Our skull acts like a helmet to protect our brain, which is made of soft tissue. Sitting in water and fluid, however, our brain is not compactly protected by our skulls, which is why we are instructed to wear helmets … Read More
Why the Prefrontal Cortex Matters in Addiction and Recovery
Addiction is a matter of reward. Addiction is rooted in neurobiology. It disrupts the brain’s reward circuit—the system responsible for reinforcing behavior and driving motivation. Drugs and alcohol, in addition to other mind altering substances, stimulate the production of a … Read More
Could That Carb-Fueled Cheat Day Start aDevastating Domino Effect?
The health industry has gone to extraordinary lengths to avoid the inevitable cheat day. “Lifestyle” enthusiasts swear by their almost-like-dessert creations that put on the gains, fuel the workouts, and stave off pesky cravings. Some of the most committed claim … 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
How Breathing Influences Your Emotions
Breathing and the brain have a remarkably simple relationship. The brain needs oxygen in order to function. Traumatic injuries and accidents that cut off oxygen to the brain can meet a fatal end when the brain can no longer “breathe”. … Read More
Crying Is Good For You
Crying is often seen as a sign of weakness in the hegemonic identity of the male personality. Men simply aren’t supposed to cry. Likewise, men aren’t supposed to be emotional and they are not supposed to become emotionally vulnerable to … Read More
5 Ways To Beat Early Recovery Sugar Cravings
Sugar is a common craving in early recovery. Alcohol is a sugar. When you detox from alcohol, your body is left craving the presence of sugar as much as it is the stimulation of dopamine. Drugs are not sugars, but … Read More
Will Recovery Make You Less Of A Man?
How can I be a man if I can’t go drinking with the boys? How can I be a man if I go to rehab? How can I be a man if I have to take off work and drop … Read More
How Stress Affects Men
Stress is a natural part of life. Our bodies produce stress hormones in order to feel and combat stress. We feel stressed because it is part of our survival instinct. Our fight-or-flight response is a stress response that empowers us … Read More
Bro’s Before Ro’s: Dudes Prefer Bromance to Romance
Brotherhood is a precious bond among men. At Tree House Recovery in Portland, Oregon, a men’s residential drug addiction treatment facility, the men in our program forge strong relationships with one another. Holding each other up, pushing each other to … Read More