In recent years, Texas has faced significant challenges with drug addiction, impacting communities across the state. Texas’ major cities are often comprised of smaller cities and towns that were incorporated into the overall metropolitan area as the population of the Lone Star State grew. Addiction, whether to drugs, alcohol, or both, affects not only individuals…
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held annually to raise awareness about overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends who have lost loved ones. It was initiated in 2001 by Sally J. Finn at The Salvation Army in St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia, as…
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…
Relapse prevention is a critical aspect of long-term recovery for individuals battling addiction. It involves strategies and support systems designed to help recovering individuals maintain sobriety and avoid falling back into substance abuse. This journey can be especially challenging, but understanding and implementing effective relapse prevention techniques can significantly enhance the chances of sustained recovery.…
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…
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that affects many children and adults in the United States. ADHD can manifest differently in different people, but it is usually characterized by difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. A number of prescription drugs have been presented over the years as effective treatments for the symptoms of…
Addiction presents numerous challenges, not just for the individuals caught in its grip but also for their families and loved ones. It’s a health condition that stealthily infiltrates lives, leaving confusion, hurt, and despair in its wake. Recognizing addiction as a multifaceted disease requiring compassionate, professional intervention is the first step toward healing. However, the…
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…
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 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…