As a child, Olivia, who never knew the identity of her father, was consistently abused and neglected by her mother. Her mother’s emotional temperament was highly variable—shifting from dark moods during which she was verbally and physically abusive to her daughter, and manic periods during which arm she left Olivia to fend for herself for…
Synthetic drugs may be the new trend in getting high that parents, law enforcement agents and lawmakers need to be worried about. From the synthetic marijuana products that came out several years ago packaged to look like incense or potpourri, to the newest drugs coming from China and Europe, these laboratory-manufactured substances pose a real…
Multisystemic therapy (MST) is a form of therapy that relies on interaction with the family unit and the larger community to curb the antisocial behaviors that sometimes occur in teenagers. Unlike some other forms of therapy, it’s specifically designed to deal with teens who have highly entrenched behavioral problems that typically result in problems with…
Michael Baron, MD, MPH, FASAM, a triple board certified psychiatrist and specialist in chronic pain and addiction, recently joined The Ranch as its Director of Behavioral Health.
The nature-nurture debate is alive and well in the world of drug addiction research. Scientists and addiction experts have long-speculated whether the biological factors—genetic variations and the resulting susceptibility—or the psycho-social factors—like depression, parental substance abuse, or socioeconomic disadvantage—are responsible for addiction. It’s generally agreed that both factors contribute to addiction, with at least 50…
Parents are not effectively communicating the dangers of prescription medicine misuse and abuse to their kids, nor are they safeguarding their medications at home, according to a recent study by The Partnership at Drugfree.org.
Abuse by a domestic partner causes both physical and emotional pain. Sometimes that pain can trigger substance abuse in the woman being victimized. If you (or someone you love) are in a violent relationship and struggling with an addiction, finding help is critical to your healing. This article will help you learn more about the…
Menopause is referred to as “the change” for a reason. While we often associate menopause with the physical transformation that occurs after a woman’s child-bearing years, the transition can also be a time of emotional turmoil.. Irritability, mood swings and other non-physical symptoms are not uncommon. In fact, menopause can raise the risk for clinical…
Losing someone you love is one of the most painful trials life can throw your way. It’s common to experience a range of emotions, from denial and anger to sadness and despair. Each person who goes through the grieving process does it in his or her unique way. Some, however, will turn to alcohol or…
Despite what a lot of teens may say, parents do have a significant influence on their lives. Sometimes that influence is most apparent when a teen lives with an alcoholic parent. As children begin to grow and navigate the challenges of adolescence, parental substance abuse has a direct impact on their well-being, as well as…