Sundown M Ranch

A Guide to the Most Commonly-Abused Prescription Drugs

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 16 million Americans reported using prescription drugs for a purpose other than medical treatment in 2010. This number is troubling because when medications aren’t used for their intended purposes, they can become addictive and dangerous. Here is a look at some of the most common prescription drugs that are abused for recreational purposes in the United States.

Hydrocodone Belonging to the opiod drug class, hydrocodone is typically prescribed to patients to help relieve moderate to severe pain. It can either be taken orally or intravenously and in cases of abuse, individuals sometimes crush or snort these pills. One of the most common prescriptions containing hydrocodone is OxyContin. If taken improperly, OxyContin can slow down a user’s breathing and lead to death.

Valium Valium is the brand name of diazepam and is often prescribed to help patients relieve anxiety, muscle pain, or alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Valium is commonly prescribed and easy to obtain, so it has become one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs in the country. In just one month, a user’s body can build up tolerance to Valium and create the need for the user to take more and more of the substance to experience the satisfying side effects.

Ritalin The purpose of Ritalin is to improve the alertness, energy, and attention span of children who suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder. However, this medication is commonly used among college students to concentrate and study for long periods of time, such as during finals weeks. With excessive use of Ritalin, students can become dependent and consumption can lead to blockage of small blood vessels and tissue death.

Nationally recognized for its quality programs and professional staff, Sundown M Ranch in Yakima has helped thousands recover from prescription drug addiction. Call (509) 654-9033 to learn how we can help you or a loved one on the journey toward recovery. We are among the top drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers in the country.   

Family Treatment at Sundown M Ranch

Alcohol and drug abuse are diseases that affect the entire family. Family members of addicted individuals suffer negative effects when they try to adjust to altered behaviors and progressive abuse.

At Sundown M Ranch, we recognize the need for family addiction recovery treatment for successful recovery from chemical dependence. You and your family will learn how to identify problems that arise from addiction and how to address them in positive and healthy ways. You can learn more about the family treatment experience and how to find support as a family by watching this video.

Contact Sundown M Ranch today at (509) 654-9033 to begin the healing process for your entire family. We offer in- and outpatient services in Yakima to provide the support and treatment needed for successful addiction recovery. Call us or visit our website to find the answers to your questions about drug and alcohol abuse.

Addiction Truths And Myths And The Options Available For Youth Substance Abuse Treatment

Drug and alcohol addiction are real, progressive, and fatal diseases. Treatment and support can facilitate recovery, health, and a positive outlook on life for the chemically dependent and their families. Visit these websites for the information you need to understand these conditions and the importance of treatment:

• Drug abusers are not “bad people”—drug abuse affects those of all ages and backgrounds. Visit DrugAbuse.gov to learn more about nationwide trends in drug use.
• This information presented on CDC.gov describes how drug and alcohol abuse negatively affect academic achievement. Sundown M Ranch’s school program pairs addiction treatment with academic activities to help youths regain their ability to succeed in school.
• Prescription drugs can be just as easily abused as illegal substances. This article on WebMD.com explains prescription drug abuse in more detail.
• Many myths surround alcohol and drinking, particularly among teens. This page on CheckYourself.com lists some of these myths and their truths.
• Relapse does not mean that drug treatment has been completely unsuccessful, nor does it mean recovery is impossible. Check out this article on EverydayHealth.com to learn more about relapse and its risk factors.

Since 1968, Sundown M Ranch has been providing personalized and intensive addiction recovery programs in the greater Seattle area. We offer treatment for youths, adults, men, and women suffering from drug, alcohol, and other chemical dependencies. Contact us at (509) 654-9033 to learn more about our programs.

Youth Treatment for Substance Abuse Doesn't Have to Come at the Cost of Academic Progress

Half of all new drug users each day are under the age of 18. Treatment of young individuals for drug and alcohol abuse shouldn’t have to interfere with academic progress. At Sundown M Ranch, our youth treatment program includes daily education services in addition to addiction recovery counseling and treatment.

How Drug Abuse Treatment Improves Academic Achievement According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug abuse and addiction detrimentally affect school performance and increase the chance of academic failure among youths. Side effects such as aggression, difficulty concentrating, and pain or muscle spasms may disrupt classroom learning. The first step in restoring academic achievement is to address the underlying drug problem responsible for failing academic success. Through addiction recovery, youths are better able and more motivated to perform academically and achieve success.

How Sundown M Ranch Can Help Sundown M Ranch’s youth treatment program is specifically focused on the unique needs of adolescents under the age of 18. Both parents and students are often concerned that undergoing treatment will mean falling further behind in school. To address these concerns, our youth program includes daily academics and physical education as a part of its regimen. We offer a year-round school program supervised and taught by certified teachers to help adolescents and teens regain their academic footing and stay on track with their peers. Both classroom activities and individual study options are available to ensure youths receive the supervision and individual attention they need to achieve academic success.

Sundown M Ranch has been providing drug and alcohol addiction and substance abuse rehabilitation in the Seattle area since 1968.  We understand that while drug abuse treatment and recovery is an intensive process, it doesn’t need to come at the expense of academic progress. Our youth and adult programs are designed to deliver quality care and support to meet the needs of each individual patient and promote success during and after treatment. Visit us on the web or call (509) 654-9033 to learn more about our chemical dependency recovery program options.

The Lasting Impact of Heroin Use on the Body and Another Reason to Seek Substance Abuse Treatment

Over time, heroin use can severely affect your body. Even though you may not feel ill, permanent changes are taking place in your body the longer you suffer from your addiction.

This video illustrates the effects of heroin on the body. You will see how smoking heroin scars the lungs and affects their function. It also deposits bacteria into the valves of the heart, significantly increasing your risk of fatal heart failure. Getting help to begin detoxification is the first step you can take toward a healthier life.

Don’t let drugs or alcohol continue to take their toll on your body. Call Sundown M Ranch near Seattle at (509) 654-9033 to enroll in one of our addiction recovery and treatment programs today. Together, we can help you repair your body and mind for a long, healthy, and happy life.