People recovering from addiction often like to say that the disease is “cunning, baffling, and powerful.” And although many aspects of addiction and recovery are debatable, we can all probably agree that it’s true.
Humans have been suffering from and dying from addiction for hundreds of years, but in many ways we are still baffled by how to treat it, diagnose it, or even talk about it.
Where to begin?
In this week’s National Recovery Month episode of The Man Rules podcast, Dr. Kevin McCauley joins host Dan Griffin to untangle some of the confusing paradoxes of addiction and recovery.
And if it’s an issue that you’re grappling with yourself – in whatever form – these practical and tactical tips might be a good place to start.
Practical & Tactical Tips
- To prevent your brain from getting hijacked by addiction, practice good dopamine health. Examine your relationship with all manner of alluring substances and processes— even smartphones.
- If you’re trying to help someone with an addiction, recognize that the way people who are addicted experience the world is different. Even if the solution to their problems seems simple to you, it is not so simple for them. Try to get them to a doctor, counselor, or therapist who specializes in addiction.
- If you are struggling with addiction, know that social connectedness will help you get through the process of recovery. Clarifying your values, making amends, and repairing damage is an important part of recovery, and people who have been there before can help you with that.
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About Our Guest
Kevin McCauley, MD was a Naval Flight Surgeon with the Third Marine Air Wing
when he became addicted to opioid pain relievers. Following his court-martial and incarceration at Fort Leavenworth and subsequent treatment he began lecturing on the neuroscience of addiction. He wrote and directed the film “Pleasure Unwoven” used by many treatment centers to explain the brain disease of addiction. Currently, he travels between his home in Honolulu and Utah where he is the Director of Program Services at New Roads Behavioral Health. He is also a Senior Fellow at The Meadows.
Mentioned on This Episode
2016 Men in Recovery Project (Video Series)
Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong (Johann Hari TED Talk)
How Science is Unlocking the Secrets of Addiction (National Geographic)
ProtectingSobriety.com (The Institute for Addiction Study)
Pleasure Unwoven (Movie)
Memo to Self (Movie)
Addiction & Recovery Resources
Reliable resources for learning more about addiction and finding help for yourself, a friend, or a family member.
General Information about Addiction
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association
For People with Substance Addictions
For Families and Friends of People with Substance Addictions
SMART Recovery Family and Friends
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
Network of Independent Interventionists
Association of Intervention Specialists
