The truth is alcoholism and addiction are diseases. Unfortunately there is no cure. Just like the common cold, they can be treated. A cure (medically speaking) would mean you could continue to drink and abuse drugs to your heart's content without ever having to worry about becoming an alcoholic or addict again. A cure is a cure. There is no re-catching a disease after you have been cured from it. This being said, the concept is dis-proven. End of discussion. You will find no Doctors on staff (or Registered Nurses) for they know this fact. To challenge this is to chance losing your license. AA is not for everyone, but Passages is a scam. It has no value and is the MOST EXPENSIVE rehab you can buy. Why? , As an Angeleno I can easily answer this. It's in Malibu. Someone has to pay their insurance, for mudslides, fire and just owning the address. Save your money and get clean. There is a higher power and you won't find it with a California Vacation.

Posted by: Craig Blackburn
February 3, 2011, 7:18 am

sounds like a cult not rehab, check out there pills that you must have. I'll stay with the aa progam i now have 6 years with aa.

Posted by: larry
February 3, 2011, 1:43 pm

Stephen, obviously you are quite stuck in the anger phase of things, lol! Pissed off you can't use are ya? Well, for idiots like you, you are best served with using and Eventually leaving the planet blaming everyone but yourself...do us a favor and speed it along will ya?!

Posted by: Zahid Anwar
February 4, 2011, 6:57 am

They scam vulnerable people into paying $70,000 with lies and deceipt.

Posted by: laura smith
February 13, 2011, 12:31 am

We are filing a class claim lawsuit. Please send your information to laurasmith0516@yahoo.com. We have many people who are coming forward over this scam artist!!!!!!!

Posted by: laura smith
February 15, 2011, 5:22 pm

Universal Truth Is Not Measured In Mass Appeal. Whatever works! No one should be pointing fingers or riding-high on their cloud's of judgment. AA works for some people, Passages works for others and still other programs work for others. As for Passages being a non-licensed, non-certified "treatment" center, it would be helpful to remember that there is still very little known about addiction, very little; who then, would be the leading authority on such matters? Furthermore, what is known will most definitely be "debunked" in future studies, as is the case with most "mental diseases/disorders." My point being, currently no such authority exists. AA isnt perfect, Passages isnt perfect, as I am sure you are not perfect, so again... "Whatever Works" Stay Sober.

Posted by: B
March 1, 2011, 3:04 am

this center is driven on profits as would hold true of any business. I think that whatever treatment keeps you sober and 'whole' should be available. This disease is comparable to cancer in the lives it destroys. I would hope that the intentions of Passages are good, but if not, shame on them. To all my fellow addicts, God Bless all of you. I wish you all the best. We are the most creative, intelligent, and innovative people on the planet. What an inspiration we could be to others if we use our talents for good.

Posted by: jeannine m
March 7, 2011, 8:10 pm

I usually only read and thoughtfully digest comments made on posts without injecting my opinions. I feel the need to post because I have alot of insight and experience with both 12 step programs and alternative addiction theories. There is no "wrong" theory, just different treatment methods. There is a truth to Malibu's treatment. There are alot of addictive behaviors that are caused by a history of self esteem issues and imbalances that can be addressed with therapy and nuero-type treatment. There are also addictive behaviors that are more genetic that have to be treated with something more life, spiritual, and support based, like AA. Either way, no program that encourages positive changes and continued support should be critisized. The people truly devoted to AA are unrelenting in their quest to help themselves and others find peace, and especially take responsibility for their disease and it's effect on loved ones. I hope anyone who has a problem will find whatever works for them and not judge the ones that don't. No one treatment works for all. If it did, there would be a simple treatment and everyone battling this would find relief. I have struggled to find my own way of healing through multiple treatments but have taken positive aspects from all of them without denouncing any particular one. That is the true quest of finding peace and healing. God bless anyone who tries to help others.

Posted by: Carey
March 11, 2011, 7:42 pm

We have been struggling with my daughter and her drug addition. She has been to rehab and the hospital a couple of times. Nothing has worked yet we keep holding hope there is a cure out there but I'm a firm believer that the person must want to help themselves before anyone else can help them. In these places they can't get the stuff of their addition but once they are out unless they want to be clean only they can control that, all we can do is support them the best we can which isn't always easy. So I don't believe you need to spend your life savings for a program just because it is in a beautiful resort like setting.

Posted by: Dawn
March 13, 2011, 8:27 am

AA simply doesn't work for all people. I'm one who has lived a sober life for 2 years because of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychology and the most important thing...self awareness and education about addiction! One you begin to understand why addiction works on the brain as it does, it is truly easier to overcome addiction. That being said, it seems Chris Prentess is a marketing genius, preying on those who are at their absolute bottom, or those desperate to help their loved ones. I can tell you it's much cheaper to find a good addictionologist, and do a lot of the things they do at Passages without going there. Get a good therapist that uses CBT, get a doctor that knows the disease of addiction, (and yes, it is defined as a disease now), and work! Educate yourself, use online self help groups, go to AA or NA if groups work for you. Whatever it takes. A good read on Passages written in LA Times, 2008 http://www.laweekly.com/2008-06-26/news/buying-the-cure/ Make your decision from there. Good luck.

Posted by: M. Stein
March 17, 2011, 2:50 pm

Total comments 98Page « first, 2, 3, 4, 5, [6], 7, 8, 9, last »

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