Michael Walsh
Zachary Crouch
Adolescents And Addiction
Adolescents And Addiction
Adolescents And Addiction
Tuesday 16th June 2020
Discover why teens are prone to addiction and learn practical prevention tips from experts Dr. Joseph Shrand and Dr. Alex Elswick on the Landmark Recovery Podcast.
70 minutes
Informative
Hopeful
Educational
Supportive
Motivational
About this podcast
Author:
Michael Walsh
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Recovery Reimagined
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Financial Health in Recovery
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Episodes:
192 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Teen Brains and Addiction: Expert Insights from Dr. Joseph Shrand and Dr. Alex Elswick
All drugs and alcohol force the brain to make dopamine. It is an ancient ancient chemical of pleasure.
Ever wondered why teenagers are so vulnerable to addiction? In this episode of the Landmark Recovery Podcast, host Zachary Crouch chats with Dr. Joseph Shrand and Dr. Alex Elswick to unravel this complex issue. Dr. Shrand, a psychiatry lecturer at Harvard Medical School, dives into how the adolescent brain develops and why it's especially prone to addiction.
He explains how the prefrontal cortex, which governs thinking and decision-making, is still maturing during the teenage years, making it easier for drugs and alcohol to disrupt its development. Dr. Elswick then shifts the focus to the opioid crisis, emphasizing the importance of prescription drug safety. He highlights how easily reliance on painkillers can spiral into addiction and advocates for prescribing naloxone alongside opioids to prevent overdoses.
The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding addiction and how it hampers effective communication between adolescents and their families. One of the standout points from Dr. Shrand is the role of dopamine, a pleasure-inducing chemical that all addictive substances force the brain to produce. This episode is packed with practical advice for parents and healthcare providers on how to navigate these challenges.
The experts also stress the significance of gratitude in recovery, sharing personal stories and suggesting ways to incorporate gratitude rituals into daily life. Whether you're a parent, healthcare provider, or just curious about the science behind addiction, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and actionable tips.