December is a month that can be difficult for people with mental health issues and a history of trauma, and it is the most dangerous time of the year for drug- and alcohol-related accidents. In this episode of Ulysses Neuro Podcast we talk about addiciton and substance abuse, to help raise awareness on this disorder and reduce the stigma surrounding it: our guest Brendan, who has been battling addiction for 20 years, talks about his struggles and experiences with support structures. Addiction is a chronic brain disorder that manifests itself as a dependency on substances or behaviour. We discuss the complex nature of addiction, the overlap with mental health issues, the treatments available in Ireland and the stigma surrounding it.