Understanding trends in teenage drug use helps parents educate their children and monitor signs of possible drug use. One of the most informative publications on children and drugs is the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Monitoring the Future Survey, an annual examination of adolescent drug use and attitudes towards drug risk. The 2012 survey indicates […]
Keeping an Eye on the “Monitoring the Future Survey” Read More »
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is known as the “psychiatrist’s bible.” Psychiatrists rely on the DSM to diagnose mental disorders and recommend treatments. The DSM is the authoritative text to help professionals decide what is – and what is not – a mental disorder. The latest edition offers a new way of categorizing alcohol
December 7, 2012 saw the passing of one of New Jersey’s staunchest supporters of addiction treatment. Riley Regan, founding director of the New Jersey Division of Alcoholism, passed away from liver cancer at the age of 77. He spent his life championing the rights of people suffering from alcoholism and drug abuse, bringing an understanding
Farewell to a Pioneer: Riley Regan and Alcoholism Treatment Read More »
To be truly effective, addiction recovery cannot focus solely on the physical effects of substance abuse. Addiction also damages people on emotional and spiritual levels. A holistic approach to alcohol and drug addiction recovery provides for the mind, body, and spirit as a whole. At The Ranch PA, we understand everyone has different experiences and
Holidays are stressful times for people living with addiction disorders. Social pressure to drink at parties increases, celebrations interfere with daily routines and stress levels rise. Family members can help loved ones avoid alcohol or drug use and still enjoy the holidays. Preventing HALT HALT stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired, all of which
In November, Jon Bon Jovi’s 19-year-old daughter, Stephanie Bongiovi, was rushed to hospital after a heroin overdose. She was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana possession. Though Bongiovi’s has left the hospital in better health, her overdose serves as a grim reminder that heroin use in on the
Heroin: Why More Young People are Using this Devastating Drug Read More »
News stories about mothers suffering from addiction are fairly common. Stories about mothers neglecting children during drug binges, leaving children alone in toxic meth labs, or exposing kids to drug paraphernalia, smoke and syringes creates the impression mothers who suffer from addiction don’t care about their children. The truth is much more complex. Mothers struggling
Myth: Mothers with Addiction Do Not Care About Their Children Read More »
Co-dependency is a common condition experienced in families dealing with substance abuse or addiction. A co-dependent family member values his relationship with the addict more than his own well-being. Spouses, children and parents can all be co-dependent. In its own way, co-dependency is as addictive as any substance.Symptoms of Co-DependencyCo-dependent family members enable a substance
As with all addictions, alcoholism doesn’t just affect the individual struggling with it; it affects their loved ones as well. Often, family and friends have a hard time dealing with their loved one’s addiction, and they’re unsure of how to best offer their support. If a loved one is struggling with addiction, there are resources
Have a Loved One Struggling with Alcoholism? You Need Support Too Read More »
Many mourned the loss of a good man last month: Senator George McGovern. Of McGovern’s many accomplishments, his best may have been using his own personal tragedy to help raise awareness of alcoholism and how the disease affects family and loved ones.A Tragic LossSenator George McGovern’s daughter Teresa, or “Terry” as he liked to call
Senator George McGovern Used His Family Tragedy to Raise Alcohol Awareness Read More »
