Episode #171 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Dr. Kristen Gilliland and NeuroplasticityEpisode #171 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Dr. Kristen Gilliland and Neuroplasticity
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
The brain in neuroplastic – it can be directed towards great achievement as well as disorders. Marijuana can cause synaptic reprogramming of the brain. Learn more from Dr. Kristen Gilliland who is a scientist who watched her own son’s synaptic programming, cannabis use disorder, and tra Kristen M. Gilliland, Ph.D. Dr. Kristen Gilliland delivered a TEDx presentation titled Rewiring Revolution: Neuroplasticity’s Impact on Wellbeing in 2018. She earned her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She later served as an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. During her professorship at Cal Poly, she taught Organic Chemistry, Neurochemistry, and the Chemistry of Drugs and Poisons. After Kristen’s son was diagnosed with cannabis-induced schizophrenia at the age of 17, Kristen joined the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery at Vanderbilt University (2018) to research new treatments for schizophrenia. Tragically, Kristen lost her son to an accidental overdose in 2019 after his mental health severely declined and he became addicted to opioids and stimulants. Kristen then changed the trajectory of her life to utilize her scientific teaching, presentation, and research skills to educate adolescent-aged children and their parents on mental health challenges and how it can lead to substance use and/or substance use disorder. As the Director of Outreach and Advocacy Programs for the Warren Center, Kristen presents to middle schools, high schools, community centers, and recovery programs across Middle Tennessee. In addition, she has developed an award winning educational documentary aimed for middle school and high school-aged children titled Speaking Through Me which will be released Summer of 2023. The documentary and Kristen’s presentations focus on the developing teenage brain and neuroplasticity, the structural and functional changes that occur in the brain when under repeated stress and anxiety, the impacts of high potency cannabis on the adolescent brain, the neurobiology of addiction, and the dangers and prevalence of fentanyl. Lastly, the documentary and presentations also include methods to combat everyday stressors or adversity and the importance of self-care and self-compassion on the developing adolescent brain.
59:12•1 Apr 2024
Neuroplasticity and Substance Use: A Deep Dive with Dr. Kristen Gilliland
Episode Overview
- Neuroplasticity allows the brain to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections.
- Marijuana can cause synaptic reprogramming, leading to long-term changes in brain function.
- Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, making healthy choices essential.
- High-potency marijuana products pose significant risks and require better regulation.
- Education on substance use and brain development is crucial for informed decision-making.
“Neurons that fire together, wire together”
In this engaging episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev welcomes Dr. Kristen Gilliland to discuss the fascinating world of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Dr. Gilliland, a seasoned scientist and mother, shares her personal journey, including her son's struggle with cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia.
Her story is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, offering a unique perspective on how substance use can affect the developing brain. Dr. Gilliland explains how marijuana can lead to synaptic reprogramming, potentially causing long-term changes in brain function. She highlights the importance of understanding the brain's plasticity, especially during adolescence when the brain is still developing. The conversation dives deep into how the brain grows through myelination and synaptic pruning, making it crucial for young people to make healthy choices.
One of the standout moments is when Dr. Gilliland discusses her TEDx talk, 'Rewiring Revolution: Neuroplasticity’s Impact on Wellbeing', and her award-winning documentary, 'Speaking Through Me'. She provides insights into how stress and substances like marijuana and fentanyl can impact brain development. Her candid reflections on her son's experiences offer valuable lessons for parents and educators alike. Dr. Lev and Dr. Gilliland also touch on the societal implications of high-potency marijuana products and the need for better regulation and education.
They stress the importance of teaching kids about the risks associated with substance use and how to make informed decisions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between substance use and brain development. It's packed with scientific insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, making it both informative and deeply moving. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that could change how you think about drugs and addiction.
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