Laying the Groundwork for a Sober Christmas Articles>Early RecoveryBy The Ranch TNDecember 16, 2014We know the common saying, “If you fail to plan, plan to fail.” And this applies perfectly to our lives in recovery, especially as we prepare to march through the holiday season. Sobriety and recovery don’t just happen; they’re the result of intentional effort and even planning. For those of us accustomed to living by… Details
Holiday Blessings or Bust? How to Tell if Drugs or Alcohol Are to Blame Articles>Alcohol Abuse and AlcoholismBy The Ranch TNDecember 15, 2014Is your feeling about the holidays “Hooray for the holidays!” or “Ugh, the holidays are here again?” While everyone around makes a mad dash to splurge on last-minute shopping or preparations for a fantastic family holiday dinner, are you preparing to put up with various bad behaviors on the part of loved ones? Maybe it… Details
Who Can Be a Sex Addict? Articles>Sex AddictionBy The Ranch TNDecember 13, 2014When we hear stories of sex addiction in the media and even in addiction literature, we frequently hear of a particular type of sex addict—a man, usually white, probably of middle or higher income.
How to Cope With an Eating Disorder Articles>Eating DisordersBy The Ranch TNDecember 11, 2014You’ve been diagnosed with an eating disorder — now what? You know that your thoughts, feelings and attitudes toward food and eating are not healthful, but how to change? The good news is that you got the diagnosis; it means that you are on the right track to healing. Along with professional help for your… Details
Do Prevention Programs Affect Prescription Drug Abuse? Articles>Early RecoveryBy The Ranch TNDecember 10, 2014Prescription drug abuse is a common phenomenon throughout much of the U.S. However, the specific rates of abuse can vary considerably between individual states. In a report published in July 2014, researchers from Quest Diagnostics examined the rates of prescription medication abuse across America and looked for underlying reasons that could explain why some states… Details
Prescription Drug Abuse: Does Urban Differ From Rural? Articles>Addiction ResearchBy The Ranch TNDecember 9, 2014Every year, millions of Americans abuse an opioid medication normally prescribed by a doctor as a treatment for specific types of moderate or severe pain. Some prescription opioid abusers live in cities or nearby suburbs, while others live in rural areas relatively isolated from large population concentrations.
Care for Yourself as You Support a Loved One in Recovery Articles>Early RecoveryBy The Ranch TNDecember 6, 2014When you have a loved one battling addiction, especially if it is someone close to you, it is all too easy to get wrapped up in his problems and his needs. As you support him, stand by him and care for him, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Caretakers often lose sight of who… Details
Gambling Disorder, Alcoholism Feature Similar Impulsive Behaviors Articles>Addiction ResearchBy The Ranch TNDecember 4, 2014Alcoholism and gambling disorder are well-defined examples of two recognized forms of addiction: substance addiction and non-substance-based behavioral addiction. Impulsive behavior is typically viewed as a core characteristic of both forms of addiction, although the specific types of impulsivity present may vary. In a study published in June 2014 in the journal Addictive Behaviors, a… Details
Is Dependence on Prescription Opioids Linked to Sleeping Problems? Articles>Early RecoveryBy The Ranch TNDecember 3, 2014Relatively large numbers of people in the U.S. abuse an opioid medication normally prescribed to treat pain or certain other medical issues. In turn, a substantial number of prescription opioid users and abusers will develop opioid dependence or full-blown opioid addiction. In a study published in June 2014 in the journal Addictive Behaviors, researchers from… Details
Study Examines New Approach to Treating Eating Disorders Articles>Eating DisordersBy The Ranch TNDecember 2, 2014The development of an eating disorder is believed by experts to have both a biological and an environmental component. The mix of the two influences may differ based on the individual, but there are certain factors that significantly increase a person’s risk of developing an eating disorder.