Substance Use Therapy

In 2019, methamphetamine was considered the number one drug threat in Texas. This is partially due to its relative cheap cost and widespread availability. And meth got more potent. Rather than relying on ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, meth is now often made across the border with phenyl-2-propanone (P2P). With this method, it is usually made into a liquid solution and then transported to Texas to "dry houses" where the drugs are prepared to be sold.

When we become angry, our adrenal glands flood the body with adrenaline and cortisol. Our muscles will tighten and there will be an increase in our heart rate and our blood pressure. We may get hot or flushed. Physiological changes take place in our body when we feel angry. For those that get angry frequently, these changes can have adverse effects on the body including bowel problems, ulcers, hypertension and strokes. Research has even shown that anger is a risk factor for h

First responders routinely show up on lists of industries with high burnout rates. First responders are comprised of police officers, EMS, firefighters and 911 dispatchers. Burnout is a form of stress that is usually associated with our work environment. Although anyone in any career is susceptible to burnout, there are several components of being a first responder that increase the odds of experiencing burnout in that field. Left untreated, burnout often leads to drugs and a

Breweries can be traced back 6,000 years to ancient Egypt and Babylonia. Wine based medications were written as far back as 2200 B.C. In medieval and renaissance England, adults and children were allotted 1 gallon of beer per day. George Washington even insisted that soldiers be provided with whiskey every day as part of their rations. (Fun fact, whiskey is a Gaelic word which roughly translates to “water of life”.) Why alcohol has been considered essential is complex a

I don’t know anyone whose stress has not increased over the past few weeks. At this point, it would be nearly impossible to not have some increased stress, panic or worry during these times. Covid-19 is called the novel coronavirus since it has not been previously identified in humans. I think it is reasonable to say that we are collectively having a novel stress experience. Only a novel stress experience such as this could make even the lack of Austin traffic seem depressin

Let’s face it. This is a hard time to feel good. Due to the coronavirus and measures put in place to control the spread, most of us are...

Covid-19 has affected almost every aspect of our lives. Coverage of Covid-19 now dominates the news, locally and globally. Extreme measures are being taken worldwide to prevent the spread. Strong precautions are being taken to protect those identified as most vulnerable; the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. There is another group that is highly vulnerable though they are getting very little attention. People who smoke, vape or who have substance use diso

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Narcan is the brand name, naloxone is the generic name. The medication works by “knocking” the opioids out of opioid receptors in the brain. All opioids are central nervous system depressants. When taken in excess, they can slow or stop breathing. When naloxone is administered to someone experiencing an opioid induced overdose, it can reverse the effects.

First, good for you for deciding to make your mental health a priority. Just making this decision to move forward is one of the hardest parts. So, you have decided to make a change, but now you actually have to find a therapist in Austin. Fortunately, Austin is a town that values mental health, so you will have a lot of options. The downside is that there are so many options, it can be a little overwhelming.