to the drug start to show these symptoms when the drug starts to wear off. They may also suffer from memory impairment. Other than that, physical symptoms may also be present, such as nausea, vomiting, swelling, itching, and loss of balance.

What are the Treatment Options for Vicodin Abuse?

Treatment for Vicadin abuse is available and it should be sought as soon as possible for addicts. This is because Vicodin can greatly harm the body in many ways over a long-term period. Since Vicodin consists of acetaminophen in high quantities, it can work to damage the liver when taken regularly. Vicodin can also cause damage to the urinary system. A person taking the drug in high quantities can also experience respiratory problems, resulting in the lack of oxygen being transported to the brain and other organs.

Vicodin addiction can be extremely difficult to handle; however, people can fully recover from the addiction if they are given the right amount of help. It is important to choose a personalized rehabilitation program, as every person is different and would have unique circumstances surrounding his or her addiction. Most of the addicts are likely to face severe withdrawal symptoms after quitting the drug. These would include nausea, vomiting, pain, sleep disturbances, and bowel problems. This is why it is important to completely detoxify the body and to follow up with supporting therapies and medication to help the addict completely get over his or her addiction to Vicodin.

Dealing with Valium Prescription Drug Abuse

Do you know someone struggling with Valium prescription drug abuse? If so, you will know what a damaging and distressing situation it can be, both for the person with the dependency and the people around them who are trying to support them. Valium is an extremely addictive drug, and even those who begin using it under a doctor’s advice can end up becoming dependent upon it. It is a benzodiazepine that is commonly prescribed to those with anxiety disorders or people suffering with sleeping problems.

How does Valium Abuse Happen?

Valium abuse occurs when a person is using the drug outside of their prescribed dosage. They may have a legitimate medical condition but take their drug more often than they should, or they may be buying it illegally. Some people might crush the tablet and snort it, or inject it as a solution rather than swallowing it. Valium prescription drug abuse is a dangerous slippery slope towards addiction. It comes with some serious side effects and has an extremely damaging impact on the user’s body.

Anyone can become addicted to Valium, but some people are more at risk than others. People with stressful lifestyles who find it difficult to cope may turn to the drug to help them. Others might have a family history of addiction which puts them more at risk. Very soon after someone begins abusing the drug, they can become chemically dependent on it. This means their body is not able to function normally without the drug.

The Signs to Look Out for

People who are struggling with Valium prescription drug abuse take the drug because of the effects it has on the body, which include feeling high and feeling calm and relaxed. However, there are some side effects that include slurring of speech, blurred vision and nausea. If someone has been taking high doses of Valium for some time these side effects become more pronounced. Valium can cause a person to have memory problems, troubles with coordination and even hallucinations. Eventually Valium abuse can cause difficulty breathing, heart attacks or a coma.

There will also be psychological changes in someone who is abusing Valium. They may become depressed or withdrawn and lose interest in things they previous enjoyed. They might also show signs of anxiety, irritation or aggressive behaviour towards those who try to help them or prevent them from taking the drug.

How can it be Treated?

Because of the serious and dangerous nature of Valium abuse and addiction, you need to seek help as soon as possible, whether it is for yourself or someone you know. There are many treatment options available to suit every type of person. The detoxification process should take place under the close care of medical professionals who can help the patient get through the nasty withdrawal symptoms that will occur. Following this, ongoing support and therapy can happen as needed, with the patient living in a residential treatment center or moving back home and attending counselling classes to help them stay clean. Total recovery from Valium abuse is definitely possible with the right help.

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