Episode 172 - Using Genetics to Predict Addiction: James Piacentino and Thrive Genetics
Episode 172 - Using Genetics to Predict Addiction: James Piacentino and Thrive Genetics

Recovery Is Possible

Mike Van Meter interviews James Piacentino from Thrive Genetics about using genetic testing to predict addiction risk and improve treatment outcomes.

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1:06:40•30 Sept 2025

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About this podcast

Recovery Is Possible

Michael Van Meter

Michael has seen first-hand the devastating effects of addiction on the public, his profession, and himself. Michael began his career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy. After eight years, he became a Corrections Officer, Washington DC Police Officer, and then FBI Agent. In 2010, Michael became an instructor at the FBI Academy. In 2013, he created a course titled “Leading At-Risk Employees” geared toward Police Executives to help them understand alcoholism, prescription drug abuse, PTSD, suicide, and domestic violence as it relates to policies and procedures for their agencies worldwide. In 2019, Michael retired from the FBI but his passion for helping others continued. In August 2022, he graduated with a Master’s in Addiction Counseling: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. He currently works full-time as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a large nonprofit hospital. Pulling from his personal and professional experience, Michael shares his thoughts on this sensitive, complex, and controversial subject.

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Can Genetics Predict Addiction Risk? An Insightful Discussion with Thrive Genetics

Episode Overview

Genetic testing can identify individuals at risk for addiction before high-stress situations.
Thrive Genetics combines genetic and behavioural data for comprehensive risk profiles.
Understanding addiction as a disease can shift recovery perspectives.
Physicians can tailor treatment plans based on genetic insights.
Progress rather than perfection is key in recovery journeys.

“I've always thought, why can't we figure out where addiction comes from? It's not so much those in recovery, perhaps, but it's how do we get in front of it?”

Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? Episode 172 of 'Recovery Is Possible' offers a fascinating look at how genetics can predict addiction risk, featuring James Piacentino from Thrive Genetics. Mike Van Meter chats with James about the revolutionary work his company is doing, exploring how genetic testing can pinpoint those at risk before high-stress situations like surgery, where addiction often begins. James shares his personal connection to the issue, having grown up in a family impacted by addiction.

He explains how Thrive Genetics combines genetic and behavioural data to provide a comprehensive risk profile, helping doctors tailor treatment plans for better outcomes. This episode is a goldmine of information for anyone interested in the science behind addiction and the potential of genetics in prevention. So, are we on the brink of a new era in addiction treatment? Tune in to find out.

PreviousEpisode 171 - The Living Amends

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