For those with an alcohol use disorder, the first step of treatment is detoxification. Professional addiction treatment prepares an individual for the withdrawal symptoms that often accompany detox. Alcohol detox and withdrawal represent the body’s natural process of eliminating alcohol toxins after prolonged use. During this period, the body undergoes significant physiological changes, leading to…
How does LGBTQIA+ Community discrimination impact health? Health disparities among LGBTQIA+ people are linked to stigma and discrimination for example: Many LGBTQIA+ people have reported experiencing stigma and discrimination when accessing health services, leading some individuals to delay necessary health care or forego it altogether.1 Do LGBTQIA+ Community members face mental illness more than…
Addiction is a growing problem in the United States, with the constant media airplay of “the opioid crisis” and past initiatives of “the war on drugs.” While substance use disorders are indeed a growing concern, the behavioral health industry has responded. There are now numerous federal and state programs to address addiction and co-occurring mental…
What are some examples of commonly used phrases that can have unintended damaging consequences? “This dessert is like crack to me.” “My girlfriend is psycho.” Have you ever considered certain language commonly used to reference behaviors can be harmful to those with addiction and behavioral disorders? What can you do? When you avoid using stigmatizing…
Depression is one of the most common mental health challenges in the United States, affecting young and old alike. While almost everyone has experienced “down” moods and periods of low energy and motivation, clinically diagnosed depression is far more disruptive to daily activities. There are many forms of depression, and no two individuals manifest symptoms…
For many Americans and Texans, life can feel like a constant battle. It’s a scenario more common than many of us would like to admit, where the specter of past traumas haunts the present, leading to a desperate search for relief. This is the harsh reality for individuals grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and…
What is problematic sexual behavior? What is sex addiction? Problematic sexual behavior (PSB) is an on-going, uncontrollable pattern of sexual thoughts and behaviors that prove problematic in a person’s life. This particular form of addiction or compulsive behavior is often misunderstood. Sensationalized or worst-case scenarios may make headlines – but are not the norm. Though…
Many Americans find themselves entangled in the web of trauma and addiction, two complex conditions that often walk hand in hand, casting shadows over lives and families. Traumatic experiences can take a lasting toll on an individual and cause them to self-medicate or self-soothe with addictive substances like drugs or alcohol. Addiction and trauma often…
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”…
Have you ever found yourself in a conversation about mental health, only to realize how much we still have to learn? Schizophrenia, a topic often shrouded in mystery and misconceptions, is a prime example of this. It’s a condition that can seem distant until it touches someone close to us. But what are the signs…