Hurdles to Treatment for Female Sex AddictsArticles>Sex AddictionBy The RanchOctober 8, 2014If you are a woman reading this article, it is likely that you have found yourself in treatment and are now seeking strategies for coping with sexual addiction. It is also likely that you entered treatment not for sexual addiction but for disordered eating or perhaps substance use. Along the way you may have uncovered… Details
The Link Between PTSD and AlcoholismArticles>Trauma and PTSDBy The RanchOctober 7, 2014Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a serious mental illness that typically develops after a traumatic or terrifying event. Much attention has been brought to the disease by the fact that many military men and women returning from Afghanistan and Iraq have struggled with PTSD. These people, and others with the disorder, are also more… Details
Managing PTSD Symptoms While on the JobArticles>Trauma and PTSDBy The RanchSeptember 29, 2014People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be bothered by intrusive thoughts about their trauma, experience flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping because of nightmares or become hyper-vigilant so they’re not caught unawares again. These symptoms can make daily life a tremendous challenge. Consider how difficult it could be to make it through a simple workday when… Details
Women and Sex Addiction: Building Strength Through FriendshipArticles>Sex AddictionBy The RanchSeptember 28, 2014Almost three years ago, I walked into my first Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) meeting. I wasn’t sure yet if the 12 steps were for me (I couldn’t conceive of a Higher Power, much less one that might be interested in helping me out), but I had absolutely no doubt that, if these groups… Details
Yes, Marijuana Really Can Be AddictiveArticles>Drug AddictionBy The RanchSeptember 27, 2014Marijuana has a puzzling reputation. Many people believe that recreational marijuana use should be legalized, and that medical marijuana should have widespread availability. Yet marijuana remains illegal in most countries, including the United States, and the idea of legalization has many firm opponents.
PTSD and Moral InjuryArticles>Trauma and PTSDBy The RanchSeptember 26, 2014Moral injury is a term mental health professionals use to describe involvement in or exposure to events that violate a person’s preexisting code of moral conduct. Current evidence indicates that the presence of moral injury can potentially increase the chances that a person will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of a seriously… Details
The Link Between Sexual Shame and Addiction and Why It Should Be AddressedArticles>Sex AddictionBy The RanchSeptember 25, 2014As sex addiction expert and author Robert Weiss argues in PsychCentral, the connection between addiction and shame is well established. Those prone to addiction often feel ashamed of themselves; it’s an inward-facing criticism with the potential to lead to problems such as anxiety and depression, which in turn creates a desire to escape through the… Details
The Seasons of Eating DisordersArticles>Eating DisordersBy The RanchSeptember 25, 2014Eating disorders are certainly not seasonal illnesses. People who suffer from these disorders do not have symptoms just a few months a year, like those who suffer from hay fever or another seasonal allergy. Nevertheless, there are times of year that are particularly sensitive or challenging for people with eating disorders, or with problematic eating… Details
Dogs as Addiction TreatmentArticles>Recovery at The RanchBy The RanchSeptember 24, 2014No, a dog can’t cure your addiction. But a dog can be a constant and loyal companion, a powerful tool for controlling stress and anxiety, and an animal that needs your care and love. These attributes make dogs important instruments for mental and emotional wellness. As an addict, a dog won’t cure you or be… Details
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
