RECOVERable: Mental Health and Addiction Experts Answer Your Questions

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RECOVERable features conversations with top experts in mental health, addiction recovery, and emotional wellbeing. Each episode answers the internet’s most-asked questions about topics like anxiety, trauma, relapse, and self-growth, breaking them down into clear, relatable insights you can actually use. No jargon. No judgment. Just expert-backed guidance to help you understand and take control of your mental health.

  1. 3d ago ·  Video

    Orthorexia: What It Is, the Signs, and How It's Treated

    Is your obsession with "clean" eating secretly damaging your health? In this episode of RECOVERable, host Terry McGuire continues the conversation with eating disorder expert Dr. Brad Smith (Medical Director at The Emily Program) to unpack Orthorexia Nervosa—an eating disorder centered on the obsessive pursuit of "pure" and healthy foods.  Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ While clean eating is often praised in wellness culture and on social media, Dr. Brad Smith exposes how extreme food restrictions, cutting out entire food groups, and hyper-fixating on food labels can quickly turn dangerous. Unlike Anorexia Nervosa, which is primarily driven by weight and body image, Orthorexia is driven by a mission-based obsession with dietary purity. Left unchecked, this rigid mindset can sabotage social relationships, trigger intense guilt over "slip-ups," and lead to severe malnutrition.  Dr. Smith explains how Orthorexia overlaps with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety, why it is currently diagnosed under OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders) in the DSM-5, and how self-assessments like the Bratman Orthorexia Test are used. He also breaks down what multidisciplinary treatment looks like—including psychotherapy, nutritional rehabilitation with a registered dietitian, and safely managing the re-feeding process.  If you or a loved one are struggling with obsessive clean eating or rigid food rules, watch to learn how to spot the warning signs and access professional support. Subscribe for more expert mental health discussions!  Chapters: 00:00 – What Is Orthorexia Nervosa?  01:09 – Myth vs. Fact: Clean Eating & Food Rules  05:59 – When Does Healthy Eating Become Unhealthy?  07:08 – Why Isn't Orthorexia More Widely Known?  13:03 – Orthorexia vs. Anorexia: Key Differences  17:12 – Is Orthorexia Connected to OCD & Anxiety?  18:39 – Warning Signs & Red Flags of Orthorexia  22:32 – Can You Have Orthorexia Without Weight Loss Goals?  33:05 – How Dangerous Is Restrictive Clean Eating?  34:36 – Multidisciplinary Treatment & Re-Feeding  Questions the Video Answers: What is orthorexia nervosa and how is it defined? What is the difference between orthorexia and anorexia nervosa? Can you have orthorexia without wanting to lose weight? Is obsessive clean eating considered an eating disorder? Why isn't orthorexia currently listed as a standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5? What are the main warning signs and behavioral red flags of orthorexia? Is orthorexia linked to OCD and anxiety disorders? How does social media wellness culture contribute to orthorexia? Can severe orthorexia restriction lead to life-threatening malnutrition? What is the Bratman Orthorexia Test? What is re-feeding syndrome in eating disorder recovery? What does multidisciplinary treatment for orthorexia involve? Does health insurance cover orthorexia treatment under OSFED? #Orthorexia #EatingDisorderRecovery #MentalHealth

