Why 12 Step Programs Don’t WorkBlogBy The Ranch PAAugust 6, 2013If you were suffering from cancer, chemotherapy didn’t work, and your physician decided it failed because you didn’t try hard enough, you’d start looking for a new doctor — and treatment — right away. Unfortunately, 12-step supporters believe much the same dogma. Here is why 12 step programs don’t work for a large portion of…
Looking for a “Step Program” Alternative?Help BlogBy The Ranch PAAugust 1, 2013If you’re looking for substance abuse treatment for yourself or a loved one, you’ve probably reviewed the basics of a standard step program. But if you don’t feel like it’s going to be the right fit, you’re not alone. 3 Disadvantages of Step Programs A quick Google search reveals people from all walks of life…
How a Residential Treatment Facility Can Improve Your TreatmentBlogBy The Ranch PAJuly 30, 2013If you’re thinking about what type of substance abuse treatment you want to pursue, here are five reasons residential treatment facilities are the best option: Create a Buffer Being able to distance yourself from your previous lifestyle and habits makes it easier to transition into the path to recovery. If you’re living at home and…
Study Finds Smoking During Pregnancy Increases Child’s Risk of Substance AbuseHelp BlogBy The Ranch PAJuly 25, 2013Most pregnant women are aware that they should abstain from alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs during their pregnancy. Unfortunately, some mothers’ addictions prevent them from saying no to these harmful substances. And when a mother is unable to resist the lure of alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs while she’s carrying a child, it can have serious consequences…
Your Body’s Amazing Ability to HealBlogBy The Ranch PAJuly 23, 2013A ruptured eardrum, conjunctival bleeding, food poisoning, and a broken rib are just a few examples of problems your body is capable of fixing on its own. The human body’s ability to heal itself also applies to people who have a substance abuse problem. For example, several studies cited in Scientific American found “that years…
Female Students Found to be More Likely to Binge DrinkHelp BlogBy The Ranch PAJuly 18, 2013According to a study that will be published in the October 2013 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, female college student drinkers exceed national drinking guidelines more frequently than males when it comes to weekly drinking. A Major Flaw? This study is based around 2009 guidelines set forth by the National Institute on Alcohol…
Ecstasy’s Summertime DangersBlogBy The Ranch PAJuly 16, 2013Last month, over 100,000 people attended Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas. This three-day event featured some of the biggest names in electronic music, including Eric Prydz, Knife Party, and Avicii. According to the San Jose Mercury News, while there were a few dozen drug-related arrests at this year’s events, there weren’t any deaths. Unfortunately,…
3 Ways Intervention Programs Help With Substance AbuseHelp BlogBy The Ranch PAJuly 11, 2013If you know a friend or family member abuses drugs or alcohol, you may feel alone and helpless. You’re far from alone though: 50 percent of Americans know someone suffering from substance dependency. How can you help? Interventions can help your loved one realize he has a problem and seek treatment, but the meeting requires…
Oxy Addiction: When It’s Time to Get HelpBlogBy The Ranch PAJuly 9, 2013Oxycodone, or oxy, is an opiate-based painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. The active ingredient in painkillers such as OxyContin, Percocet and Percodan, oxycodone is a highly addictive substance with a high possibility for abuse. Oxycodone is classified as a Schedule II drug by the FDA and only obtainable through a medical prescription.…
What the New Health Laws Mean for Long Term TreatmentHelp BlogBy The Ranch PAJuly 5, 2013Finances, sadly, often stand in the way of drug rehabilitation. It’s maddening to watch a loved one struggle with substance abuse, knowing help would be available if it were only affordable. Few heath insurance companies cover drug or alcohol rehab costs, and paying out-of-pocket for rehab may not be possible. The situation is intolerable, but…
