CARES Podcast

What’s actually happening in the brain when addiction takes hold, and how can understanding the science change the way families respond?

In this pilot episode of the CARES Podcast, René Gaitan sits down with Drew Dutton, President and CEO of Phoenix House in Texas, to explore the science behind addiction and what families need to know.

Drew explains how measurable changes in the brain influence addiction and why substance use should not be viewed simply as a matter of morality or willpower. He also shares practical guidance for families, including the importance of education, self-care, healthy boundaries, positive reinforcement, and support throughout recovery and relapse.

This conversation offers a message of hope for families affected by substance use: addiction is preventable, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of, and no one has to face it alone.

In this episode, René and Drew will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to The CARES Podcast and Addiction Awareness

(01:41) Understanding Addiction: A Disease Perspective

(06:29) The Importance of Seeking Help

(12:29) Family Dynamics and Self-Care

(17:53) Relapse: Understanding and Managing Expectations

(24:35) The Role of Positive Reinforcement

(31:02) Supporting Siblings in the Family

(34:24) Phoenix House and Community Resources

Drew Dutton is the Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix House Texas, where he oversees the organization’s programming, administration, and strategic direction. With more than a decade of experience in substance use treatment and prevention, Drew has worked extensively with individuals, families, and communities and brings both professional and personal experience in recovery.

He holds master’s degrees in Counseling from Texas Christian University, an MBA from Baylor University, and a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Drew is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist. He is also an adjunct professor in graduate counseling programs and a nationally featured presenter on substance use treatment and prevention, addiction neuroscience, adolescent interventions, and positive psychology.

Connect with Drew:

Website: https://phoenixhousetx.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewduttonlpcs/

Connect with CARES:

Website: https://carescommunity.us/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecarescommunity

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cares-community-6552b63a5/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2LUyL5oNMwOUdsn95o4Bah