  2. Aug 20 ·  Video

    ARFID: What It Is and Why It's Not Just Picky Eating

    Is extreme picky eating actually a life-threatening eating disorder? In this episode of RECOVERable, host Terry McGuire sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Brad Smith to break down Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is far more than selective eating—it is a complex, recognized mental health condition that goes well beyond simple food preferences. Unlike anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, ARFID is not driven by body image, weight loss, or body size concerns. Instead, it stems from severe sensory sensitivities to food textures and smells, aversive trauma responses following a traumatic choking or vomiting episode, or a total lack of appetite and interest in eating. In this comprehensive guide, Dr. Brad Smith, an expert psychiatrist and medical leader at The Emily Program, clears up pervasive myths surrounding restrictive eating disorders. He explores the medical consequences of malnutrition, including severe cardiac arrhythmia, digestive slowdown, and brain fog, as well as the deep emotional and social isolation that living with food anxiety creates. We also examine the strong co-occurrence between ARFID, neurodivergence, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and ADHD. Learn how medical professionals diagnose ARFID, why multivitamins are not a substitute for complete food nutrition, when higher levels of care or an NG feeding tube become essential tools for medical stabilization, and how exposure therapy with response prevention (ERP) helps patients safely expand their diet. Whether you are a parent wondering if your child's picky eating has crossed the line, or an adult navigating severe food aversion, this episode provides actionable clarity and hope for full recovery. Subscribe to RECOVERable for more insights on mental health, addiction, and recovery support. Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: ARFID Myths vs. Facts 07:33 – What Is ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)? 08:52 – What Drives ARFID: Sensory, Trauma, & Low Appetite 12:51 – Is ARFID Just Extreme Picky Eating? 16:01 – When Do People Seek Treatment for ARFID? 20:12 – Physical, Emotional, & Social Impacts of ARFID 33:46 – What Is the Link Between ARFID, Autism, & ADHD?  36:31 – How Serious Is ARFID & Can It Be Fatal?  40:48 – When Is an NG Feeding Tube Necessary?  51:26 – What Does Professional ARFID Treatment Look Like? Questions the Video Answers: What is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)?What is the difference between picky eating and ARFID?What are the three main types or driving factors of ARFID?Can adults develop ARFID or does it only affect children?Is ARFID caused by gentle parenting or spoiling a child?Do you have to be underweight to be diagnosed with ARFID?What physical health risks and heart complications are associated with ARFID?What is the connection between ARFID, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and ADHD?Does a child having ARFID mean they are automatically autistic?Can ARFID be fatal if left untreated?How does an NG feeding tube help in severe ARFID recovery?Can taking multivitamins cure or treat ARFID?How do medical clinicians diagnose ARFID?What is the difference between ARFID and Anorexia Nervosa?What therapy methods (like ERP) are used to treat ARFID?#ARFID #EatingDisorders #MentalHealth

  3. Aug 13 ·  Video

    Complex PTSD Symptoms: Why You Feel Stuck in Relationships

    Are you living in constant survival mode, hypervigilant in relationships, or wondering why safe environments feel uncomfortable? You might be living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). In Part 2 of this deep dive on RECOVERable, host Terry McGuire sits down again with licensed clinical therapist and trauma expert Amanda Stretcher Lewis, MA, LPC-S, to explore how chronic relational trauma shapes the developing brain and nervous system. Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Unlike single-event PTSD, complex PTSD stems from repeated interpersonal trauma, emotional neglect, or attachment wounds during childhood. In this episode, Amanda Stretcher Lewis—a trauma-informed therapist, supervisor, and co-founder of Crescent Counseling Dallas—explains why complex trauma leads to deep-seated feelings of shame, self-blame, and dissociation. Amanda breaks down why CPTSD is frequently misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, BPD, or ADHD, and why it is currently omitted from the DSM-5 despite being recognized internationally in the ICD-11. Discover how somatic therapies like Brainspotting, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and the Safe and Sound Protocol help process trauma stored in the body beyond traditional talk therapy. Learn actionable tools to expand your window of tolerance, navigate relationship triggers, overcome trauma bonding, and step out of survival mode into genuine post-traumatic growth. Subscribe to RECOVERable for more expert mental health guidance, leave your thoughts in the comments, and share this video with anyone healing from childhood trauma! Chapters: 00:00 – PTSD vs. CPTSD 00:01:29 – Brain Development & Relational Trauma 00:06:13 – Childhood Validation & Internalized Shame 00:08:49 – Developmental Tasks & CPTSD Deficits 00:10:44 – Understanding Dissociation & Coping Mechanisms 00:15:29 – Relational Healing & Trauma Therapy 00:23:12 – Why Survivors Minimize Childhood Trauma 00:31:36 – Trauma Bonding & CPTSD Triggers 00:37:01 – Misdiagnosis & Why CPTSD Isn't in the DSM-5 00:45:10 – Somatic Therapies & Signs of Recovery Questions the Video Answers: What is the difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD)?How does childhood relational trauma affect brain development?Why do trauma survivors internalize shame and self-blame?What developmental milestones are missed due to childhood CPTSD?What is dissociation and how does it manifest in daily life?How does dissociation impact performance in high-stress jobs?How can you support a romantic partner living with CPTSD?What is trauma bonding and how does it affect relationships?What are common relational triggers for people with CPTSD?Why is CPTSD often misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, or BPD?Why is Complex PTSD included in the ICD-11 but missing from the DSM-5?Can Complex PTSD be completely cured or healed?What are the best somatic therapies for complex trauma recovery?How do modalities like Brainspotting and EMDR help process trauma?What are the early signs that CPTSD healing is taking root?#CPTSD #ComplexPTSD #TraumaRecovery

  4. Aug 6 ·  Video

    Childhood Trauma Signs of CPTSD: Are You Misdiagnosed With Depression?

