Opioid Use Stigma

Q & A with Santé’s Medical Director, Melissa Pennington, D.O.   WHAT ARE OPIOIDS? Opioids are a group of drugs that require a prescription and include man-made narcotics such as fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, the illegal drug heroin, and many more.   What is stigma? A negative thought or belief about another individual or…

Dry or Damp?

Q & A with Santé’s Medical Director, Melissa Pennington, D.O.   WHAT IS DRY/DAMP JANUARY? Over the last decade, “Dry January” has become a popular way to begin the year for many. Dry January is when an individual commits to not drink any alcohol for the 31 days in the month.¹  More recently, “Damp January”…

Opioids Overdose Deaths

Q & A with Santé’s Medical Director, Melissa Pennington, D.O.   WHAT ARE OPIOIDS? Opioids, sometimes referred to as narcotics, are pain medications prescribed by medical doctors. Opioid medicines work by transporting through the blood and then connect to opioid receptors in brain cells. The opiate blocks pain messages and can enhance spirits and feelings…

Pregnant woman holds belly, wonders if she can detox while pregnant

Can You Detox While Pregnant?

Wondering if you can detox while pregnant? The answer is a resounding yes since your fetus is highly susceptible to the impacts of any of the substances you take. Whether prescription medication, natural supplements, or drugs and alcohol, your fetus is directly impacted. Therefore, when a mother struggles with addiction, it can be complicated to…

WARNING SIGNS OF ADDICTION

Q & A with Santé’s Medical Director, Melissa Pennington, D.O.+   WHAT ARE THE STATISTICS FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE? 22.5 million people (8.5% of the U.S. population) aged 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem in 2014, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services’ (SAMHSA) National Survey on…

Women and Wine Culture

Q & A with Santé’s Medical Director, Melissa Pennington, D.O. WHAT ARE EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL RISKS? Excessive alcohol use poses both health and safety risks to females, as their physical health is adversely impacted by heavy drinking, including risks for hypertension, cancer, stroke, liver disease, and alcohol-impaired accidents. There has been a troubling increase in consumption…

TIANEPTINE OR “GAS STATION HEROIN”

WHAT IS TIANEPTINE OR “GAS STATION HEROIN”? Tianeptine is a prescription drug used for depression in some European, Asian, and Latin American countries. It is not approved for use in the US.   Why is Tianeptine known as “Gas Station Heroin”? Tianeptine is known as “gas station heroin” because it can mimic an opioid high…

distraught looking woman attending group meeting identifying the 10 signs you're a female sex addict

10 Signs You’re a Female Sex Addict

In the realm of behavioral health, sex addiction is often misunderstood and shrouded in stereotypes, especially when it comes to women. The idea that only men struggle with sex addiction is a common misconception that can prevent women from seeking the help they need. A female sex addict faces many of the same issues as…

DRUNKOREXIA – A Dangerous Trend

WHAT IS DRUNKOREXIA? Drunkorexia is the recognized term that refers to modifying eating behaviors for the planned caloric intake of alcohol or to increase the effects of consuming alcohol. Some researchers have used the term more broadly to include not only food restriction, but also excessive exercise before or after drinking.   How many people…