Johnny Nash originally sang the song “I Can See Clearly Now”. In the song he sings: I can see clearly now the rain is gone I can see all obstacles in my way Gone are the dark clouds that … Read More
Dopamine’s Starring Role In Addiction
If the neurobiology of addiction were a movie, dopamine might get the starring role. Addiction simply doesn’t happen without dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemical messaging systems in the brain that carry specific messages from one area … Read More
Going To Treatment Vs. Going It Alone
Every man who is considering going to treatment in order to quit- and stay quit- from an addiction has a choice. He can go to treatment or he can go it alone. Isolation is heavily argued against in recovery. Left … Read More
Actions Versus Practices of Self Care
Benjamin Franklin once said, “When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” Actor Ryan Gosling commented on hydration and exercise on The Ellen Show, saying “Once you’re thirsty- it’s too late. You’re already dehydrated.” Self-care is the way … Read More
TEAM- Together Everyone Achieves More
“There is no ‘I’ in team,” we often hear when we discuss teamwork, collaboration, cooperation, dropping the ego, and working together. Teamwork cannot include ego. Teams do have leaders. Smart teams include multiple leaders. Leaders, more importantly, know how to … Read More
Where Does Reward Seeking Behavior Come From?
Reward-seeking behavior is crux of the problem of addiction. What leads a man to seek reward through drugs and alcohol? How can he redefine and reprogram this inherent system of his being in order to live a clean and sober … Read More
A Timeline of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms of withdrawal experienced during active alcohol abuse will be similar to those experienced once use has stopped completely. During active alcoholism, symptoms of withdrawal can begin in as little as 8 hours after the last drink. Within the common … Read More
How You See the World Is Influenced By Who You Are
Is the glass half empty or half full? Our answer is supposed to define who we are and how we see the world. If you see the glass as half empty, you are said to be a pessimist, lacking in … Read More
Fentanyl Found: Why Overdose Rates Are High
The number of opioid overdose deaths in 2015 was startling. Over 52,000 people were estimated to have died as a result of opioid overdose in just one year. That number surpassed, for the first time, the number of people who … Read More
Things You Learn About Yourself at Tree House: Part One
The Tree House man stands tall with confidence and ability. Having gained the skills he needs to live free from addiction, he is distinct. This is part one in a series of what you learn about yourself at Tree House … Read More