Sana Lake Recovery Blog

Xylazine is a central nervous system depressant primarily used as a sedative and muscle relaxant in veterinary medicine. Also known as "tranq dope,” xylazine is not approved for human use. Unfortunately, it is often added to drugs like heroin, fentanyl, benzodiazepines, and cocaine. Misusing xylazine can lead to extreme drowsiness, loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, [...]

The winter months can be tough for those who are sober. The days are shorter and the weather keeps us inside more often. The winter months also signal that the holiday season is upon us and with that the influx of parties and gatherings with friends, family, co-workers, and loved ones. This time of year [...]

When it comes to substance use disorder, no story is ever a carbon copy of the other. This is especially true as it relates to veterans. At Sana Lake Recovery in Dittmer, Missouri, we offer a vast array of individualized treatment options for veterans who suffer from substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over [...]

It’s not uncommon to come home after a stressful day at the office and pour yourself a glass of wine, crack open a beer, or mix up your favorite cocktail. In fact, in much of American society having a drink to relax and unwind is just a part of life, especially when you consider how [...]

Navigating Thanksgiving or any holiday as a newly sober individual might feel overwhelming as you start to think back to previous holiday celebrations with family and friends. Holidays bring a feeling of nostalgia, but oftentimes the memories made involve alcohol; something you're now trying to steer clear from. The truth is, holidays are not made [...]

One of the most difficult parts of recovery is remaining consistent. Relapse rates have proven themselves to be a formidable opponent in the battle for sobriety. A good chunk of those who attend and finish addiction treatment wind up relapsing within the year. When it comes to continuing care in Missouri, Sana Lake Recovery Center [...]

There is nothing quite like sports fans; they are passionate, devoted, and constantly eager to support their teams. The sports community is made up of a wide range of people, from ardent supporters to casual spectators. They have joyous and depressing moments. If you're an American and you're watching sports, chances are you probably have [...]

There is an opioid crisis in Missouri, and it’s been happening for a pretty long time. This isn’t just something that can be swept under the rug; hundreds of thousands of people are being affected by this, and in some cases the results are fatal. While those suffering from opioid and fentanyl abuse must get [...]

Studies show that about one-half of teens have tried an illegal drug by the time they are seniors in high school. Also, more than 65% have consumed alcohol by the time they finish high school. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency, drug and alcohol use among teens is a growing problem. [...]

Every year, as the calendar turns to October, the focus is usually on fall festivities, but this year, there’s something more menacing that people should be aware of. The news, local law enforcement, and even the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) is warning parents about a new pattern among drug dealers, known as "rainbow fentanyl." These [...]

Throughout the year, there are challenges held to help encourage people to cut back on their drinking or eliminate it from their lives. Dry January has grown in popularity over the years as people try to start the year by getting healthy as part of their New Year’s Resolutions. Another time of the year when [...]

For anyone who has ever experienced substance abuse themselves, or with a loved one, instead of asking "what happens when you do drugs," the better question should be "what happens when you overdose," because the threat of taking too much is very real. To put it in perspective, in 2020, Missouri ranked 32nd in the [...]

Certain events in life are times for joyous celebrations and gatherings, such as the winter holidays and summer vacations. For some people, however, these seasons could be a tremendous test of willpower. This is particularly true for people who just came out of rehab and are trying desperately to stay clean and away from substances [...]

Many people are aware that they have a substance abuse disorder and would like to put a stop to it but are not quite sure if they should check into a detox center and rehab afterward, or simply do it at home. For those burdened with the question "can you detox from alcohol at home," [...]

When it comes to any kind of substance use disorder, coming to terms with the reality of addiction is difficult, to say the least. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t hope for those who are dealing with a substance use disorder, even for those who are struggling with meth addiction. There are a variety of [...]

Most people who hear the term methamphetamine almost immediately have the word "illegal substance" in their mind, and with good reason. Methamphetamine, or meth as it is more commonly called, is a potent central nervous system stimulant, or drug that increases the activity of the central nervous system, and the entire body as well. Stimulants [...]

When you stop using drugs and alcohol, the way you spend your leisure time changes a lot. The old habits and activities need to be replaced to not only help you pass the time, but to help you reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and the world around you. For those who live in Kansas [...]

Sana Lake Recovery Recognized by Newsweek on 2022 List of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers [Dittmer, MO, August 24, 2022] – Sana Lake Recovery been awarded on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers 2022. This prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The […]

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a type of intensive outpatient treatment that provides mental health and substance abuse care for people who are struggling with addiction or mental illness. PHPs are typically structured as day programs that last for several hours each day, but they can also be offered in an evening or weekend [...]

According to a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, results showed that a total of 88,637 individuals we diagnosed with an opioid use disorder (OUD) and received treatment for substance use disorder and 52,926 individuals received some type of medicated-assisted treatment (MAT). This includes the medications, methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Out of these [...]

Even though mental health and addiction affect both genders, it is often overlooked when it comes to men. There is a men’s mental health stigma indicating that it’s a sign of weakness if a man is faced with an obstacle of some kind. Due to the stigma, some men find it challenging to speak up [...]

The current legal proceedings between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, wherein Mr. Depp is suing his ex-wife, Ms. Heard, for defamation, have piqued the interest of people across the country the past few weeks. While we will leave the judgement against either party in the matter to the court, we cannot help but recognize the [...]

If you are struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, you may be considering therapy. You are not alone. In 2020, almost 53 million people had a mental illness. It is natural to have questions about therapy, especially: What is a psychiatric evaluation? What happens during a psych evaluation? Where to get [...]

Once known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services, TRICARE insurance is a supplemental health care program for all military service members and their families. The United States Department of Defense Military Health System offers this program to: U.S. Air Force Army Navy Marine Corps Coast Guard Commission Core U.S. Public [...]

Opioids have been on the rise in the United States for years now, and it’s only getting worse. What’s worse is that Missouri is contributing to thousands of overdose deaths every year. Some of these deaths involved prescription painkillers, and it's not just one group of people or demographic who are suffering. This opioid epidemic [...]

When you have a substance use disorder (SUD), support becomes an invaluable resource. Dealing with addiction on your own is difficult and—for many people—feelings of loneliness can hurt your recovery progress. This is why there are many benefits of attending recovery support groups in Kansas City, MO. Humans are social creatures. Subsequently, we are better [...]

What Are Mood Stabilizers? Mood stabilizers are psychiatric medications that can help control an individual’s mood swings ranging from mania and depression. They are prescribed to restore the neurochemical balance in a person by decreasing brain activity. It’s important to note that mood stabilizer drugs are commonly used to treat individuals with the following disorders: […]

New federal data suggests that America’s drug epidemic is the deadliest it has ever been. According to provisional data published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 100,000 individuals died of drug overdoses during the 12 months ending in April 2021 in the United States. The overdose deaths skyrocketed to 28.5% […]

Getting a great night’s sleep is one of the best feelings. At the same time, spending the night tossing and turning puts you in a bad mood and starts the day off wrong. People who struggle with insomnia may think alcohol will help, but over time it leads to dependence and trouble sleeping without alcohol.  […]

Most single people can write a book about their weird, awkward, and terrible dates. You are probably thinking of a few right now. However, the person you are dating right now is different.  Besides dating someone thoughtful and kind, you are also dating someone in recovery. For some people, dating someone in recovery from drug […]