Narcan, which reverses the effects of fentanyl or other opioids, is available for free in many places

View full interview here

SAN ANTONIO – A handful of mothers who lost their children to fentanyl poisoning created an enormous movement, which led to a long line of local, state, and federal leaders vowing to do their part in stopping fentanyl poisoning.

“Two years ago, on June 11, 2022, I lost my youngest son Cody to illicit fentanyl poisoning. He was a beautiful young man,” said Kathy Drago.

“This is what I’m going to do. I’m going to be Jake’s voice,” said Martha Johnson, who lost her son to fentanyl poisoning.

“This is my nephew Ryan Matthew Garcia Jr. He thought he was taking a Percocet, but it was laced with fentanyl,” said Janet Zarate.

These families have taken the bravest step, sharing their pain and anger. And it didn’t take long for Texas leaders from near and far to hear their call.

In 2023, several of the mothers organized the first-ever fentanyl awareness walk, ‘Soles Walking 4 Souls.’ Hundreds of people showed up, and the leaders who jumped on board from the start were there again this year.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott offered a call to action.

“You all know about fentanyl. Far more Texans do not know about it. So, we have a tall task ahead of us to educate all Texans across the state - and if we can do that, we’re going to be far more successful in eliminating deaths,” said Abbott.

“This is not a Democrat or Republican issue,” State Rep. John Luhan said.

Each speaker echoed the same thing: that it’s about all of our futures.

“In the last three and a half years, our state troopers have seized over half a billion lethal doses of fentanyl statewide. That’s enough to kill every man, woman, and child in America,” said Texas Department of Safety Lieutenant Christopher Olivarez.

Programs at the state and local level are creating ad campaigns to display for high school and college students, those who are most at risk.

The Angel Moms join with the state’s One Pill Can Kill campaign, and alongside the Bexar Country Sheriff’s Office.

“We need to get in. Kids are dying every day,” Johnson said.

There’s already one tool, Narcan, which reverses the effects of fentanyl or other opioids. But to save lives, people must carry it and know how to use it.

“Lay them on their back. All you have do is take this, stick it in their nose, and press that red button,” said Dr. Bill Drees with UT Health San Antonio. “Then lay them on their side in the recovery position in case they vomit. If they haven’t responded in a couple minutes, take out the second nasal spray dose and spray it into their other nostril.”

Narcan is available for free in many places. You can get it through Naloxone Texas, of Be Well Texas. Be Well Texas is UT Health San Antonio’s statewide substance use treatment initiative.

You can also email or call the Angel Moms through the Soles Walking 4 Soles website and they will personally deliver it.

Meth users face an added barrier to recovery in the form of brain damage, but experts found a unique solution

SAN ANTONIO – Recovery is a long road for everyone, but for some, there are extra barriers.

That’s the case with methamphetamine, which affects the brain in a very different way, and is extremely addictive.

The KSAT Solutionaries team found out about a unique treatment being used for both.

Meth use is rampant in our community and across the country.

More than two and a half million Americans are using methamphetamines, which include hundreds of thousands here in Texas, according to the National Institutes of Drug Abuse.

The National Institutes of Health reports that overdose deaths involving methamphetamine nearly tripled from 2015 to 2019 among people ages 18-64 in the United States.

A UT Health San Antonio doctor said he’s seen a tenfold increase in his patients over the last decade.

A local facility, Alpha Home, reports 50% of their clients now come in with meth addiction.

Using meth for a long time or in high quantities physically damages the brain so much that researchers have equated it to a traumatic brain injury.

Relating those together, a lightbulb went off for experts and out came a unique solution: using the same simple therapy for both TBI and meth recovery.

“What led me to my substance use basically was relationship. It was kind of like, ‘If you love me, you’ll use with me.’ And I was really scared but I did it and it was so powerful, like, I had to have it,” said Dana Snider.

Snider was 19 when she tried methamphetamine.

“From there on, it was on and off until I was 35 years old. You know, with losing my kids, destroying relationships, selling drugs because now I have to support my habit. Doing things that I didn’t ever think I was going to ever do,” Snider said.

She didn’t realize how many other young people were just like her, and had such easy and cheap access to meth.

“Around the age of 16 I tried cocaine. But at 17 I tried meth, and that’s what really got me,” said Ashley Criado.

Criado fell into the same darkness, initially finding sobriety, but it didn’t stick

“I ended up relapsing when my youngest at the time was about six months old, and I lost my three children. I was homeless. I experienced a lot in that time. But October 4th, 2018, I came back to Alpha Home. And so my sobriety date is October 5th, 2018,” Criado said.

Both Criado and Snider wound up at Alpha Home, a long-time San Antonio residential treatment center and home for women with substance use disorder.

