hey Stephin, screw you!

Posted by: ramiro
June 20, 2011, 12:34 pm

Having practiced for many years as a psychiatrist, some of the Passages approach to addiction appealed to me. Alcohol was my DOC. My studies and experiences conclude that alcoholism is a disease. For me Passages denies the seriousness of the disease. The money-making motive for the owners makes it more of a scam. AA is working for me because it has the spiritual program I need. If it sounds too good to be true, check it out thoroughly before getting harmed.

Posted by: John M
June 21, 2011, 6:52 am

I have been to AA on more than one occassion, but the one thing that has stuck with me is that one is never :CURRED"! Recovery is a life long adventure and is only achieved on a daily basis. Therefore, when the guy at Passages said that he was curred, that was the first sign that it's all a farce. And when the book came out, first thing I thought was "Who are YOU to be spouting that you have the cure?" What a load of crap.

Posted by: Susan Smith
July 2, 2011, 11:35 am

SCAM, yes. $80,000.00 Country Club. Our daughter spent a very shi shi month at Passages and came home to use her drug of choice the day after being released. While she was there, she told us about three other people who "graduated" during her stay just to return a week later having used again. This place is a RIP OFF. I have no respect for this group or the work they claim they do. BUYER BEWARE

Posted by: Laura Jenkins
July 6, 2011, 8:10 pm

I went to passages three years ago and stayed sober 20 days. I reluctantly went to AA and I've been sober 16 months. And AA cost a whole lot less. Mind you I been using tons of powder cocaine and mixing crack in tabacco since 1983. I purchased an ounce weekly selling half using the rest.I been drinking for 27 years. Don't believe them fraudsters who knock AA.

Posted by: craig dawson
July 15, 2011, 8:31 pm

The claims Passages Malibu makes about their success rate are unaudited and they will not provide any details. The fact is, the program is incredibly expensive, needs to denigrate other treatment programs to boost themselves and the founder and his son are shylocks. Be very aware if you go there that you really are going to an expensive spa where you will eat well and get some therapy but in the aftermath of your treatment there is zero support. They already have your money so why should they support you.

Posted by: tom
August 8, 2011, 9:04 am

As of this date (8-26-11)no scientist has isolated the gene(s) and/or biochemical pathway(s) causing the 'disease of alcoholism'. The reality: biomedical researchers & clinicians know very little about alcoholism; its' etiologies and treatment(s) which work to bring about long term abstinence. AA is the first to admit that the majority of alcoholics who stop do so on their own, having had enough insanity and decide to grow up and move forward with their lives. It is obvious that Mr. Prentiss (and son) are first class hucksters and self-promoters. If you have the money and nothing else has worked, give it a try. Any chance to live as a whole human being is better than the torture of active addiction and eventual death (physical and/or spiritual). JUST REMEMBER, THEY HAVE NOT DISCOVERED A CURE !!!

Posted by: Rick Stevens
August 26, 2011, 6:26 pm

I think the person has to want to get well first. I am almost done with the book. They have some points especially with health and nutrition. Your background causes pain and addiction can follow. One size doesn't fit all people. I take what helps me and don't worry about the rest. Having compassion for others is a big one for helping yourself. I however don't buy into the powerless idea. The long timers have power they don't give themselves credit for.

Posted by: Terrill Noe
August 28, 2011, 9:12 am

The reason any scam works is because there are elements of truth to the lies behind it. It is possible that whatever you learn from Passages may be applicable to the degree that it provides the motivation to abstain. However, motivation, desire and the ability to work through and resist the almost inhumanly irrestible urge to use are at the core of any successful sustained recovery. Addiction is not curable. Brain chemistry and psychological changes occur over time with addiction and they cannot be completely eliminated - only overidden. Anyone who sustains a recovery lifestyle is doing so by overriding their addictive cravings and proclivities. Whether you find that through AA, Passages, meditation, hypnosis, all of the above or something else is not the point. Different people will find strength from different motivational and inspirational sources. There is medical evidence that alcoholics develop incidental receptors that don't go away when you quit drinking. These receptors "beg" to be fed alcohol until the day you die. We have to decide, everytime they ask, not to feed them. It is a choice. There is no way around it and if someone is not motivated to change they won't no matter what program you give them or supplement they are fed. At least that is how it stands today. Maybe someday there will be a medical solution. For now, it is up to each and every alcoholic and addict to personally challenge their behavior and adapt and change it or remain a slave

Posted by: Bruce Boretsky
September 14, 2011, 2:36 pm

I really resent the Passages Malibu TV ad where Pax Prentiss implies 12th step programs don't work. What an absurb statement. I was a probation officer in California for twenty years always with a specialized caseload of probationers in residential and/or out patient treatment for substance abuse. I saw much more success with those who went through programs that included a 12th step philosophy. There are studies showing a high, long term success rate for anyone who regularly attends 12th step meetings for at least a year. Individual therapy for substance abuse is a losing approach. I've been sober since I was 29. I'm 71 now. I never had a sponsor and didn't work all the steps but for the first couple of years I went to a lot of meetings. I never went to a meeting where I didn't learn something that enhanced my sobriety. Give it a chance. It works!

Posted by: Dennis Lepak
September 29, 2011, 5:45 pm

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

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