Meadows Behavioral Healthcare
Meadows Behavioral Healthcare
S6 E13: Dr. Kevin McCauley on Unraveling the Neuroscience of Addiction
S6 E13: Dr. Kevin McCauley on Unraveling the Neuroscience of Addiction
S6 E13: Dr. Kevin McCauley on Unraveling the Neuroscience of Addiction
Friday 16th February 2024
Dr. Kevin McCauley explains how addiction hijacks the brain's reward system, with insights into cravings, trauma, and recovery.
24 minutes
Informative
Engaging
Educational
Compassionate
Eye-opening
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Meadows Behavioral Healthcare
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery from Trauma
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Family Recovery from Addiction
Sobriety Toolkit
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Get the buttons here!The Neuroscience of Addiction with Dr. Kevin McCauley
Episode Overview
- Addiction disrupts the brain's dopamine pathways, leading to persistent substance use.
- Cravings are a powerful force driven by emotional and neurological factors.
- Trauma can intersect with addiction, complicating recovery efforts.
- Fentanyl is particularly dangerous due to its high potency and rapid accumulation in the body.
- CBD and Delta 8 THC have varying effects on the brain and body, with potential benefits and risks.
"Addiction is a problem in the dopamine system, the brain's value calculator."
Dr. Kevin McCauley joins host Dominic Lawson on Beyond Theory to unravel the intricate science behind addiction. In this episode, Dr. McCauley, a senior fellow at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, dives into the neuroscience of addiction, explaining how substance abuse hijacks the brain's reward system. He sheds light on the dopamine pathways that assess value and survival importance, revealing how addiction disrupts this delicate balance, leading to persistent substance use despite negative consequences. Dr.
McCauley also shares gripping stories from his medical career, including an elderly man with pancreatitis due to alcohol and a young sailor battling heroin addiction. These anecdotes illustrate the powerful grip of cravings and the complex interplay between brain chemistry and behaviour. The discussion touches on the role of trauma in addiction and how the brain's value calculator gets skewed, making recovery a challenging yet crucial journey. Dr.
McCauley also explores the impact of fentanyl, CBD, and Delta 8 THC, highlighting their effects on the brain and body. Whether you're struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights into the science behind substance abuse and recovery. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that blends scientific knowledge with heartfelt stories, providing a deeper understanding of addiction's hold on the brain.