Recovery is a Brain Thing with Susan and Dave Kenney

Recovery is a Brain Thing with Susan and Dave Kenney

Get ready to be moved by real-life accounts of how brain science can reshape recovery. This conversation on *Recovery Recharged* brings together host Ellen Stewart and guests Susan and Dave Kenney, co-founders of Emergo Academy and creators of "Actualized Recovery", a brain-first approach to addiction and life crisis.

Ellen frames the chat from her own 12-step and cognitive behavioural background, while Susan and Dave share why they believe, as their book subtitle puts it, "Recovery is a brain thing." They explain in everyday language how the brain and nervous system drive thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and how trauma in its many forms – physical, emotional, chemical and mental – can push people towards substances or compulsive habits in a search for relief.

You’ll hear about their five key principles for recovery: the physical body (especially brain health), psychology, spirit, human connection and lifestyle medicine, all viewed through a brain-first lens. Simple, practical tips come thick and fast: start the day with a big glass of water to support brain function, move your body instead of trying to “think” your way out of anger, and break patterns using Hebb’s law – change the routine and the brain wiring starts to shift.

They also share stories from years of running residential programmes, including the recurring wish from clients: "David, I just want to be happy." From there, the discussion touches on Dry January, the limits of harm reduction, and why they challenge shame-based ideas like "powerlessness" by focusing on values, choice and healthy brain habits.

For anyone curious about how neuroscience, psychology and coaching might fit alongside or beyond traditional 12-step recovery, this chat offers plenty to chew on and some very down-to-earth tools. Could a brain-first perspective be the missing piece in your own recovery puzzle?