The Science Behind Sobriety: Professor Karla Kaun's Insights
Episode Overview
Addiction alters brain circuits, prioritising reward-seeking despite negative consequences. Long-term substance use changes the brain’s 'symphony', affecting cravings and impulse control. Understanding these changes can help in reversing or mitigating the damage. Lifestyle changes like a good diet, regular sleep, and exercise can support brain health during recovery. Practical advice is offered for those struggling with addiction.
When you use alcohol for many years in a row, what you're doing is you're changing the entire symphony.
Imagine your brain as a grand orchestra, each section playing its part to create the music of your behaviour. This episode of Tribe Sober - inspiring an alcohol free life! features Professor Karla Kaun from Brown University, who takes us on a fascinating journey through the science of addiction. Professor Kaun's research focuses on how alcohol and drugs impact our brain's reward mechanisms, leading to cravings and reduced impulse control.
She explains that addiction alters brain circuits, prioritising reward-seeking even when it has negative consequences. This episode is packed with scientific insights that help demystify the complex nature of addiction and recovery. Professor Kaun discusses how long-term substance use changes the brain’s 'symphony', making it harder to resist cravings and maintain impulse control. She also shares how understanding these changes offers hope for recovery, as it provides clues on how to reverse or mitigate the damage.
Janet Gorond, the host, complements these insights with practical advice on lifestyle changes that can support brain health during recovery. She emphasises the importance of a good diet, regular sleep, and exercise to maximise brain plasticity. If you’re curious about the science behind addiction or looking for ways to support your sobriety journey, this episode offers valuable knowledge and encouragement. Tune in to learn how to rewire your brain for a healthier, alcohol-free life.