Signs of Codependency: Why You Struggle So Hard in Relationships Addiction, Addictions, Relationships, UncategorizedBy The Ranch TNMarch 7, 2020A codependent relationship is one in which one partner relies wholly upon the other to meet all of their emotional needs. It’s also a relationship where one partner suffers from some form of addiction, and the other partner enables that condition to continue. Either way you define it, a codependent relationship is not healthy for anyone involved. Often,…
How Addiction Affects Families: The Far-Reaching Effects of Substance Use Disorder Addiction, Addictions, Recovery, Relationships, UncategorizedBy The Ranch TNMarch 3, 2020It’s difficult to list exactly how addiction affects families. The repercussions spread outward like the rings from a pebble dropped in a pond. But experts have known for years that children who grow up in homes where drugs and alcohol are used often develop addictions, too. Sadly, even if these children do manage to skirt a…
Trauma and Co-Dependency Articles, Articles>Mental Health, Articles>Trauma and PTSD, Mental Health, RelationshipsBy The Ranch TNFebruary 21, 2020When dealing with a codependent relationship, it’s crucial to look at how it began and what factors created it. Trauma and co-dependency frequently go hand-in-hand with childhood trauma causing codependent symptoms in later life. But what can you do about it? To understand the causes of trauma and co-dependency, discuss your concerns with a compassionate…
Working with Families While Patients are in Treatment Articles>Early Recovery, Articles>Recovery at The Ranch, From Our Experts>Tennessee, Relationships, TreatmentBy The Ranch TNFebruary 19, 2020Addiction impacts the entire family system. The addict typically experiences feelings of despair, hopelessness, guilt, shame, loneliness, and worthlessness. The family also experiences similar feelings. Families may have increased anxiety, loss of their own identity, diminished work functioning, isolation, and an overall decrease in life satisfaction. Working with families while patients are in treatment is…
Effects of Parent Drug Abuse on Young Children Addiction, Articles>Drug Addiction, Drug Abuse, Helpful Articles, Relationships, Substance AbuseBy The Ranch TNFebruary 15, 2020The effects of parent drug abuse on young children, ages 6 to 12 and younger, are detrimental and lasting. Young children with parents using drugs may experience traumas including abuse or neglect. They may see things that traumatize them or that are hard to understand. They may feel unloved, hurt and frightened. Traumatic events, neglect,…
Seven Ways to Help Yourself When You Love an Addict Articles>Drug Addiction, Helpful Articles, RelationshipsBy The Ranch TNFebruary 13, 2020Loving an addict can feel like you’re on a perpetual rollercoaster of emotions — anger, sadness, hate, love, fear, relief, guilt, disbelief — sometimes experiencing all within mere moments. It’s not surprising that research shows loved ones of addicted individuals suffer from increased stress, depression and poorer overall well-being. As much as our addicted loved…
Loved Ones Can Help Battle Addiction Helpful Articles, RelationshipsBy The Ranch TNJanuary 1, 2020Fighting addiction is challenging for everybody concerned, not just the individual with chemical dependency. Jim Sullivan has been that individual, and he shares his story in a recent article for Boston Herald, telling of the depths of his addiction and his recovery. The article was intended as something of a personal thank you to the…
Women & Relapse: Are Relationships the Problem? Articles, RelationshipsBy The Ranch TNMarch 13, 2017A significant number of women who seek treatment for addiction were initially introduced to drug use by a romantic partner or spouse. Sometimes, it isn’t until they start exploring their patterns in therapy that women realize how their romantic or sexual relationships were triggers for their addiction, and very likely any subsequent relapse. For women…
Healthy Sex Life Versus Chronic Intimacy Disorder Articles, RelationshipsBy The Ranch TNFebruary 2, 2017An intimacy disorder is difficult to define, partly because there is no guiding verbiage from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). But “intimacy disorder” typically refers to difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships.
Taming the Green-Eyed Monster Before It Gobbles You Up Articles, RelationshipsBy The Ranch TNJanuary 5, 2017Jealousy is an emotion that permeates many relationships and can drive a wedge between partners. It sometimes gets confused with its close cousin envy. They can be differentiated in this manner: