Theravive Home

Currently, rates of caffeine consumption in the United States are stable- the FDA indicates that as of 2012, the rates of consumption have not increased; however, the source of consumption – e.g.- energy drinks- has (Food and Drug Administration, 2012). This is contradictory with the casual observation of the the popularity of caffeinated energy drinks, such as Red Bull and Monster, and increasingly large serving sizes of coffee. [More]

The use, popularity, and availability of illicit drugs changes from one geographical region and time period to another. Certain illicit psychoactive drugs will fade from common use and then re-emerge. Substances which may have been discovered decades ago will experience a sudden surge in popularity. Familiar substances may be administered in new ways, or chemically altered or combined for a different effect. In other instances, something truly new may emerge on the illicit drug market. [More]

Working out is a superb way to manage anxiety, depression, and anger. It is also a useful adjunct to manage addiction, PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder), and insomnia. It has been noted that mental health providers are slowly recognizing this, and are advised to include it as part of a treatment plan (Weir, 2011). The exact mechanism by which exercise improves mood is unclear- it may be partly due to increased catecholamines- the brain chemicals serotonin, dopamine, and norephinephrine- which can all elevate mood (Mayo Clinic, 2014). Release of beta-endorphins, the natural opiates produced by the brain are also a likely cause (Mental Health Foundation, 2013). [More]

Sleep is a basic requirement for survival, as essential as air, food, and water. It is a period of time where the activity of our body and brain are on standby, so both can not only reduce the amount of energy used, but recharge vital functions. It is something we must all do about every 16 hours. [More]

Writing in a journal, or journaling, can serve as a valuable adjunct to psychotherapy. Keeping a journal is useful to gain and maintain perspective, to process stressors, generate ideas, and recognize functional and dysfunctional patterns in one's life. A journal can be a place for you to vent your emotions, and to take some private time every day to reflect on your life (Bodeeb, 2014). Journals can be used to record changes and milestones in life, and can also be passed on to the next generation as a part of family history. [More]

What is normal vs. abnormal exists on a continuum that varies from one culture and historical time period to the next. Clinicians will be most effective when they have a broad knowledge base of other cultures, as well as a good operational definition of this term. [More]

Values, beliefs, and perspectives in rural areas differ from what is found in urban areas, including how mental illness and substance abuse are defined and treated. The rural environment poses unique treatment challenges, and ethical conundrums. The clinician, who works in these areas, particularly if they originate from and have been raised in an urban center, will have a greater chance of successfully delivering treatment if they are familiar with the cultural norms in rural areas. [More]

If you are a MH/SA staff, providing counseling, psychotherapy, case management, or medication to this population, there is a certain degree of risk involved. The risk is greater if you work with an offender population, and individuals with a history of violence. If proper precautions are taken, support and protection are provided from co-workers and the agency, proper training is received, and good judgment based on training and education are exercised, safety to staff, as well as patients and bystanders, is enhanced. However, improper handling will result in problems. FB- Mental health and substance abuse workers are unfortunately at risk for experiencing violence in the workplace. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself. [More]

Sleep can be a low priority in our fast-paced society. Are you feeling the pressure to be constantly busy in order to succeed? While it may not seem like a major detriment, here are several reasons why sleep deprivation can be quite costly. [More]

Loving oneself is essential to being a mature, well-adjusted adult. However, taken to the extreme, it can become narcissistic and be harmful to others. What are the features of narcissism and how do we avoid it in our self-promoting society? [More]