Q & A with Santé’s Medical Director, Melissa Pennington, D.O. Q.) 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…
Withdrawing from alcohol is not only extremely uncomfortable but can also be dangerous. Alcohol detox in Texas can make the process safer, but what is alcohol detox, and how can it help prevent the life-threatening consequences of withdrawal? Call 866.238.3154 to speak to Santé Center for Healing about how to detox from alcohol. What Is…
Your brain is the computer of life. It governs bodily functions that we rarely contemplate like blinking your eyes, breathing, and movement. These and more are the result of a complex set of mechanisms facilitated by brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. You probably already know drugs impact the brain, but have you ever wondered how…
You hear about the opioid epidemic often on the news, and justifiably so. The number of people struggling with heroin or other opioid addictions has skyrocketed over the past 20 years, with disastrous consequences. Sadly, that’s just a slice of a more significant problem. Learning about drug overdose has become one of the most pressing…
Substance abuse triggers profound changes in your brain. It interferes with normal functions and, perhaps more alarmingly, clouds judgment—one of those risks common to individuals with substance abuse issues is combining substances. Abusing one drug is hazardous enough. The dangers of mixing substances are even more substantial. Medical professionals call this an example of “polydrug”…
Many people who abuse drugs have their substance of choice. However, this doesn’t mean they only use that substance. Instead, 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 issues. A typical combination is cocaine…
For those addicted to alcohol, quitting on their own is very difficult. Alcohol affects how the brain perceives pleasure and learns new things. When you become addicted to alcohol, your brain does too. How hard is it to quit drinking? It’s much more challenging if you try to do it independently. Luckily, Santé Center for…
When individuals use drugs or alcohol even recreationally, they can develop a dependency or addiction. The more potent the substance and the more frequent the use, the greater the risk of addiction. One particular drug, cocaine, is frequently used in social settings. If you or someone you love uses cocaine, it’s essential to look out…
Codeine is an opiate. It’s also an ingredient in various common medications, such as cough syrups. However, as an opiate, codeine can be habit-forming if abused. The chance of individuals abusing codeine has increased over the years due to the prescription opioid epidemic. Many individuals who have inadvertently become dependent upon opioids have used codeine…
You’re struggling with a substance use disorder. Maybe you’ve tried quitting before and relapsed shortly after leaving rehab, or perhaps you’ve tried on your own and are wondering, do I need treatment? You’re not alone. Millions struggle with substance use disorder in the United States. Substance use doesn’t just affect the individual user. Instead, the…