“I’ve been sober for six and a half years,” Snider said.

It was in rehab that they started to learn the biology of what had happened to their brain.

They were surprised to hear all the damage that had been done.

“I remember in class, I was crying. I was like, ‘Am I ever going to, you know, be smart?’” Snider said through tears.

Snider would soon find that her education would extend further than she’d ever thought possible, but what she was learning in the moment was terrifying.

She was taught that meth can destroy brain cells in crucial areas, more so than a lot of other drugs.

That brain injury is usually to the prefrontal cortex, which controls things like personality, decision making, long-term planning.

There is also typically damage to the hippocampus, which controls memory and learning.

“A lot of hallucinations and delusions. I would see things that weren’t there, hear things that others could not hear,” Criado said.

Doctors report about a third of people that use methamphetamines experience psychotic events, and another third of those are going to experience continued psychosis even after they stop using meth.

“One of the biggest things was the jolting. My eyes would jolt. It would be like you see on a TV screen how it kind of goes like into a squiggle,” Snider said.

There were also simple things she just couldn’t seem to manage, even though she was fully committed to recovery.

“It was very irritating to me. I couldn’t pick up on appointments. I was trying to do the things I needed to do, but it was very hard to remember stuff,” Snider said.

“Someone that’s in persistently psychotic state, unfortunately may not have the organization, attention and wherewithal to seek treatment, particularly in a complicated health system,” said Addiction Medicine Physician Dr. Curtis Bone with Be Well Texas.

Be Well Texas is a state-wide, all-encompassing addiction program run through UT Health San Antonio.

Bone said with those intense symptoms in addition to attention problems and planning abilities, patients have trouble retaining treatment, even if they want it.

“When you have a learning disability, whether it’s something you’re born with or something that you’ve damaged because of drug usage, you still need that unique support for whatever it is that you’ve got,” said Alpha Home CEO Liza Jensen.

In her work, Jensen learned something very interesting about these meth-induced brain injuries.

“It is believed to be in some research studies, very similar to somebody who has a traumatic brain injury,” she said.

Traumatic brain injuries cause similar symptoms to those described after meth use: potential for increase in impulsivity, problems with attention and organization, problems with those executive function tasks if the the injury impacts those parts of the brain.

The connection between the two has been researched by the National Library of Medicine and studied by SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Jensen mentioned military practices that the VA was using a therapy called contingency management with their traumatic brain injury patients.

Research shows they soon found it also worked for veterans with substance use disorder.

“What they have found that is effective is somebody who gets rewarded immediately to help reinforce the learning of a skill or behavior. And the way we do that is that we constantly give them positive reinforcement for what they’re doing right,” Jensen said.

“There are decades of research, that demonstrate the effectiveness of contingency management,” Bone said.

However until recently, it hadn’t been used in these recovery spaces.

Alpha Home’s Contingency Management program is a level system that rewards clients for hitting weekly treatment goals, like attending classes or meetings.

Rewards are then given out in group settings, in front of peers.

Level 1 is backpack. (Given during a client’s 1st Community Group on week 1)

Level 2. Journal. (Given between Day 14-29)

Level 3. Highlighters. (Given between Day 30-44)

Level 4. Bracelet. (Given after 45+ days)

On the other end, if clients are not successful they fill out a learning experience form and do extra chores. They also continue getting support from their staff and peers.

Jensen said the type of reward isn’t what’s important. It’s the hit of dopamine the brain gets from accomplishing a task and getting encouragement for it.

“30 other people are saying, ‘Yay, way to go!’ That feels good when you’ve got cheerleaders on your side,” Jensen said.

So why does that simple thing work physiologically?

“Methamphetamine is similar to other substances in that it interacts in the reward pathway and cause the release of dopamine. Euphoria makes people feel good,” Bone said.

But when the person stops taking the drug, the brain still needs that reward pathway stimulated, and it’s not easy to match the power of something like methamphetamine.

“So this provides kind of a bridge, you might say, to allow for time to recover, for that prefrontal cortex to get engaged,” Bone said.

Be Well Texas uses contingency management, too, and has the funding to give monetary rewards for small actions.

“Engaging with recovery communities, for example, or reading certain texts, going to appointments, meditating,” Bone said.

The answer both centers have found aligns with the research that medications helping with cravings combined with behavioral therapies, like contingency management, tend to work the best.

“It gets better. There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” Snider said.

Snider and Criado are perfect examples of that.

“I’ve been teaching the Monday morning recovery planning. I’m going to be switching to anger management on Thursdays,” Criado said.

Both women got degrees and have become counselors at Alpha Home, and are using contingency management with their own clients.

“It’s more of a small paper that we call push-ups. It’s like, ‘Hey, good job,’ and we post it on their door,” Snider explained.

