Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Who is at Risk?Help BlogBy The Ranch PAJuly 3, 2012Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) occurs to newborns whose mothers use opiates during pregnancy. The newborn is born with symptoms of drug withdrawal, which can include increased irritability, respiratory distress, tremors and seizures. The newborn is also at greater risk for low birth weight and mortality. Rates are Rising The Center for Disease Control reports that… Details
Can an Herbal Treatment Curb Binge Drinking?BlogBy The Ranch PAJune 28, 2012An extract of the Chinese herb kudzu root has been shown to help curb binge drinking, according to a study by Harvard Medical School. The research could prove useful in designing alcoholism rehabilitation programs, particularly for those seeking more natural, holistic treatment strategies. Understanding Binge Drinking Binge drinking is defined as consuming at least 4… Details
Understanding Cross Addiction and its Risks to Prevent RelapseBlogBy The Ranch PAJune 21, 2012Did you know the leading cause of relapse for those in recovery is cross-addiction? In other words, once you’ve dealt with one addiction, there is a much greater likelihood you’ll experience another one, whether to a substance or behavior. To avoid cross addiction, it’s important to be vigilant in your lifestyle habits and maintain a… Details
What Every Parent Should Know About Bath SaltsHelp BlogBy The Ranch PAJune 19, 2012What Every Parent Should Know About Bath Salts You may have heard of the new drug “bath salts” due to the high profile and horrific stories covered by the media recently. It’s obvious bath salts aren’t what we put in our baths, so what are they? Bath salts are a group of synthetic drugs primarily… Details
Five Ways to Determine Your Loved One has a Painkiller AddictionHelp BlogBy The Ranch PAJune 14, 2012Addiction to painkillers has become prevalent, particularly for teenagers. Today, 1 in 8 teens misuse prescription painkillers, surpassing all illicit drugs except for marijuana. In some cases, the pain medicine is given for a surgery or legitimate reason, and the addiction begins without the user truly realizing it. Take precautions if anyone in your home… Details
New DSM Guidelines May Label Millions More as “Alcoholics”BlogBy The Ranch PAJune 12, 2012What if a night of heavy drinking was enough to diagnose you as an alcoholic? That may not be too far off following the American Psychiatric Association’s proposed redefining of “alcoholism” in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Mild and Moderate Cases are Now Included Currently the DSM distinguishes… Details
Substance Abuse and Social EnvironmentHelp BlogBy The Ranch PAJune 9, 2012It’s believed the causes and triggers of drug and alcohol abuse can be found within the person’s immediate environment, whether it’s home, school or work. While the concept of peer pressure is something more usually associated with teenagers, it is a phenomenon that operates in any setting and can affect anyone, regardless of age or… Details
Rehab Doesn’t Always Require Complete IsolationHelp BlogBy The Ranch PAJune 8, 2012Perhaps one of the more common objections or reservations that a client may feel towards in-patient treatment in a drug recovery center is the perceived isolation during treatment. There are definite advantages to temporarily transferring to a safe and controlled environment that can increase chances of recovery. For example, most of the triggers or complicating… Details
Long Term Drug Rehab for Long Term ResultsHelp BlogBy The Ranch PAJune 5, 2012An effective rehabilitation program is one that offers individualized treatment. Every case of addiction or substance abuse is unique because every afflicted person comes with his or her own social background, family and personal history, medical needs … and all the other factors relevant to addiction. There is no one pre-determined or set remedy. The… Details
Addiction and Eating Disorders – A Dual DiagnosisHelp BlogBy The Ranch PAMay 31, 2012Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, and addiction used to be considered unrelated. When both were present in a patient, mental health professionals used to focus more on the substance abuse as it was deemed the primary and more dangerous affliction. Recent studies, however, have revealed a direct connection between the two. In fact,… Details