    Are you constantly living in survival mode without knowing why? You might be experiencing Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ In part one of this two-part series on RECOVERable, host Terry McGuire sits down with licensed clinical therapist and trauma expert Amanda Stretcher Lewis to deeply explore Complex PTSD (CPTSD). Unlike single-event PTSD, CPTSD often stems from chronic, repeated exposure to relational trauma, emotional neglect, or attachment injuries during critical stages of brain development. In this episode, Amanda breaks down why so many individuals spend years feeling broken, hypervigilant, or trapped in relentless people-pleasing without realizing their nervous system is responding to past wounds. We examine the core differences between PTSD and CPTSD, discuss why CPTSD is so frequently misdiagnosed as treatment-resistant depression or anxiety, and uncover how high-functioning individuals mask severe burnout. Amanda also sheds light on the protective nature of survival strategies, the impact of parentification, and why setting healthy boundaries can feel so intimidating after trauma. If you have ever felt like safe relationships are uncomfortable or that life is simply harder for you than others, this conversation offers essential clarity, validation, and actionable insight to help you move from self-blame to self-compassion. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss Part 2, and share this video with anyone who needs help understanding trauma. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:01:28 – Myth vs. Fact: CPTSD 00:06:41 – What Is Complex PTSD (CPTSD)?  00:08:45 – PTSD vs. CPTSD: Key Differences  00:15:39 – What Causes CPTSD & Relational Trauma?  00:19:43 – Signs and Symptoms of CPTSD  00:24:25 – People Pleasing and Setting Boundaries  00:28:18 – Is CPTSD Misdiagnosed as Depression?  00:32:25 – CPTSD in High-Functioning Individuals  00:46:15 – Adaptive Strategies & Survival Responses Questions the Video Answers: What is the difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD)?What causes Complex PTSD in adults and children?Can emotional neglect cause CPTSD without physical abuse?What are the most common signs and symptoms of CPTSD?Why do safe relationships feel threatening or uncomfortable after trauma?Is CPTSD frequently misdiagnosed as clinical depression?How does CPTSD show up in high-functioning individuals?Can you have CPTSD if you don't remember your childhood trauma?What is parentification and how does it cause relational trauma?Why does CPTSD cause chronic hypervigilance and survival mode?How does childhood trauma lead to adult people-pleasing?Why are boundaries so hard to set for trauma survivors?What are adaptive survival strategies in trauma recovery?#CPTSD #ComplexPTSD #TraumaRecovery

  5. Jul 30 ·  Video

    Psilocybin & Ibogaine: Can Psychedelics Cure Addiction?

    Can psilocybin and ibogaine truly cure depression and addiction, or are the risks being ignored? Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ In Part 2 of this episode of RECOVERable, host Terry McGuire sits down with clinical psychologist and research facilitator Dr. Chantelle Thomas, PhD, to explore the therapeutic potential, safety profiles, and common misconceptions surrounding psilocybin and ibogaine. Dr. Chantelle Thomas, a leading psychologist and researcher who has facilitated clinical trials at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, breaks down the emerging science behind psychedelic-assisted therapy for major depressive disorder, opioid use disorder, and severe trauma. Together, Terry McGuire and Dr. Thomas separate myth from fact regarding magic mushrooms, neurogenesis, dendritic growth, and the cardiotoxicity risks of ibogaine treatment. Dr. Thomas explains how psilocybin turns down predictive thinking and increases experiential engagement, helping individuals break free from rigid, limiting thought patterns. They also examine the critical distinction between recreational mushroom use at music festivals and structured clinical treatment protocols. Additionally, Dr. Thomas reveals why psychedelic integration and proper therapeutic preparation are vital, explaining how psychedelics can act as a powerful "gateway drug for therapy" rather than a standalone miracle cure. Whether you are curious about state-level legalization in Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico, upcoming FDA approval timelines, or how non-ordinary states of consciousness facilitate personal transformation, this episode offers an essential, grounded perspective on the future of behavioral health and recovery. Subscribe for more deep dives into evidence-based mental health treatment! Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Psilocybin & Ibogaine 00:01:35 – Psychedelic Myths vs. Facts 00:06:35 – Neurogenesis & Brain Connectivity 00:10:00 – Psilocybin Clinical Trials & Research 00:18:00 – What Happens in Psilocybin Therapy? 00:23:15 – Why Psychedelic Integration Matters 00:33:15 – Risks, Benefits, & FDA Approval Timelines 00:48:50 – Ibogaine for Opioid Addiction 00:55:00 – Safety & Caution in Ibogaine Treatment 00:59:30 – Final Advice on Psychedelic Healing Questions the Video Answers: Is psilocybin therapy effective for major depressive disorder? How does ibogaine treat opioid addiction and withdrawal? Can you get permanently trapped in a bad psilocybin trip? What is the difference between recreational magic mushrooms and psilocybin therapy? Does psilocybin stimulate neurogenesis and create new neural pathways? What are the cardiotoxicity and heart risks associated with ibogaine? How close is psilocybin to receiving FDA approval? What is psychedelic integration and why is it necessary? Can a single dose of psilocybin or ibogaine cure addiction? Where is psilocybin therapy legally available in the United States? How does psilocybin alter brain network communication? What happens during an ibogaine life review experience? How should you prepare for psychedelic-assisted therapy? Why is traditional psychotherapy crucial before and after psychedelic treatment? #Psilocybin #PsychedelicTherapy #Ibogaine