She can see first-hand, the reaction.

“They love it. They start taking ownership of what they’re doing. They start getting honest,” Snider said.

They both emphasize brain health, even more so for their clients recovering from meth.

“Giving out crossword puzzles or word search, like ‘Here, exercise your brain a little bit.’ We do math problems sometimes at the beginning of class,” Snider explained.

“Doing anything to challenge your brain because of the neuroplasticity, right? Your brain’s going to be able to heal itself,” Criado said.

That healing has a beautiful ripple effect.

Both women are reunited with their kids and finding true joy in their lives. They say it’s worth every second of the work it took to get there.

They join the researchers and doctors in emphasizing that prevention is key in the form of education and they hope the community will begin spreading this life-saving information.

They also hope more addiction recovery centers and doctors will use contingency management programs for their patients.

However, for someone already using meth, or any drug, it’s never too late to get help.

Be Well Texas has a 24/7 help line, and can connect you or a loved one to almost any type of service. Those services include in person and virtual counseling, statewide treatment, housing and recovery services, distribution of naloxone, and even the ability to cover costs of some treatments.

Reach out, and call 888-85-BEWELL or (888) 852-3935. You can also go to their website.

View the full K-SAT interview here.

Moms who lost children started the walk, which is now bringing hundreds to Brooks City Base

SAN ANTONIO – It’s the first of its kind in San Antonio — a walk to remember those lost to fentanyl poisoning and a rally to stop it from happening.

KSAT has introduced viewers to the local mothers who lost children and, in turn, planned this event in the name of one of those children. The organization is called Forever 17, Danica’s Foundation.

Now, the focus is on the leading recovery experts speaking on Saturday, intending to make big changes with education and breaking the stigma.

“Substance use disorders can happen to anyone. This is a phenomenon that happens in my family. I am well aware of that. I am one of the lucky people because I have not lost a person,” said Dr. Jennifer Potter, the vice president of research for UT Health San Antonio, and executive director of its Be Well Texas program.

Dr. Potter is a renowned expert on substance use disorder, but she also understands it on a personal level.

“Moms and parents shouldn’t be the ones having to raise awareness. Our system needs to do better. Parents who are grieving should be able to grieve,” Potter said.

At Saturday’s Soles Walking for Souls event, Potter will speak on behalf of Be Well Texas, the UT Health San Antonio program offering science-based recovery options across the state.

Be Well Texas offers a long list of resources, regardless of a client’s ability to pay.

As the executive director and vice president of research, Potter is laser-focused on education for the community as well as those with substance use disorder.

“There is a poisoned drug supply right now in Texas. That if they’re using a substance and they don’t know where they got it from, that substance likely contains fentanyl,” she said.

Once people understand the problem, they can talk more openly about it.

“Stigma kills. We know people do not seek or ask for help because they are afraid of the consequences of asking for help, and that can end their life,” Potter said.

It’s also about knowing the options for prevention.

“The importance of fentanyl test strips, and everyone should be carrying naloxone,” Potter said.

Be Well Texas partners with 140 organizations across the state. Locally, a big one of those is the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness, or SACADA.

“One pill can kill. People need to know that, and they’re taking a gamble with their life,” said SACADA CEO Abby Gilmore.

SACADA provides free and confidential support to people with substance use disorder and their families.

“Help a family walk through the process. Do they need treatment? Do they need medication? Do they need a residential place to be? Whatever the family needs in regards to opioid use, we are there to meet them there and help,” Gilmore said.

SACADA also works closely with kids.

“We go to schools, and we do presentations. We work with kids long term the whole semester, provide education to young people -- elementary, middle and high school. We work with colleges and universities,” Gilmore said.

The goal is to prevent deaths in the next generation.

Gilmore echoed Potter in emphasizing the importance of carrying naloxone, with the brand name Narcan, that can reverse an opioid overdose.

“We encourage families to purchase it or call us for free Narcan. These medications can be bought now over the counter or can be even received from our agency at no charge,” Gilmore said.

Both experts are thrilled that Saturday’s event will include naloxone training.

“At the event, we want to celebrate that we are a community that wants to do prevention. How do we prevent losing lives at all ages, at all stages?” Gilmore said

Potter said it boils down to honesty about gaps in the system and true collaboration.

“That involves schools, that involves Be Well Texas, SACADA, everyone. There are a lot of isolated programs doing good work. But if we don’t talk about the fact that there are gaps in the system, we are going to continue to lose lives. Get everybody in the same room and focus on solving the problems collectively and collaboratively,” she said.

Potter and Gilmore said Saturday’s event is a good place to start.

The Soles Walking for Souls Fentanyl Awareness Walk is Saturday, October 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Greenline on Brooks City Base.

