Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
Happiness Isn’t Brain Surgery Understanding Addiction
Happiness Isn’t Brain Surgery Understanding Addiction
Happiness Isn’t Brain Surgery Understanding Addiction
Sunday 4th September 2016
Understand addiction as self-medication with Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes. Learn causes, impacts, and practical tools for recovery. Listen now.
46 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Educational
Compassionate
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Recovery from Trauma
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Healing Relationships
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
762 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Understanding Addiction: Beyond the Surface with Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
Addiction is often a form of self-medication because, through excessive engagement in pleasurable activities, the brain has used neurotransmitters faster than they can be made.
Addiction isn't just a matter of willpower; it's a complex issue deeply rooted in brain chemistry. In this episode of the 'Counselor Toolbox Podcast', Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes, Executive Director of AllCEUs Continuing Education, breaks down the intricate mechanisms behind addiction. She reveals how many addictive behaviors, from internet and porn addiction to eating disorders, often serve as forms of self-medication.
By engaging in these behaviors, people may temporarily soothe their brains, but they also set off a cascade of chemical reactions that lead to cravings and dysphoria when the effects wear off. Dr. Snipes makes it clear that addiction is not merely a behavioral issue but a problem deeply intertwined with our brain's neurotransmitters. She explains how the brain shuts down receptors to conserve neurotransmitters, leading to decreased pleasure and increased cravings.
This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to understand or help someone struggling with addiction. Dr. Snipes discusses the importance of identifying triggers and developing healthier coping mechanisms. She also emphasizes self-compassion, noting that many people with addictions struggle with shame and self-blame. By fostering self-compassion, individuals can learn to be kinder to themselves and find healthier ways to cope with stress and negative emotions.
Whether you're a counselor, coach, or someone personally affected by addiction, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical tools for navigating the complexities of addiction and recovery.