Physiology: Dave and Susan Kenney's First Principle of Recovery

Dave and Susan Kenney, the creators of Actualized Recovery, emphasize a central, yet often overlooked, principle in their groundbreaking recovery methodology: physiology drives psychology. In simple terms, this means that the health of the body is inextricably linked to the health of the brain and the health of the mind. Without addressing the body’s fundamental needs, it’s impossible to achieve lasting recovery or mental well-being.

Drawing on over a decade of experience working with clients struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, and other challenges, Dave and Susan Kenney have developed a brain-first therapeutic approach that focuses on restoring physical and mental balance. This approach has proven effective in helping individuals not just manage symptoms but truly thrive.

The Importance of Physiology in Recovery

The Kenneys’ work reveals that much of modern medicine focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause of mental and emotional distress. Neurological conditions like brain fog, anxiety, depression, and even addiction are often rooted in physiological imbalances.

Susan Kenney teaches, “If the body isn’t functioning well, neither will the mind.”

The brain, as the control center of the body, requires proper fuel—especially glucose—to function optimally. Without this essential fuel, the nervous system becomes compromised, leading to cognitive and emotional challenges. They emphasize that supporting the body’s physiological needs is essential for recovery, and this begins with understanding the profound link between how we care for our bodies and how our minds respond.

Common Physiological Issues Impacting Mental Health

In their work, they have identified common physiological issues that often underlie mental health struggles. These include dehydration, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and insufficient movement. Many of the clients the Kenneys have worked with over the years shared similar lifestyle challenges, such as failing to drink enough water, consuming nutrient-poor diets, not prioritizing sleep, and leading sedentary lifestyles.

The Kenneys stress that these seemingly simple lifestyle factors have a profound impact on the brain’s ability to function properly. By neglecting the body’s needs, individuals create the conditions for mental health struggles to arise and persist. Their Actualized Recovery methodology seeks to reverse this by focusing on these core physiological elements first.

The Role of Lifestyle Interventions in Recovery

At Emergo Recovery, Dave and Susan Kenney begin their residential recovery program with a Restoration Phase. This phase is designed to help clients develop consistent routines that support hydration, nourishment, movement, and sleep. These foundational practices are aligned with the body’s natural circadian rhythms, ensuring that the brain and body are reset and prepared for the challenges of recovery.

Addressing physiological imbalances is the key to unlocking mental well-being. Lifestyle interventions such as hydration, whole food nutrition, regular movement, and time spent in nature play an essential role in restoring balance to the nervous system. These interventions aren’t just about managing symptoms—they’re about creating a foundation for long-term, sustainable recovery.

Physiology and the Brain: A Path to Lasting Change

The Actualized Recovery methodology takes a brain-first approach to addressing addiction, anxiety, depression, and other mental health and well-being challenges. By focusing on the health of the brain individuals achieve lasting change.

They emphasize that the brain is a resilient organ capable of remarkable healing when given the right care.

The Emergo team focuses on the importance of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and grow in response to new experiences. By resetting the brain through lifestyle interventions and addressing its physiological needs, clients attain unparalleled results. This not only improves mental clarity and emotional resilience but also sets individuals on a path to achieving their full potential.

The Risks of Ignoring Physiology in Mental Health

The current medical system excels at crisis care but often falls short when addressing chronic mental health and substance use issues. Too often, individuals are prescribed medications without any inquiry into their lifestyle choices, diet, or hydration levels. Many of their clients were never asked about their daily habits—whether they were drinking enough water, eating nutritious foods, or engaging in regular physical activity.

The Kenneys argue that this failure to address basic physiological needs is one of the reasons so many people continue to struggle with mental health challenges.

"You can’t correct a neurological condition with medication alone. It’s about addressing the root cause, which often lies in how we treat our bodies, which correlates to the health and functioning of the brain," explains Dave Kenney.

The Power of a Brain-First Approach

Actualized Recovery method empowers individuals to take control of their mental and physical health through simple, evidence-based lifestyle interventions. By prioritizing hydration, nutrition, sleep, movement, and connection with nature, the Kenneys help clients build a strong foundation for mental well-being and to flourish.

This brain-first approach has led to significant success for many individuals seeking to overcome addiction and mental health challenges. As the Kenneys continue to share their knowledge and experience, they remain committed to helping others understand the critical link between physiology and psychology.

The Future of Recovery

By focusing on the simple but powerful truth that "physiology drives psychology," Team Kenney offers a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction, anxiety, and depression. Their brain-first, evidence-based approach provides a path to lasting recovery, helping people create the lives of freedom and fulfillment they truly deserve.