The biology of addiction with Dr. Andrew Mendenhall. How Drugs and alcohol can hijack a brain.The biology of addiction with Dr. Andrew Mendenhall. How Drugs and alcohol can hijack a brain.
Henry's Uncle: A podcast about Addiction and Recovery
Dr. Andrew Mendenhall, Chief Medical Officer of Central City Concern, talks about the biology of addiction, why it is a disease and not a moral failing, and what the gold standards of treatment are. Listen and learn. This is an incredible podcast. Join the Henry's Uncle Facebook community to further the discussion - http://bit.ly/2TYp2mR For more information about Henry's Uncle, please visit www.henrysuncle.org To contact Henry's Uncle, please email info@henrysuncle.org Disclaimer: THIS PODCAST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The contents of this podcast, including any accompanying text, graphics, images, and other material, are not intended to be a substitute for, or to be relied upon as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast or because of any information presented in connection with it. In a medical emergency call 911 immediately. Henry’s Uncle does not recommend or endorse any specific test, physician, product, procedure, opinion or any other information provided on its podcast or in connection with it. Reliance on any information provided by Henry’s Uncle, Henry’s Uncle employees, guests on the podcast, or comments made regarding the podcast, is solely at your own risk.
1:00:57•17 Dec 2019
Dr. Andrew Mendenhall on How Addiction Rewires the Brain
“It's a big difference between that concept, and I've met very few people with a substance use disorder that frame it all in just a desire to get high and feel loaded.”
Imagine your brain being hijacked by substances. In this episode of 'Henry's Uncle', host Erik Kilgore sits down with Dr. Andrew Mendenhall, the Chief Medical Officer at Central City Concern, to unravel the biology behind addiction. Dr. Mendenhall breaks down why addiction is a disease, not a moral failing, and discusses the gold standards of treatment that are making waves in the recovery community. From medication-assisted treatments to the impact of community support, this conversation covers it all. Dr.
Mendenhall also touches on the alarming rise of vaping among teenagers and its potential long-term effects. He explains how substances like alcohol and drugs can rewire the brain, making it incredibly challenging for individuals to break free from their grip. The episode delves into the opioid epidemic, emphasizing the need for doctors to educate patients and shift the focus from punitive measures to compassionate treatment. One standout moment is when Dr. Mendenhall talks about 'imperfect paths to recovery'.
He sheds light on how methadone treatment can be a lifeline for those battling opioid use disorder, and why it's crucial to understand that recovery isn't always a straight line. This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by addiction, offering a blend of scientific insight and heartfelt empathy. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how addiction hijacks the brain and what steps can be taken to reclaim one's life.
Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or just curious about the science behind addiction, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical advice.
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