Substances of Choice

Substances of Choice: Reflecting on Personal Struggles and Societal Trends

Find out how we provide personalized healing—no matter what your symptoms are—through our 2024 Clinical Outcomes Report.

A Closer Look at Substance Selection and Addiction

The multifaceted nature of addiction demands a nuanced approach to treatment. It arises from a complex interplay of personal struggles, societal influences, and the unique pharmacological effects of each drug.

Our journey into understanding addiction begins by exploring the substances of choice that individuals turn to.

This helps us uncover the interplay between personal struggles, societal influences, and the unique characteristics of each drug, revealing the complex interplay of addiction that we address in our treatment approach.

There is no need to suffer through addiction alone. Get the support you need today.

The Mechanisms of Addiction

To build effective treatment plans, it’s important to know the intricate mechanisms behind why drugs become addictive.

Here are some key factors that contribute to the addictive nature of drugs:

Changes in the brain’s reward system: Drugs release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. This triggers a “high” that motivates individuals to continue using the drug to recapture that feeling.
Withdrawal symptoms: When someone stops taking an addictive substance, physical and psychological symptoms can kick in, ranging from discomfort to serious distress, making it incredibly difficult to quit without help.
Tolerance: As the brain adapts to a drug, the body requires higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect. This pattern increases the risk of overdose and deepens dependence.

We address not just physical dependence, but also the emotional and environmental roots that fuel the cycle. Our care heals the body, mind, and spirit.

Learn more about how Ripple Ranch Recovery can help you achieve sustainable recovery from addiction by reaching out to us today.

The Spectrum of Substance Choice in 2024

We don’t just rely on national data – we track what our clients report to ensure truly personalized care.

In 2024, this gave us a revealing look into what substances people are turning to before they seek help. These trends reflect changing societal pressures, accessibility, and emotional drivers.

Here’s what we found:

Alcohol – 49% (No change from 2023)

Alcohol remains the most reported substance among Ripple Ranch clients. Its legality and cultural normalization often hide the damage it does physically, emotionally, and socially. For many, it becomes the slow erosion of self-worth, relationships, and health.

Methamphetamines – 17% (Up from 10%)

Meth is often used to escape depression, trauma, or exhaustion, but it comes at a steep cost – sleep deprivation, paranoia, cognitive decline, and emotional disconnection. This rise speaks to the growing urgency to treat stimulant addiction with both structure and compassion.

Cocaine – 8% (Up from 5%)

Cocaine often enters the picture for performance, escape, or confidence, but quickly spirals into anxiety, burnout, and cardiovascular strain. The jump in use this past year mirrors what we see nationally: high-functioning clients seeking quick relief from mounting pressure.

Fentanyl – 6% (Up from 3%) + Benzodiazepines – 4% (Up from 3%)

Both of these drugs are very high risk. Fentanyl’s potency makes it deadly in tiny doses, while benzos, often prescribed for anxiety or sleep, can lead to dangerous withdrawal and dependency. We treat both with heightened medical care and trauma-informed therapy.

Heroin – 5% (Down from 6%)

Heroin use dropped slightly, but still shows up in high-acuity cases, especially when prescription opioids aren’t available. We use MAT alongside CBT and peer support to treat the deep emotional pain that heroin often masks.

Prescription Opioids – 2% (No change)

These medications often start as pain relief but lead to dependency, especially when trauma, stress, or chronic pain go untreated. We treat this through alternative pain management, behavioral therapy, and MAT when appropriate.

Marijuana – 6% (Down from 11%)

A notable drop this past year. But for some clients, especially those with frequent or high-potency use, marijuana still impacts memory, motivation, and mood regulation. We take a personalized approach to understanding if and how it’s affecting their recovery path.

Other Substances – 3% (Down from 11%)

This group includes hallucinogens, synthetic drugs, inhalants, and lesser-used prescription meds. While smaller in percentage, each case represents a story worth understanding, often rooted in trauma, exploration, or masking identity-based stress.

With the Right Care, Addiction Can Be Healed

Understanding a person’s drug of choice helps us tailor care that works for them. We start with medically supervised detox, followed by personalized treatment that includes cognitive therapy, medication support, and holistic healing practices.

Together, we rewrite the story of addiction into one of strength, resilience, and real recovery.

Recovery starts with understanding and turns into transformation. If you’re ready, Ripple Ranch is here to walk with you.

Learn More About Integrating Past Treatment Experiences

Let us help you break the cycle of addiction. Reach out today.

Full-Continuum Care Starts Here

Full-Continuum Care Starts Here

Full-Continuum Care Starts Here

Full-Continuum Care Starts Here

Full-Continuum Care Starts Here

Substances of Choice: Reflecting on Personal Struggles and Societal Trends

A Closer Look at Substance Selection and Addiction

The Mechanisms of Addiction

The Spectrum of Substance Choice in 2024

Alcohol – 49% (No change from 2023)

Methamphetamines – 17% (Up from 10%)

Cocaine – 8% (Up from 5%)

Fentanyl – 6% (Up from 3%) + Benzodiazepines – 4% (Up from 3%)

Heroin – 5% (Down from 6%)

Prescription Opioids – 2% (No change)

Marijuana – 6% (Down from 11%)

Other Substances – 3% (Down from 11%)

With the Right Care, Addiction Can Be Healed

Learn More About Integrating Past Treatment Experiences