Season 3, Episode 10: The Hijacked Brain: Understanding the Neuroscience of Addiction

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains a direct and frank discussion of addiction, substance abuse, and personal loss. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Addiction is often seen as a battle of willpower, but what if it's a battle taking place deep within the brain's own reward system? In this deeply personal and scientific episode, your host Neo Gentrics provides a masterclass on the neuroscience of addiction.

This is a journey into the complex interplay of biology, psychology, and circumstance that leads to addiction. Neo Gentrics explains how substances hijack the brain's dopamine system, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, creating a cycle of craving and withdrawal. The host also shares his own powerful story of dealing with profound loss and how it relates to the universal need to cope with pain.

This is your guide to understanding addiction with empathy, including:

• The Science of Addiction: How drugs hijack the brain's dopamine-based reward system.
• A Case Study: The story of "Sarah" illustrates how addiction can start innocently with a prescription.
• The Road to Recovery: A breakdown of effective treatments, including medical assistance (MAT), therapy, support groups (AA/NA), and holistic approaches.
• Cognitive Impact: How addiction impairs memory, attention, and the ability to learn.
• Rebuilding Skills: Practical strategies for rebuilding cognitive function during recovery.

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