Family Member Struggling with Addiction? Why Treatment FailsFamily Member Struggling with Addiction? Why Treatment Fails
The Biology of Trauma™ With Dr. Aimie
Dr. Aimie Apigian and Dr. Kevin Sabet discuss why addiction treatments often fail, focusing on misunderstood drugs like marijuana and ineffective policies. They explore how incentives and international models could offer more effective solutions.
37:42•27 Jan 2026
Why Addiction Treatment Often Fails: A Deep Dive with Dr. Kevin Sabet
Episode Overview
- Current addiction treatments often fail due to misunderstandings and ineffective policies.
- Marijuana is widely misunderstood as harmless and non-addictive.
- Both legalisation and criminalisation have not effectively addressed addiction issues.
- Incentives can be powerful motivators for recovery, challenging the 'rock bottom' myth.
- International models offer hope for more effective addiction treatment solutions.
“"It's not just the drugs that have been killing us; it's our policies."”
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this captivating episode of The Biology of Trauma™, Dr. Aimie Apigian sits down with Dr. Kevin Sabet to tackle the pressing issues surrounding addiction treatment and policy failures. Dr. Sabet, who has advised three presidential administrations, brings his wealth of experience to the table, dissecting why current systems often miss the mark.
You'll hear about the myths surrounding marijuana, such as its perceived harmlessness and the misconception that it isn't addictive. The conversation dives into how these misunderstandings have shaped ineffective policies and led to a national crisis. Dr. Sabet argues that both legalisation and criminalisation have failed to address the root causes of addiction, suggesting instead a more nuanced approach.
He highlights how incentives can be powerful motivators in recovery, challenging the notion that one must hit rock bottom before seeking help. This episode isn't just for policymakers; it's for anyone who's watched a loved one struggle with addiction and felt helpless. Dr. Aimie and Dr. Sabet also discuss international perspectives, looking at successful models from countries like Iceland and Portugal.
These insights offer hope that change is possible if we shift our focus from punitive measures to supportive, evidence-based solutions. Curious about how these ideas could reshape the future of addiction treatment? Tune in to find out how a shift in perspective might just be the key to saving lives.

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