Compulsive Gambling Hurts More Than the Gambler Articles>Addiction ResearchBy The RanchAugust 12, 2014At one time, a person had to travel to Atlantic City or Las Vegas in order to participate in heavy-duty gambling. Today, gambling is available almost everywhere. Many states allow casinos and sell lottery tickets. Fantasy football and casino-style gaming can be accessed online 24/7. This means that it is easier than ever to develop…
Alcoholism: The Killer That Steals Fathers From Families Articles>Alcohol Abuse and AlcoholismBy The RanchJune 11, 2014On Father’s Day, June 15, grown sons and daughters will return home from far and wide to celebrate with their dads. Meanwhile, younger children will surprise their fathers with homemade gifts and personalized cards that will be proudly displayed on refrigerator doors for weeks. Fathers will be treated to fantastic meals at home or in…
Children, Spouses of Military Members at Increased Risk for Mental Disorders Articles>Mental HealthBy The RanchJuly 26, 2013Life in the military often comes at a very high price. Mental health problems sometimes manifest as part of that price. Mental health and suicide rates among military members have received quite a bit of attention in recent years – and rightly so. Our nation’s vets sacrifice their physical and emotional well-being to protect their…
The Far-Reaching Effects of Bipolar Disorder Articles>Mental HealthBy The RanchJune 10, 2013A diagnosis of mental illness in your child can be devastating news. Although advances in treatments and medications have made leaps and bounds in recent years, coping with a mental illness is still challenging. When that mental illness is bipolar disorder and the affected person is a child or teenager, the effects reach far and…
Helping a Parent With An Eating Disorder Articles>Eating DisordersBy The RanchDecember 5, 2012Eating disorders are a serious problem. When a parent battles this type of illness it will touch each person in the household. Since eating disorders often go undetected and/or untreated for many years, this is a condition which may have pervasive influences in the lives of family members. Today, there are many older men and…
Keeping it Real Articles>Trauma and PTSDBy The RanchSeptember 8, 2012Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not isolated to the individual who is experiencing it, his or her family feels the affects too.
Bottling Up vs. Sharing: Talking About Your Addiction Articles>Early RecoveryBy The RanchAugust 7, 2012When you are in the process of recovering from an addiction, talking about your illness can be an important part of the healing process. However, it can be difficult to know how to talk about your experiences, and with whom. It can be embarrassing and uncomfortable to talk about an addiction, even if you know…
Marriage to Depressed Individual Heightens Risk Articles>NewsBy The RanchJuly 9, 2012Marriage is an institution filled with challenges. Couples are faced with trying to navigate through multiple life stages as a team, often finding that conflicting expectations provide ample room for disagreement. Sharing finances and children too can create stress for a couple.
How to Support a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder Articles>Mental HealthBy The RanchFebruary 22, 2012What does it mean to find out that your loved one – a parent, child or spouse, has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder? How can you help and what should you expect? For many people, the initial reaction may be one of relief. Finally you have an answer for inexplicable behavior and moods: the rages…
Unhappy Holidays: Handling a Family Member Who Typically Gets Drunk ArticlesBy The RanchNovember 22, 2011The scene is all-too familiar for many American families. One family member gets blotto and ruins holiday get-togethers to such an extent that it spells humiliation for everyone concerned. Not the least of which are any children present who have to witness the intoxication of their parent or grandparent or other family member. Maybe this…
