Theravive Home

Addiction. It's a word that a lot of us have a negative response to, because it is something that we've all be conditioned to distrust and dislike. With good reason as well! Addiction can cause a lot of problems for people, both the person who is struggling with the addiction and those who are around them on a regular basis. But why does addiction happen? What happens in your body to make it addicted to something? [More]

Dr. Randall Green, PHD, LMFT, CAP, is not only an octogenarian (80-years-old); he is also 34-years sober. He recently stopped by a South Florida teen drug and alcohol addiction rehab to offer those in recovery eight slogans to live by that can change their life in a positive way. While the speech was presented at a teen alcohol and substance abuse treatment center and the speaker is a clinical director in the drug and alcohol industry, I thought his points resonate with all teens – whether or not they suffer from alcohol or substance abuse addiction. [More]

Recent research suggests that those with PTSD, especially women, may turn to food to escape and soothe painful psychological symptoms. In fact, certain foods may hijack the brain in ways that are very similar to the effects of drugs or alcohol. [More]

Individuals can overcome their individual challenges and barriers and achieve recovery. They must be able to choose their own path, and decide how and when they will access resources, including treatment services. These personal stories about achieving and living in recovery are powerful reminders of what is possible for those living with mental illness and substance use disorders. [More]

There are trials in every marriage, but one of the lowest points that can be experienced in a marriage, other than death of a spouse, may be the result of your other half battling drug addiction. It's likely the spouse who is not addicted feels helpless, hopeless, and angry when their spouse checks into a rehabilitation clinic. There is always the threat of relapse because recovery is never easy. In fact, it can continue over several years. [More]

Apart from stress and known eating disorders, addiction to food has also been a topic of major studies. The Rudd Report (2007)4 states that these studies have revealed that there are striking similarities in use and withdrawal patterns of sugar and of classic drugs of abuse. Addiction to food can also be triggered as people move away from other substances like tobacco and alcohol, and there is a possibility that food and classic addictive substances compete for the same brain pathways. Indeed, many food additives can affect the brain in ways similar to drug abuse. [More]

Caffeine is probably one of the most frequently used brain stimulating substances, commonly found in beverages like coffee, tea, etc. The amount of caffeine varies with the beverage type, for example coffee contains more caffeine than tea. The daily intake of caffeine has been a topic of debate among health experts for many years. Some suggest that caffeine stimulates the nervous system, thus improving the learning abilities and cognitive skills of a person. [More]

Do you struggle with emotional eating? Do you find yourself turning to food on a regular basis when you’re not physically hungry? We all emotionally eat from time to time. It becomes problematic however, when turning to food or restricting food becomes your primary pattern of coping. [More]

Addictions come in many forms. However, drinking to the point of intoxication on the weekends is often considered socially acceptable, especially among young adults and college kids. In fact, many consider it a rite of passage to adulthood. Over 50% of the alcohol consumed in the US is from binge drinking. [More]

It is critical to understand that your loved one’s addiction is more powerful than his/her best intentions. It truly is not about you, but an internal daily struggle within your loved one that only s/he can overcome. [More]