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The Connection Between Gut Health and Mental Health

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Over the past decade, research has uncovered a powerful connection between the gut and the brain that has reshaped how we understand mental health. This relationship, known as the gut-brain axis, describes the communication between the digestive system and the central nervous system. Scientists now recognize that the gut microbiome—the community of microorganisms living in our intestines—plays a significant role in regulating mood, cognition, and stress response. Understanding how gut health influences mental well-being can help individuals make lifestyle choices that support both emotional and physical health. The Gut-Brain Axis Explained The gut and brain are connected through a network of pathways involving the vagus nerve, immune signaling, and hormones. This bi-directional communication means that gut health can influence brain function and vice versa. The gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and …

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Managing Mental Health During the Holidays

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but for many people, it can also bring stress, loneliness, and emotional exhaustion. Expectations around family, finances, and social gatherings may heighten anxiety or sadness, and the contrast between festive surroundings and personal struggles can deepen feelings of isolation. Prioritizing mental health during the holidays is essential to maintain balance, manage stress, and create space for genuine connection and rest. Acknowledge Your Feelings It’s important to remember that it is okay to feel unhappy, anxious, or overwhelmed during the holidays. Suppressing difficult emotions can make them stronger over time. Instead, acknowledge what you are feeling without judgment. A 2020 study published in Emotion found that emotional acceptance—allowing yourself to experience feelings as they arise—reduces long-term distress and supports emotional regulation. …

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GLP-1 Medications: Beyond Weight Loss—Exploring Their Potential to Curb Addictive Cravings

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have become widely recognized for their ability to promote weight loss and improve metabolic health. However, emerging research suggests that their benefits may extend far beyond managing obesity and diabetes. In recent studies and clinical observations, GLP-1 medications appear to reduce cravings and reward-driven behaviors linked to nicotine, alcohol, and opioid use. As a result, some physicians are prescribing these drugs not only for weight management but also as part of broader strategies to support addiction recovery and impulse control. A New Frontier in Addiction and Craving Reduction GLP-1 receptor agonists were originally developed to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Their mechanism involves mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which slows gastric emptying, suppresses …

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“Rewiring the Brain”: A conversation with Mark Hrymoc, MD on the One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast

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One Day At A Time Recovery Podcast is dedicated to exploring real, human stories of healing, sobriety, and transformation. Through honest conversations and lived experiences, the show provides support, education, and hope to anyone navigating the journey of addiction recovery. With each episode, listeners are reminded that recovery is not only possible — it can be meaningful, empowering, and life-changing. In episode 379: “Rewiring the Brain: Ketamine Therapy in Addiction Recovery,” host Arlina Allen welcomes Mark Hrymoc, MD, a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in addiction treatment and psychopharmacology. Their discussion focuses on an emerging and powerful approach in the recovery landscape: ketamine-assisted therapy. While traditional talk therapy remains valuable, there are times when trauma and emotional pain reside deeper than cognitive processing alone can reach. This episode explores how ketamine can help access and heal subconscious emotional wounds that often drive addictive behaviors. Dr. Hrymoc shares clinical insight into how …

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“Innovation”: A conversation with Mark Hrymoc, MD on the Avoiding the Addiction Affliction podcast

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When does substance use shift from a casual behavior to a serious problem? And more importantly, how can individuals, families, and communities recognize the warning signs and prevent addiction from taking hold? These are the types of essential conversations explored on Avoiding the Addiction Affliction, a weekly podcast hosted by educator, counselor, speaker, and consultant Michael McGowan, President of McGowan & Associates. Each Wednesday, he interviews experienced professionals who share real-world insight into addiction, prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery. For more than twenty-five years, McGowan has worked with families, schools, agencies, athletes, and organizations across the United States, providing expert training, certified rehabilitation programs, and impactful keynote presentations. His mission is rooted in education, awareness, and prevention — helping people of all ages understand addiction before it escalates. In the episode “Innovation,” guest Mark Hrymoc, MD, joins the conversation to discuss how the landscape of mental health and addiction medicine …

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