  6. Jul 23 ·  Video

    Ketamine and MDMA: Can Alternative Treatments Improve Mental Health?

    Can ketamine and MDMA truly transform trauma and severe depression? Clinical psychologist Dr. Chantelle Thomas, PhD, joins Terry McGuire to reveal the clinical truth behind psychedelic-assisted therapy.  Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ In this episode of RECOVERable, host Terry McGuire sits down with research facilitator Dr. Chantelle Thomas, PhD, for part one of a deep dive into the clinical landscapes of ketamine therapy and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Together, they dispel common myths surrounding recreational vs. therapeutic drug use, explaining how "set and setting" fundamentally alter patient outcomes.  Dr. Thomas explains how ketamine acts on glutamate pathways and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to offer rapid antidepressant relief in hours rather than weeks. You'll learn the crucial differences between standalone IV ketamine infusion clinics and comprehensive ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), as well as how integration therapy anchors altered states of consciousness into lasting recovery.  The conversation shifts to MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Dr. Thomas shares insights from FDA clinical trials, highlighting how MDMA expands a patient's capacity to process deep trauma without being overwhelmed. They discuss cardiac risks, candidate screening, abuse potential, and why psychedelic therapy requires skilled facilitation.  Whether you are exploring treatment-resistant depression, trauma recovery, or alternative mental health treatments, subscribe to RECOVERable for expert insights and stay tuned for part two on psilocybin and ibogaine!  Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Psychedelic Myths 01:20 – What Is Set and Setting? 05:58 – Ketamine vs Antidepressants for Depression 08:00 – Is Ketamine FDA Approved? 14:49 – What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy? 22:03 – Ketamine for Addiction & Trauma 27:00 – What Ketamine Therapy Feels Like 36:08 – MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD 42:34 – MDMA vs Traditional Trauma Therapy 54:11 – Critical Takeaways Before Trying Psychedelic Therapy

  7. Jul 16 ·  Video

    Gambling Addiction Recovery: Lost Everything? Here's What Actually Helps

    Are you secretly struggling with a sports betting addiction or trying to survive financial ruin after chasing losses online? Learn how to break free. In this episode of the RECOVERable Podcast, host Terry McGuire continues an impactful conversation with expert psychologist Dr. Michael Zhang to explore the psychology of behavioral addiction. Together, they pull back the curtain on the industry's hidden traps, detailing the process of self-exclusion and explaining how modern gambling apps add layers of friction—or fail to enforce bans when you are at your most vulnerable.  Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Dr. Michael Zhang, a leading psychologist and the innovative founder of the digital platform Incremental, breaks down why gambling disorder is uniquely recognized in the DSM-5 as the only official behavioral addiction. He addresses the intense psychological turmoil that comes with problem gambling, offering actionable advice on how to handle the immediate panic of massive financial loss and the daunting challenge of telling a partner or parents about severe gambling debt. Terry and Dr. Zhang take a hard look at the emerging landscape of sports betting apps and prediction markets, debunking the dangerous myth that betting on sports is purely a game of skill rather than high-risk gambling.  They also expose the conflicts of interest behind industry-funded 'responsible gambling' programs, urging viewers to follow the money and seek independent recovery support instead. By explaining how variable ratio schedules and intermittent reinforcement keep your brain hooked on fake wins, Dr. Zhang delivers a powerful blueprint for shifting from active addiction into lasting freedom. If you are ready to stop active betting, escape the exhausting double life, and discover what true recovery looks like after hitting rock bottom, this conversation is for you. Watch the full episode to learn how to break the spell, rebuild broken relationships, and build a beautiful, authentic life. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs to hear it today.  Chapters: 00:00 – [Intro] 00:48 – How Self-Exclusion Works 03:09 – Using Self-Exclusion on Gambling Apps 06:29 – The Significance of Gambling in the DSM-5 08:20 – Handling the Panic of Massive Financial Loss 10:29 – How to Tell Your Family About Gambling Debt 15:14 – Is Sports Betting Gambling or Skill? 22:27 – How Gambling Hotlines Help 24:48 – Addressing Gambling as a Public Health Issue 31:02 – The Overlap with Substance Abuse and True Recovery  Questions the Video Answers: How do you stop gambling when you can't control it?What is self-exclusion in gambling and does it work?Can you ban yourself from online sports betting apps?Why is gambling addiction classified as a behavioral disorder in the DSM-5?How do I handle the immediate panic after losing all my money gambling?What is the best way to tell your partner you lost rent money gambling?Is sports betting considered real gambling or a game of skill?Why do I keep losing money on sports betting apps?How does calling a gambling addiction hotline help you?Is problem gambling a recognized public health issue?Why is the gambling industry funding responsible gambling programs?What is the relationship between alcohol abuse and gambling addiction?Can overcoming a gambling problem cure depression and anxiety?What does true recovery from a gambling addiction actually look like?How do you break the cycle of chasing losses in gambling#GamblingAddiction #SportsBetting #AddictionRecovery

