Samuel Acuff
Samuel Acuff
Dr. Hanna Pickard - What would you do alone in a cage with nothing but cocaine?
Dr. Hanna Pickard - What would you do alone in a cage with nothing but cocaine?
Dr. Hanna Pickard - What would you do alone in a cage with nothing but cocaine?
Tuesday 6th January 2026
Explore addiction through a philosophical lens with Dr. Hanna Pickard on The Addiction Psychologist podcast.
112 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Eye-opening
Honest
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Samuel Acuff
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Body & Mind
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
69 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Rethinking Addiction: A Philosophical Perspective with Dr. Hanna Pickard
Episode Overview
- Addiction should be understood beyond the brain disease model.
- Social connections can alter addictive behaviours.
- Denial and self-deception play roles in sustaining addiction.
- Attachment to drugs can mimic human relationships.
- Cravings have diverse psychological roots.
"What would you do alone in a cage with nothing but cocaine?"
What would you do if you found yourself alone in a cage with nothing but cocaine? This intriguing question forms the backbone of Dr. Hanna Pickard's latest book, and she joins hosts Dr. Noah Emery and Samuel Acuff on The Addiction Psychologist to discuss this thought-provoking scenario. Dr. Pickard, a distinguished professor of philosophy at Johns Hopkins University, brings a unique perspective to the table, challenging traditional models of addiction by integrating philosophical insights with scientific research.
In this engaging episode, Dr. Pickard explores the limitations of the brain disease model of addiction, which often views addiction as a compulsive disorder driven by neurological changes. Instead, she advocates for a more nuanced understanding that considers the psychological and social factors influencing addiction. Her discussion includes insights into how alternative choices and social connections can significantly alter addictive behaviours, as evidenced by animal studies.
Listeners are treated to a deep dive into the complexities of addiction, including the role of denial, self-deception, and cognitive biases in sustaining addictive behaviours. Dr. Pickard also sheds light on how attachment to drugs can resemble human relationships, making the prospect of giving up substances akin to losing a loved one.
Whether you're a clinician, someone in recovery, or simply curious about the nature of addiction, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how we understand and treat addictive behaviours. It challenges us to consider the broader context of addiction beyond mere compulsion and urges us to listen more closely to those affected. So, what would you do alone in a cage with nothing but cocaine?
Dive into this episode and find out what it might reveal about addiction and human behaviour.