Washington, D.C., Sees Spike in Overdoses on Synthetic MarijuanaBlogBy The Ranch PAMarch 11, 2016At least seven people staying at a District of Columbia homeless shelter had to be hospitalized after overdosing on synthetic marijuana, re-igniting concerns about the risks of “fake pot.” The story underlines the problem of synthetic marijuana—often labeled “not for human consumption”—and shows, yet again, that its “natural” appearance and apparent similarity to marijuana are… Details
Learning to Love Your Sober SelfBlogBy The Ranch PAMarch 3, 2016If you have been using or abusing drugs or alcohol for any length of time, you have been in the habit of distorting reality. Through addiction to mind-altering chemicals, you have found a way to avoid facing painful or uncomfortable feelings, and most of the time you have been completely numb on an emotional level.
The Genetics Behind AddictionBlogBy The Ranch PAJanuary 28, 2016Researchers believe a complex mixture of genetics, family history, social history, and environment combine to influence each person’s propensity for addiction. You are not a product of your genes, but your genes can influence how quickly you become addicted to substances. Looking for the Addiction Gene Researchers already know that addiction tends to run in… Details
The Purpose of Therapy Dogs and Other Animals in RehabHelp BlogBy The Ranch PAJanuary 21, 2016Dogs are truly our best friends. Having a therapy dog or another animal while in rehab can really help people in recovery learn to live and love again. The Ranch PA has a therapy dog who loves to interact with residents, and this interaction helps them feel more at home and at ease as soon… Details
How the Heroin Epidemic is Affecting Rehab CentersBlogBy The Ranch PAJanuary 14, 2016There has been a sharp rise in the number of heroin addicts since 2012, and the effects are being felt at rehab centers nationwide. Since 2012, heroin deaths have risen by 39 percent. Where are the new heroin addicts coming from? Surprisingly, they are suburban parents, teens, and young professionals. Many become addicted to prescription… Details
How to NOT Respond When a Celebrity with a Drug History Passes AwayHelp BlogBy The Ranch PAJanuary 7, 2016It seems as though almost every day a familiar face flashes across the screen with an announcement that so-and-so has passed away. When that famous person has a history of drug or alcohol abuse, many commentators immediately mention it, as if the person’s death is always attributable to drugs or alcohol. With social media making… Details
Famous Drug Movies: A Geographic Re-TellingInfographicsBy The Ranch PAJanuary 6, 2016Drugs are a central theme in storytelling and plots of American movies. Just how often? Wikipedia lists a whopping 707 movies on their current “List of Drug Films.” These movies often contain road trips as well as drug trips. We mapped out both “trips” and locations of some of the most iconic movies that contain drugs… Details
The Deadly Consequences of Alcohol Abuse in CollegeBlogBy The Ranch PAJanuary 5, 2016These days, it seems that alcohol is everywhere. From billboards to television to online ads, we’re constantly bombarded with imagery depicting alcohol and its use as a fun and occasionally glamorous pastime — but this is far from the truth. Unfortunately, college students are taking these advertisements to heart in worrying numbers: 4 out of… Details
The Dangers of Drinking During the HolidaysBlogBy The Ranch PADecember 24, 2015The holidays are quickly approaching, and along with the joy and festivity that fills the air, something else seems to spike during this time period: drinking. Whether it’s out of celebration or to cope with the in-laws overstaying their welcome, data shows both drinking and alcohol-related incidences rise over the holidays. This micrographic illuminates the… Details
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Heroin EpidemicBlogBy The Ranch PADecember 24, 2015Did you know that about 3,000 Pennsylvanians have died over the past five years because of opioid abuse, or that an astonishing 80 percent of people using heroin first became addicted to a prescription painkiller? With heroin in Pennsylvania costing less than beer, heroin abuse is an epidemic that crosses every social boundary. Here is… Details
