#107 – Dr. Joe Volpicelli: Recovery Options#107 – Dr. Joe Volpicelli: Recovery Options
Recovery Survey
Dr. Joe Volpicelli shares his experience treating addiction, explaining how stress, trauma and medication all play a part. The conversation looks at prescription opioids, fentanyl, different recovery paths and why combining medical and emotional support can help people build a life with purpose.
29:56•30 Mar 2022
Many Roads to Recovery with Dr. Joe Volpicelli
Episode Overview
- Addiction is marked by an addictive cycle where using increases craving rather than satisfaction.
- Prescription opioids can move from pain relief to addiction as doses rise and withdrawal appears.
- Effective treatment often combines medications such as naltrexone or buprenorphine with strong psychosocial support.
- There is no single right way to recover; different approaches and programmes help different people.
- Connection, purpose and addressing mental health issues are crucial to long-term recovery and relapse prevention.
“Find the road that works best for you. But just do something.”
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol and other drugs? This conversation between host Brett Morris and addiction specialist Dr. Joe Volpicelli looks at that question from both medical and human angles. Drawing on over 40 years in addiction research and treatment, Dr. Volpicelli talks through how stress, trauma and our brain chemistry feed into alcohol and opioid dependence.
He shares the story of a Vietnam veteran whose struggle pushed him to rethink his early theories and helped shape his later work on medications like naltrexone.
As he puts it, addiction is “the whole idea of the addictive cycle, that when you start using a drug, it creates its own need to use more.” You’ll hear a clear explanation of how prescribed painkillers can slide into dependence, why the idea of “pseudo-addiction” caused real harm, and how fear of opioids has now swung too far for some people in genuine pain.
The chat stays grounded in real life: Brett admits he refuses opioid scripts in recovery because he knows “one is never enough”, while Dr. Volpicelli stresses the need for doctors to actually listen to concerns like that. The episode is aimed at people in recovery, those questioning their drinking or drug use, and anyone supporting them. It tackles “tribalism” in recovery circles and makes a strong case that there are many paths to change. As Dr.
Volpicelli says, “Find the road that works best for you. But just do something.” You’ll also get a taste of how his clinic combines medication, counselling, digital tools and community support, all with a focus on purpose and connection rather than just stopping the substance. If you’ve ever wondered whether your use is creeping up or worried about someone you love, this conversation might give you a fresh angle and a bit of hope.
What small step could you take today to start your own change?
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