Partnership to End Addiction
Partnership to End Addiction
Dr. Kristen Gilliland: A Mother's Journey from Neuroscience to Advocacy
Dr. Kristen Gilliland: A Mother's Journey from Neuroscience to Advocacy
Dr. Kristen Gilliland: A Mother's Journey from Neuroscience to Advocacy
Tuesday 21st October 2025
Join Dr. Kristen Gilliland as she shares her emotional journey from personal tragedy to advocating against substance abuse.
39 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Honest
Healing
Educational
About this podcast
Author:
Partnership to End Addiction
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Sobriety Success Stories
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Body & Mind
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!From Tragedy to Advocacy: A Mother's Story
Episode Overview
- The potency of modern marijuana is much higher than in previous decades.
- THC can disrupt adolescent brain development, increasing psychosis risk.
- Legalisation may lead to increased teen exposure and risk.
- Educating parents and teens about substance risks is crucial.
- Mindfulness can help mitigate some effects of substance use.
"If I could go back, I just wish I could go back and do things differently."
What drives a mother to become an advocate against substance abuse? Dr. Kristen Gilliland shares her heart-wrenching journey on this episode of 'Heart of the Matter'. A neuroscientist by profession, Dr. Gilliland brings a unique perspective to the table, combining her scientific expertise with personal tragedy. After losing her son Anders to an accidental overdose and witnessing another son struggle with schizophrenia, she speaks candidly about the dangers of today's potent marijuana and its potential impact on the adolescent brain.
Dr. Gilliland delves into the science behind THC's effects on brain development, particularly in teenagers, and raises alarms about the increasing potency of modern cannabis. She explains how THC can interfere with the brain's natural communication system, potentially leading to long-term consequences like psychosis and schizophrenia. The episode also touches on the controversial topic of marijuana as a gateway drug, sharing her personal experience of how her son Anders's initial use of marijuana led to more severe addictions.
This episode serves as a wake-up call for parents and society at large about the potential risks associated with marijuana use among adolescents. Dr. Gilliland's personal story is a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding the effects of substances on young minds. Her advocacy work through the non-profit 22 Forever, named in memory of her late son, aims to educate families about the risks of substance use and promote mindfulness and mental health awareness.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of addiction and the urgent need for awareness and education in protecting our youth. What can we learn from Dr. Gilliland's experience to better support our loved ones?