New Addiction Research with Dr. Kyle BillsNew Addiction Research with Dr. Kyle Bills
Addict II Athlete Podcast
Coach Blu Robinson talks with Dr. Kyle Bills about his research on spinal stimulation, movement and their effects on brain chemistry in addiction. They also discuss attachment, spirituality and community as crucial supports for long-term recovery.
54:08•16 Mar 2020
New Addiction Science, Spine Stimulation and Real Hope with Dr. Kyle Bills
Episode Overview
- Targeted physical movement and spinal stimulation may reduce withdrawal symptoms by calming GABA neurons and boosting dopamine.
- New research links mechanically sensitive receptors in the spine directly to the brain circuits involved in learning and addiction.
- A vibration-based chair is being tested as a low-risk, non-invasive tool to help people manage cravings and anxiety during early recovery.
- Healthy attachment to something unchanging, such as a spiritual foundation, is described as key to long-term resilience in sobriety.
- Novel and meaningful experiences like group exercise can help reshape the brain, especially when paired with positive, purpose-driven thinking.
“Attachment to something that does not change provides resilience.”
Curious about how others manage their sobriety journey? This conversation between Coach Blu Robinson and Dr. Kyle Bills brings science, spirituality, and practical hope together in a way that speaks directly to anyone affected by addiction. Dr. Bills, associate dean for research at the Nordic College of Osteopathic Medicine, shares how his work as a chiropractor first exposed him to patients stuck in long-term opioid use.
Many had been on painkillers for 10–15 years, genuinely trying to manage chronic pain, then found themselves hooked. While treating them, he noticed something odd: after spinal adjustments and movement-based treatments, patients told him their withdrawal symptoms eased. As he puts it, some would say, “When you do this, I don’t feel like using.” That pattern pushed him into neuroscience and addiction research.
Using animal studies, he and his team found that specific mechanical stimulation of the spine can calm overactive GABA neurons and boost dopamine by up to 80% for nearly two hours. In plain language, physical movement targeted in the right way might ease withdrawal and craving at a brain level. From there, the episode shifts into new technology: a vibration-based chair designed with engineers to stimulate key areas of the spine in humans.
Early clinic use focuses on whether short sessions can take the edge off cravings and anxiety long enough for people to fight through the hardest moments. Alongside the science, you’ll hear a strong message about attachment, resilience, and faith. Dr. Bills states, “Attachment to something that does not change provides resilience,” pointing to spiritual connection, community, and purpose as vital partners to any medical tool.
Anyone looking for fresh hope, grounded in both research and real-world experience, will find plenty to think about here – and maybe a nudge to ask, what could your own body and brain be capable of in recovery?
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