When Managing Chronic Pain Becomes AddictionArticles>Drug AddictionBy The RanchSeptember 23, 2014From back strains to sports injuries, chronic pain is surprisingly common. About 116 million Americans are estimated to struggle with chronic pain. While there are many ways to manage it, some individuals turn to drugs to relieve the discomfort. Unfortunately, this creates the potential for drug abuse and addiction and, ultimately, the need for drug… Details
Stress at Home, Not Combat, at Root of Alcoholism Among National Guard VetsArticles>Alcohol Abuse and AlcoholismBy The RanchSeptember 21, 2014The onset of alcohol use disorder (alcohol abuse/alcoholism) is one of the most likely diagnosable mental health consequences of military service. Just like full-time military personnel, risks for the disorder affect National Guard personnel called up for active duty. In a study scheduled for publication in 2014 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers… Details
How Much Do Addiction, Other Forms of Mental Illness and Psychological Trauma Overlap?Articles>Addiction ResearchBy The RanchSeptember 20, 2014An addiction to drugs or alcohol is acknowledged by the American Psychiatric Association as part of a larger diagnosable mental illness known as substance use disorder. In many cases, people who qualify for a substance use disorder diagnosis also qualify for a diagnosis of at least one other form of mental illness. Psychological trauma resulting… Details
Retraumatizing in Sex AddictionArticles>Sex AddictionBy The RanchSeptember 19, 2014Addicts are particularly vulnerable to retraumatization because it allows them to check out, to live on autopilot. A case in point is Alexa, who, as an adult, set up the conditions to repeat the trauma she experienced in her childhood.
Feel Better, Drink Less with Deep BreathingArticles>TherapyBy The RanchSeptember 18, 2014-Tori Rodriguez The quest for well-being can be a lot of work, but it turns out there’s a quick and simple – and free – way to get a powerful health boost. Bonus: You’re doing it right now. Details
Emotional Roadblocks Stall RecoveryArticles>Early RecoveryBy The RanchSeptember 13, 2014There are lots of possible emotional barriers we can place as obstacles to our recovery. Our inner addict, after all, looks for any ruse to give us an excuse to use again. Ruses that work best are ones that create difficult emotions or that disconnect us from feeling and understanding our emotions. Let’s take a… Details
When Disability Leads to DepressionArticles>Mental HealthBy The RanchSeptember 11, 2014One day you’re working – and then you’re not. Developing a disability as an adult, whether it’s from an injury or a chronic illness, creates plenty of challenges. You find yourself unable to work or enjoy the activities you love. Sometimes this shift is temporary, but in some cases, it’s permanent. Either way, disability has… Details
Seniors and Problem Gambling: A Growing AddictionArticles>Mental HealthBy The RanchSeptember 10, 2014Opportunities to gamble present themselves to all Americans of any age and from all walks of life. From gambling meccas like Atlantic City and Las Vegas, to local casinos and online gaming, gambling is available to nearly everyone. Some people, though, are targeted more often than others. Senior citizens, retirees with no day jobs and… Details
Mindfulness Therapy Can Reduce Opioid Use with Chronic Pain PatientsArticles>TherapyBy The RanchSeptember 10, 2014Over 30 percent of Americans are living with some form of chronic pain. Long-term pain is often treated with prescription opioids, which are synthetic drugs that produce pain numbing effects akin to morphine. They are called opioids because of their chemical similarity to morphine and other opiates. Using these powerful drugs long-term can lead to addiction,… Details
CPAP Therapy Reduces Nightmares in Vets With PTSDArticles>Trauma and PTSDBy The RanchSeptember 8, 2014Sleep apnea is the general medical term for a pair of conditions – called obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea – that produce dangerous disruptions in the normal breathing patterns of sleeping people. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs much more frequently than central sleep apnea, and roughly half of all U.S. combat veterans affected… Details