There will be federal, state, and local government officials, food vendors, naloxone training, a mile walk, and a candlelight vigil.

KSAT’s Courtney Friedman will be emceeing the event.

Head to the Soles Walking for Souls website or the KSAT Community page to register.

If you or someone you love is suffering with substance use disorder, there are cost friendly and even free options:

The number for Be Well Texas is (888) 85-BEWELL or (888) 852-3955.

To get resources from SACADA, call (210) 225-4741.

UT Health San Antonio’s grant will help facilities that house young adults 18-25

To watch the full KSAT interview, click here.

SAN ANTONIO – Finding safe, sober homes for young adults in recovery can be tough, but it’s crucial to end the cycle of addiction.

Trauma started early in 18-year-old Brianna’s life.

“I was adopted at a very early age of 8. Supposedly, I was sexually abused as a little girl and taken away,” she said.

Brianna struggled with that trauma, even after being adopted into a safe home.

She then decided to leave that home and go out on her own. That’s when she fell into some dangerous situations.

“I was pretty much on the verge of being homeless, ending up in motel rooms with men and just different, very unsafe places,” she said.

Brianna’s parents found Deborah’s House, a transitional home for women recovering from different addictions.

The house, run by Corazon Ministries, is one of several transitional houses across San Antonio, but many are not certified at a national standard. That’s where UT Health San Antonio’s “Be Well Texas” program comes in. It’s a program for people seeking help with substance use and/or mental illness. The program specializes in patients struggling with opioid addiction.

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services awarded Be Well Texas $3.4 million to strengthen recovery housing for young adults aged 18-25.

“We wanted to offer a higher level of care. So there’s an organization called NARR, which is a National Association of Recovery Residences, and they set some standards of what those levels of care are,” said Richard Hamner, the clinical research program manager at UT Health San Antonio’s Be Well Texas program.

With the grant money, Be Well Texas will cover costs to operate homes that are certified as “level 2″ or “level 3″ on NARR’s four-level service scale. NARR is the most widely referenced national standard for the operation of recovery residences, working with and supporting 30 state affiliate organizations.

“Level one is like an Oxford house, which is a self-run, democratically-run home. There’s a level two and a level three, which does provide more structure. So you have a house manager, and you would even have counseling services and that type of thing on site,” Hamner explained.

“Level two means that we have a recovery support peer specialist on staff, which is me,” Deborah’s House Director Ashley O’Leary said.

The new state funding provided O’Leary with extra training and certification. She said the new certification has offered structure and support to her team, which is necessary when handling such vulnerable clients.

“A lot of them are suffering from substance use disorder or mental health concerns. They’ve completed treatment, they’re coming out of jail, or we have one right now that was currently homeless at Haven for Hope that just moved in,” O’Leary said.

Her assistant director at the house is also in the process of getting trained and certified.

“We have counselors, we have mentors, we have classes we go to, and I love them,” Brianna said. “They’re directors, but they’re friends, and they’re family, and they’re counselors all at the same time.”

Similar funding will cover training and administrative costs for more than 40 transitional houses in the state, with a total of 440 beds.

“Those life skills may include employment readiness, GED education, healthy eating, home management and budgeting. And the homes also provide other essential social support,” Hamner said.

Hamner and O’Leary both know the importance of those things. They are both in long-term recovery as well. Hamner has been to inpatient and outpatient facilities, and O’Leary lived in Deborah’s House when it was established in 2012.

“Living in a home where everyone in there is dealing with the same challenges and the same issues, and they can mentor each other and they can kind of work through those for those programs, that’s just a huge thing,” Hamner said.

With the elevated structure from the funding, the hope is that these current organizations will be able to open even more houses.

“We definitely want to be able to expand. We’re looking into some different properties as a board and trying to grow our organization,” O’Leary said.

Brianna has friends that would like to get into similar housing, but many transitional homes are at capacity. She hopes more homes will open so people across San Antonio can find the recovery and safety she has.

“Deborah’s House is a definite safe haven for me. I feel loved every time I walk in here. To know that other people care makes us care about ourselves and makes us want to keep going and have a will,” Brianna said.

The program at Deborah’s House offers free rent for a month or month and a half while clients find a job and set out goals. Once they find a job, they only have to pay $400 in rent while finishing the recovery program that lasts anywhere from nine to 18 months.

“I don’t have to worry about all the light bills. I can worry about what I need to worry about right now and get done what I can so that I can stand up again on my own,” Brianna said.

Brianna now has a job and is getting her GED. She is finally emerging from darkness to see how bright her future can be.

People ages 18 through 25 with a substance use or mental health diagnosis can qualify for this program. For more information, contact Be Well Texas at (888) 85-BeWell, (888) 852-3935.