  8. Jul 9 ·  Video

    Gambling Addiction: Am I Addicted or Just on a Losing Streak?

    Are you or someone you love secretly struggling with a gambling problem? Discover how modern apps trap your mind and how to break the cycle. In this episode of the Recoverable Podcast, host Terry McGuire sits down with expert psychologist Dr. Michael Zhang to uncover the hidden psychology of gambling addiction. They explore why it is so difficult to recognize and why individuals get caught in a dangerous loop of chasing losses.  Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/ Dr. Michael Zhang, a leading psychologist and founder of the innovative digital recovery support platform Income, breaks down the progression of problem gambling from innocent recreational play to a severe diagnosable disorder. Unlike substance abuse, a sports betting or online slots addiction often forces individuals to live double lives, hiding the financial and emotional damage directly inside their bank accounts. Dr. Zhang explains the neurological mechanism behind the "near-miss" effect and how anticipation triggers dopamine pathways long before an outcome is even revealed.  This deep-dive conversation shatters common myths about willpower, explains official diagnostic criteria, and highlights the terrifyingly high suicide rates associated with this hidden epidemic. If you want to understand how online sports betting apps and prediction markets are engineered to keep you hooked, this video will open your eyes. More importantly, you will learn the crucial difference between temporarily stopping the behavior and completely removing the psychological desire to gamble.  If you are ready to shift from gambling mode to recovery mode and successfully rebuild your life, watch this full episode for actionable, evidence-based insights. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs to hear it.  Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 01:54 – Defining Gambling Addiction vs. Gambling a Lot  04:10 – The Stages of Problem Gambling  08:25 – Why Awareness of the Problem Develops Slowly  12:44 – The Dopamine Psychology of a Gambler's Brain  18:31 – How Modern Technology and Online Apps Changed Gambling  24:50 – The Psychology of Living a Double Life  30:15 – Myth vs. Fact: Debunking Common Gambling Misconceptions  38:57 – Official Diagnostic Criteria for Gambling Disorder  49:27 – How to Actually Stop Gambling and Rebuild Your Life   Questions the Video Answers: How do you define a gambling addiction vs gambling a lot? What are the psychological stages of problem gambling? Why do people with gambling addictions chase losses? How does dopamine affect a gambler's brain during anticipation? Why is a gambling addiction harder to spot than drug or alcohol abuse? How do modern online betting apps use psychological tricks to keep you hooked? What is the connection between gambling addiction and high suicide rates? What are the official diagnostic criteria for a gambling disorder? Why do gamblers live double lives and hide financial losses? How do you stop gambling when you have lost everything? Does paying off someone's gambling debt actually help their recovery? How does the brain react to a "near miss" in gambling? What is the difference between taking yourself out of gambling and taking gambling out of you? What treatment options are effective for long-term gambling recovery? How can you shift from gambling mode to recovery mode to rebuild your life? #GamblingAddiction #ProblemGambling #HowToStopGambling

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RECOVERable features conversations with top experts in mental health, addiction recovery, and emotional wellbeing. Each episode answers the internet’s most-asked questions about topics like anxiety, trauma, relapse, and self-growth, breaking them down into clear, relatable insights you can actually use. No jargon. No judgment. Just expert-backed guidance to help you understand and take control of your mental health.

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