Chemical Dependency Counseling at Passages Malibu

Chemical Dependency Counseling at Passages Malibu

Published May 2011

Chemical dependency is a term used to describe the condition of individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol. Essentially, chemical dependency is the compulsive use of chemicals (drugs or alcohol) and the inability to stop using them despite all the negative consequences caused by their use. There are numerous causes of chemical dependency, and cultural and societal norms influence acceptable guidelines of substance use.

Drug and alcohol dependency are caused by multiple underlying issues. People often turn to drugs and alcohol to deal with pain or stress due to such things as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, environmental stressors, social pressures, trauma, and psychiatric problems.

Once an individual chooses to use drugs and alcohol as their way to deal with the other things that are going on in their life, they actually become physically addicted to their substance of choice. We use a variety of modalities to treat chemical dependency. Each client meets with a chemical dependency counselor, psychotherapist, marriage and family therapist, hypnotherapist, spiritual counselor, personal trainer, and massage therapist in multiple sessions a week to heal their underlying issues and get to the root of what has led to their chemical dependency, helping them get healthy and drug-free.