How Much Does “Choice” Play a Role in Addiction? BlogBy The Ranch PAOctober 22, 2013If you could choose between alcohol or your drug of choice and a good-enough reason to refuse them, which would you choose? Many Columbia University studies performed by neuroscientist Carl Hart suggest that addicts can, in fact, choose sobriety — when the second option is appealing enough to avoid using. Learn more about choice and… Details
Is Your Loved One Suffering From the Flu – or Cough Syrup Abuse? Help BlogBy The Ranch PAOctober 17, 2013With flu season quickly approaching, some retailers and states are taking steps to avoid outbreaks of this sometimes fatal illness. Unfortunately, the common remedy that most people use without a second thought — cough syrup — is what some addicts abuse to get high. Here is what you need to know about cough syrup abuse… Details
Zac Efron’s Secret Cocaine Addiction BlogBy The Ranch PAOctober 15, 2013Those of us on the outside of celebrity culture often shake our collective head when a person who seemingly has it all — meaning fame and fortune — is willing to throw it away by abusing drugs or alcohol. What seems obvious to us, however, isn’t always so obvious to the addict — and is… Details
What Are Blue Blossoms? Help BlogBy The Ranch PAOctober 11, 2013If you are the loved one of a recovering addict — and especially if your loved one is a smoker — you need to pay attention to the latest trend sweeping the streets. Blue blossoms, a legal synthetic drug that is available in many smoke and head shops across the country, is a liquid formula… Details
Physical vs Mental Addictions: What’s the Difference? BlogBy The Ranch PAOctober 11, 2013All addictions are not created equally. Some addictions affect a person mentally, some cause physical symptoms, and sometimes addictions can become both physical and psychological. It is important to understand if an addiction is physical, mental, or both in order to identify the best course of treatment. Physical Addiction Physical addiction is most commonly caused… Details
Miley Cyrus Admits to Smoking Weed and Taking Molly BlogBy The Ranch PAOctober 8, 2013If you’re the parent of a tween- or teenaged child, then you’ve likely heard of Miley Cyrus, better known to some as Hannah Montana. Unfortunately, Ms. Cyrus seems to be following the well worn path of young celebrities who struggle with substance abuse. You can’t change your teen’s role model, but you can protect them… Details
The Effects of Adderall, Wall Street’s New Go-To Drug BlogBy The Ranch PAOctober 8, 2013Prescription stimulants such as Adderall are used mainly to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In people with ADHD, stimulants help the brain use dopamine and norepinephrine more effectively. Adderall is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. In neurotypical people—meaning those who don’t have ADHD—the drug has stimulant-like effects such as increased alertness and energy.… Details
The Genetic Link Between Eating Disorders and Alcoholism Help BlogBy The Ranch PAOctober 3, 2013If your loved one is dependent on alcohol, is he or she more likely to suffer from an eating disorder? Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine think so. Learn more about this newest discovery and how this link might affect alcohol treatment outcomes everywhere. The Study Behavior scientists have long accepted that genetics… Details
The Rise of Women Addicted to Painkillers BlogBy The Ranch PASeptember 30, 2013Did you know that many prescription painkillers are pharmacologically almost identical to the world’s most dangerous illicit drug, heroin? If not, you’re not alone. Although past statistics indicate men are far more likely to become addicted to prescription drugs, a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study reports the number of women who died… Details
Hereditary vs Environmental Video Infographic InfographicsBy The Ranch PASeptember 27, 2013You may have gotten your mother’s eyes, your dad’s hair and lots of other characteristics from your parents. Did you ever consider that alcoholism might be one of them? We’ve always known eye color was a gene but the gene related to alcoholism might not be as well known. The link between heredity and alcohol… Details
