Loved Ones Can Help in the Battle Against AddictionHelpful ArticlesBy The RanchDecember 17, 2014Fighting addiction is challenging for everybody concerned, not just the individual with the 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… Details
Laying the Groundwork for a Sober ChristmasArticles>Early RecoveryBy The RanchDecember 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 BlameArticles>Alcohol Abuse and AlcoholismBy The RanchDecember 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 RanchDecember 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 DisorderArticles>Eating DisordersBy The RanchDecember 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 RanchDecember 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 RanchDecember 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.
What Is Depression?Mental HealthBy The RanchDecember 8, 2014Types of Depression When many people talk about depression, they are often referring to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This is one of the most common types of depression, but there are many other types. While the symptoms of each type overlap significantly, the difference pertains to a variety of factors. These factors include such things… Details
Care for Yourself as You Support a Loved One in RecoveryArticles>Early RecoveryBy The RanchDecember 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 BehaviorsArticles>Addiction ResearchBy The RanchDecember 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
