The Root Cause of Addiction & the Path to Your Authentic Self | Pax PrentissWhat if addiction isn't the problem itself—but a symptom of something deeper? On this episode of The Healthy CEO, Jason Wright sits down with Pax Prentiss, co-founder and CEO of Passages Malibu and co-author of The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure. Pax's story is extraordinary. After struggling with heroin, cocaine, and alcohol addiction for nearly a decade, repeated attempts at traditional treatment failed to produce lasting sobriety. Eventually, Pax and his father began asking a different question: Why was he using in the first place? That question changed everything. Rather than focusing exclusively on managing addiction, Pax began addressing the underlying issues driving his substance use. That experience eventually became the foundation for Passages Malibu and its individualized, holistic approach to treatment. Jason and Pax explore addiction, recovery, mental health, family dynamics, physical wellness, and the growing normalization of substances in American culture. But the conversation ultimately becomes something even bigger: How do we stop escaping from our lives and become the healthiest, most authentic versions of ourselves? In This EpisodeJason and Pax discuss: Pax's personal journey from heroin addiction to more than two decades of sobrietyThe question his father asked that changed his recovery: "Why do you think you're using?"Why Pax believes addiction can be a symptom of deeper underlying conditionsDepression, anxiety, trauma, stress, insecurity, low self-esteem, and other factors that can contribute to substance useWhy treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—is central to the Passages philosophyHow individualized therapy differs from traditional group-based treatmentWhy escaping uncomfortable emotions can prevent real healingThe importance of confronting problems rather than continually numbing themMarijuana, today's higher-potency products, and Pax's concerns about normalization of recreational drug useKetamine therapy and the addiction cases Pax says he is increasingly encounteringPsychedelic-assisted approaches to trauma and why Pax personally favors clear-headed, individualized therapyHow families can recognize when helping has crossed the line into enablingWhen families should consider working with a professional interventionistWhy recovery doesn't end when someone leaves a treatment centerThe importance of aftercare and creating a healthy home environmentWhy family members may need to change their own relationship with alcohol when someone returns from treatmentThe example parents set for their children around drinking, marijuana, and other substancesWhy Jason and Pax both believe an alcohol-free lifestyle can be transformativeSleep, nutrition, exercise, mental clarity, and their role in rebuilding a healthy lifeIdentity-based habits and becoming the person you actually want to beWhy recovery isn't about creating a new person—it's about rediscovering the person underneath the addiction The Bigger Idea: Becoming Your Authentic SelfOne of the most powerful themes of the conversation is that recovery isn't simply about removing drugs or alcohol. It's about rebuilding a life. Pax describes a whole-person approach that addresses psychological, physical, relational, and spiritual health. The objective isn't simply sobriety. It's helping someone rediscover who they are without the substance—and begin moving toward the healthiest version of that person. Jason connects this philosophy to his own pursuit of health and personal development: the idea that genuine wellness can't be one-dimensional. Physical health matters. Mental clarity matters. Relationships matter. Purpose matters. Spiritual health matters. And the environments and habits we build around ourselves matter. Ultimately, the goal is not perfection. It's continuing to move toward your authentic self. About Pax PrentissPax Prentiss is the co-founder and CEO of Passages Malibu. His own experience with addiction and recovery inspired the creation of an individualized treatment model focused on identifying and addressing underlying conditions associated with substance use. Passages opened in 2001 and uses a multidisciplinary approach involving medical, clinical, therapeutic, physical, and spiritual components of recovery. Pax is also the co-author of The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure and says Passages has helped more than 40,000 people pursue sobriety and recovery. Need Help?Pax personally continues to speak with individuals and families seeking treatment and takes admission calls for Passages. Passages Admissions: 310-589-2880 Passages operates locations in Malibu and Ventura, California. Pax explains in the episode that the Ventura location works in-network with many insurance plans, while insurance may also contribute toward treatment at the Malibu location. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, seek qualified professional help. Treatment decisions should be made with appropriate medical and mental-health professionals. Authentic HealthRecovery and long-term wellness involve more than removing unhealthy behaviors. Nutrition, sleep, movement, and providing the body with the nutrients it needs are all part of creating an environment where better health is possible. Learn more about the Authentic Health Foundational Stack at shopauthentichealth.com. Use promo code JASON for 10% off your order. The Healthy CEO explores the intersection of health, performance, longevity, leadership, and living well. If this conversation helped you—or made you think of someone who needs to hear it—share this episode with them. And don't forget to subscribe to The Healthy CEO and leave a five-star rating.
