Drug overdose deaths are increasing in Pennsylvania, which means rehab facilities in PA are working harder than ever to get people the help they need. Researchers have begun studying the rates of overdose deaths for specific races, genders and age groups in order to put together a targeted action plan that can save lives.
Homelessness is a major public health concern in major cities and small towns across North America. It is estimated that 650,000 individuals across the U.S. and Canada are homeless on any given night. Estimates of alcohol and drug use rates among the homeless vary considerably, however, there is agreement that substance use is significantly higher
Homelessness and Substance Abuse: The Connection Read More »
With the opioid crisis claiming more lives every day, we need to do everything in our power to help people with addiction achieve the best possible outcome, said Robert Matylewicz, DO, FASAM, medical director at The Ranch PA drug rehab in Hanover, Pennsylvania. “Allowing them to have a say in the design of their individual
Effective Treatment for Opioid Addiction Isn’t the Same for Everyone Read More »
A hot topic of debate in many circles surrounds the use of medical marijuana. It is a complicated matter due to conflicting rulings about its legality and accessibility. The Drug Policy Alliance, which refers to itself as “the nation’s leading organization promoting drug policies that are grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights,” has
When left untreated, substance abuse will sabotage your career and demolish your professional reputation. No matter how much success you’ve had in the past, the abuse of alcohol or other drugs will eventually leave you out in the cold with no real hope of finding another job. If you are an entrepreneur, it could
10 Ways Addiction Will Destroy Your Career or Business Read More »
Drug detox will change your life, but it’s not easy. You’re in for a week or more of withdrawal symptoms, which will vary depending on which drug you are getting out of your system and may include:ChillsSweatingDiarrheaVomitingMuscle aches and painsDepressionAnxietyMoodinessTo relieve the withdrawal symptoms, you’ll want to reach for your drug of choice, and resisting
By Robert Matylewicz, DO, ABAM, Medical Director at The Ranch PA The opioid epidemic continues to surge ahead with seemingly no end in sight. Drug overdose has surpassed motor vehicle deaths as the leading cause of U.S. accidental deaths with opioids leading the charge, contributing to 33,091 deaths in 2015. We don’t have a foolproof
Why Medication-Assisted Therapy Is Critical in Opioid Addiction Recovery Read More »
By Kate Sprague, LCSW, CCTP, Therapist at The Ranch PA I knew I wanted our next pet to be a therapy dog when my daughter and I went to pick out a puppy in January 2014. Cooper was just six days old when I met him, but I realized right away there was something almost
How One Special Dog Helps People With Addictions Read More »
By Jack Gilbert, LCSW For many, the holidays are a wonderful time of year, but for people in recovery, the holidays can sometimes be painful and overwhelming, making them vulnerable to relapse. Gratitude is a practice that can be helpful all year round, but particularly during the holiday season. For instance, simple practices like keeping
Gratitude as a Recovery Tool During the Holidays Read More »
Demerol, also known as meperidine, is a powerful — and powerfully addictive — painkiller. Similar in nature to morphine, Demerol is an opioid narcotic that can cause serious side effects when abused or used in conjunction with other substances, including alcohol. Withdrawing from meperidine alone is not only extremely challenging, it is also unwise because
