Drug Courts Recognize Addiction as Disease, Not CrimeBlogBy The Ranch PADecember 27, 2012Substance abuse provides a motivation for many crimes, from petty theft to physical assault. Traditionally, law courts focus on the crime, not the underlying cause. As a result, many addicts find themselves caught in a repeating cycle of arrest, imprisonment and release. The cycle costs the legal system millions every year. More importantly, people suffering…
Myth: Mothers with Addiction Do Not Care About Their ChildrenHelp BlogBy The Ranch PADecember 18, 2012News stories about mothers suffering from addiction are fairly common. Stories about mothers neglecting children during drug binges, leaving children alone in toxic meth labs, or exposing kids to drug paraphernalia, smoke and syringes creates the impression mothers who suffer from addiction don’t care about their children. The truth is much more complex. Mothers struggling…
Former Addict? Share Your Story!BlogBy The Ranch PADecember 14, 2012Because addiction recovery continues after leaving our treatment facility, we offer a customized aftercare plan for you. Your unique aftercare treatment plan will include a variety of support systems and treatments, one of which can be working with others who are struggling with addiction. Many clients find a sense of fulfillment sharing their stories of…
Do You Suffer from a Co-Dependency Addiction?Help BlogBy The Ranch PADecember 11, 2012Co-dependency is a common condition experienced in families dealing with substance abuse or addiction. A co-dependent family member values his relationship with the addict more than his own well-being. Spouses, children and parents can all be co-dependent. In its own way, co-dependency is as addictive as any substance. Symptoms of Co-Dependency Co-dependent family members enable…
Avoiding Alcohol and Drug Counseling Because You Fear Abstinence?BlogBy The Ranch PADecember 6, 2012Traditionally, substance abuse programs take a zero-tolerance approach to drug or alcohol use. While effective for some, many find the notion of complete abstinence — and the withdrawal symptoms accompanying abstinence — a frightening prospect. Unfortunately, concerns about abstinence often delay much-needed substance abuse treatment. A study by the American Psychological Association indicates counselors share…
Have a Loved One Struggling with Alcoholism? You Need Support TooHelp BlogBy The Ranch PADecember 4, 2012As with all addictions, alcoholism doesn’t just affect the individual struggling with it; it affects their loved ones as well. Often, family and friends have a hard time dealing with their loved one’s addiction, and they’re unsure of how to best offer their support. If a loved one is struggling with addiction, there are resources…
New Study Reveals Women are More Likely to Die from Alcoholism than MenBlogBy The Ranch PANovember 29, 2012While it’s common knowledge that alcoholism has harmful effects on the body, many don’t realize exactly how deadly the disease really is. A study in Germany produced results that may change the way you think about alcohol, especially in regards to women. Overwhelming Numbers The study was conducted on a general population of 4,070 people,…
Senator George McGovern Used His Family Tragedy to Raise Alcohol AwarenessHelp BlogBy The Ranch PANovember 27, 2012Many mourned the loss of a good man last month: Senator George McGovern. Of McGovern’s many accomplishments, his best may have been using his own personal tragedy to help raise awareness of alcoholism and how the disease affects family and loved ones. A Tragic Loss Senator George McGovern’s daughter Teresa, or “Terry” as he liked…
Substance Abuse on the Rise in the U.S.Help BlogBy The Ranch PANovember 20, 2012A new study has revealed the United States experienced a substantial increase in substance abuse from 2001 to 2009. Overall, the number of drug and alcohol addiction diagnoses increased by a daunting 70 percent. The Hard Facts The study was conducted using data from doctor visits. From 2001 to 2003, the number of addiction diagnoses…
DSM-5: What the Most Recent Version of the Psychiatry Manual Means for AddictionBlogBy The Ranch PANovember 15, 2012The DSM is often referred to as the “Bible of Psychiatry” because it provides the official definitions of psychological conditions, including addiction. Any changes made to the DSM have a major impact on the way patients with psychological conditions are treated and the types of treatment insurance companies will cover. Because psychological disorders typically lack…
