Mary Woods
Mary Woods
The Neurobiology of Addiction – It is not about willpower!
The Neurobiology of Addiction – It is not about willpower!
The Neurobiology of Addiction – It is not about willpower!
Monday 7th January 2008
Join Mary Woods and Dr. Nora D. Volkow on 'One Hour AT A Time' as they discuss the brain science of addiction and the importance of effective treatment.
56 minutes
Informative
Educational
Thought-provoking
Engaging
Motivational
About this podcast
Author:
Mary Woods
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Recovery from Trauma
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Get the buttons here!Understanding Addiction: Brain Science and Treatment Insights
Not everybody who takes cocaine ends up a cocaine addict. People who are more impulsive are generally seen to be at greater risk for substance abuse.
Ever wondered why addiction isn't just a matter of willpower? In this eye-opening episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', host Mary Woods sits down with Dr. Nora D. Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, to unpack the complex science behind addiction. Dr. Volkow, a pioneer in using brain imaging to study drug effects, dives into how addiction alters brain function and why it's classified as a brain disease.
She explains the genetic factors that can make some people more susceptible to addiction and discusses the latest breakthroughs in addiction research. This episode also touches on the co-occurrence of substance abuse with emotional and psychiatric disorders, emphasizing the need for targeted treatments. Dr. Volkow highlights how drugs interact with brain systems designed for memory and impulsivity, making recovery more challenging but not impossible.
One of the key messages here is that overcoming addiction requires more than just willpower; it demands a comprehensive treatment plan, similar to managing other chronic illnesses. Whether you're struggling with addiction yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights into the neurobiology of addiction and the critical role of treatment in recovery.