Patients who seek treatment of alcohol abuse often struggle with additional mental illnesses that affect their ability to participate in treatment. These illnesses include major depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Among the most difficult co-occurring illnesses to treat though is the combination of alcohol abuse and an eating disorder. At Santé Center…
The heroin epidemic continues to grab news headlines from coast-to-coast in the United States. Heroin is an opiate, a drug made from morphine of the opium poppy plant. On the streets, people call heroin big H, horse, smack, and hell dust. The drug was first popular in the 1960s and 1970s, quieted during the 1980s,…
Like a lot of people, maybe you think having one drink too many is just harmless fun. But is it? While drinking alcohol is widely accepted in society, there is such a thing as drinking too much. Sometimes, the result is a hangover; other times, it’s poisoning. However, many of us may not be able…
There are many medications available to you to manage anxiety-related issues. For instance, your doctor might prescribe Xanax to treat a panic disorder or other anxiety-related condition. It relaxes you and also has some antidepressant properties. But, as a benzodiazepine, this medication can have a dark side as well. As with any medication, it’s vital…
Many people who abuse drugs have their substance of choice. However, this doesn’t mean they only use that substance. Rather, it means an individual just prefers one particular drug. While they have a favorite, they may have no problems mixing various substances. This type of drug abuse poses additional problems. A common combination is cocaine…
The use of opiates in America has grown exponentially in recent years. Unfortunately, this led to an increase in opiate addictions across the United States. Many people struggling with an opiate addiction may find themselves tempted to try to break free from these medications on their own. Yet, just as self-medicating with drugs or alcohol…
Addictions come in many forms. While drug and alcohol addiction are more recognized than some others, people can be addicted to anything that triggers the reward pathway in the brain. Whether it’s gambling, food, or sex, an unhealthy dependence can have devastating consequences. So, what is sex addiction, and how can it damage your life?…
Counselors specializing in addiction treatment are confronted daily with men and women who resemble prisoners. Some hide behind hunched shoulders, averted eyes, and mumbled or evasive answers. By contrast, others vigorously defend, deny, rationalize, and excuse the behavior that brought them here to Santé Center for Healing. Whether they are engaging in flight or fight,…
You’ve woken up to withdrawal symptoms one too many times. You’re ready to make some changes in your life. Overcoming a substance abuse problem is at the top of your list. However, one of the reasons you are still struggling with substance use disorder is that you’ve never been able to properly get the drugs…
You’re struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You’re also dealing with a drug habit. How do PTSD and addiction connect? More importantly, how can you overcome both and live sober? Often these questions plague individuals struggling with PTSD as well as those who care about them like their loved ones, friends, and family. Finding answers…