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Can psilocybin and ibogaine truly cure depression and addiction, or are the risks being ignored?
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
In Part 2 of this episode of RECOVERable, host Terry McGuire sits down with clinical psychologist and research facilitator Dr. Chantelle Thomas, PhD, to explore the therapeutic potential, safety profiles, and common misconceptions surrounding psilocybin and ibogaine. Dr. Chantelle Thomas, a leading psychologist and researcher who has facilitated clinical trials at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, breaks down the emerging science behind psychedelic-assisted therapy for major depressive disorder, opioid use disorder, and severe trauma.
Together, Terry McGuire and Dr. Thomas separate myth from fact regarding magic mushrooms, neurogenesis, dendritic growth, and the cardiotoxicity risks of ibogaine treatment. Dr. Thomas explains how psilocybin turns down predictive thinking and increases experiential engagement, helping individuals break free from rigid, limiting thought patterns. They also examine the critical distinction between recreational mushroom use at music festivals and structured clinical treatment protocols.
Additionally, Dr. Thomas reveals why psychedelic integration and proper therapeutic preparation are vital, explaining how psychedelics can act as a powerful "gateway drug for therapy" rather than a standalone miracle cure. Whether you are curious about state-level legalization in Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico, upcoming FDA approval timelines, or how non-ordinary states of consciousness facilitate personal transformation, this episode offers an essential, grounded perspective on the future of behavioral health and recovery. Subscribe for more deep dives into evidence-based mental health treatment!
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Psilocybin & Ibogaine
00:01:35 – Psychedelic Myths vs. Facts
00:06:35 – Neurogenesis & Brain Connectivity
00:10:00 – Psilocybin Clinical Trials & Research
00:18:00 – What Happens in Psilocybin Therapy?
00:23:15 – Why Psychedelic Integration Matters
00:33:15 – Risks, Benefits, & FDA Approval Timelines
00:48:50 – Ibogaine for Opioid Addiction
00:55:00 – Safety & Caution in Ibogaine Treatment
00:59:30 – Final Advice on Psychedelic Healing
Questions the Video Answers:
Is psilocybin therapy effective for major depressive disorder?
How does ibogaine treat opioid addiction and withdrawal?
Can you get permanently trapped in a bad psilocybin trip?
What is the difference between recreational magic mushrooms and psilocybin therapy?
Does psilocybin stimulate neurogenesis and create new neural pathways?
What are the cardiotoxicity and heart risks associated with ibogaine?
How close is psilocybin to receiving FDA approval?
What is psychedelic integration and why is it necessary?
Can a single dose of psilocybin or ibogaine cure addiction?
Where is psilocybin therapy legally available in the United States?
How does psilocybin alter brain network communication?
What happens during an ibogaine life review experience?
How should you prepare for psychedelic-assisted therapy?
Why is traditional psychotherapy crucial before and after psychedelic treatment?
#Psilocybin #PsychedelicTherapy #Ibogaine
Can ketamine and MDMA truly transform trauma and severe depression? Clinical psychologist Dr. Chantelle Thomas, PhD, joins Terry McGuire to reveal the clinical truth behind psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
In this episode of RECOVERable, host Terry McGuire sits down with research facilitator Dr. Chantelle Thomas, PhD, for part one of a deep dive into the clinical landscapes of ketamine therapy and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Together, they dispel common myths surrounding recreational vs. therapeutic drug use, explaining how "set and setting" fundamentally alter patient outcomes.
Dr. Thomas explains how ketamine acts on glutamate pathways and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to offer rapid antidepressant relief in hours rather than weeks. You'll learn the crucial differences between standalone IV ketamine infusion clinics and comprehensive ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), as well as how integration therapy anchors altered states of consciousness into lasting recovery.
The conversation shifts to MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Dr. Thomas shares insights from FDA clinical trials, highlighting how MDMA expands a patient's capacity to process deep trauma without being overwhelmed. They discuss cardiac risks, candidate screening, abuse potential, and why psychedelic therapy requires skilled facilitation.
Whether you are exploring treatment-resistant depression, trauma recovery, or alternative mental health treatments, subscribe to RECOVERable for expert insights and stay tuned for part two on psilocybin and ibogaine!
Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Psychedelic Myths 01:20 – What Is Set and Setting? 05:58 – Ketamine vs Antidepressants for Depression 08:00 – Is Ketamine FDA Approved? 14:49 – What Is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy? 22:03 – Ketamine for Addiction & Trauma 27:00 – What Ketamine Therapy Feels Like 36:08 – MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD 42:34 – MDMA vs Traditional Trauma Therapy 54:11 – Critical Takeaways Before Trying Psychedelic Therapy
Are you secretly struggling with a sports betting addiction or trying to survive financial ruin after chasing losses online? Learn how to break free. In this episode of the RECOVERable Podcast, host Terry McGuire continues an impactful conversation with expert psychologist Dr. Michael Zhang to explore the psychology of behavioral addiction. Together, they pull back the curtain on the industry's hidden traps, detailing the process of self-exclusion and explaining how modern gambling apps add layers of friction—or fail to enforce bans when you are at your most vulnerable.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Dr. Michael Zhang, a leading psychologist and the innovative founder of the digital platform Incremental, breaks down why gambling disorder is uniquely recognized in the DSM-5 as the only official behavioral addiction. He addresses the intense psychological turmoil that comes with problem gambling, offering actionable advice on how to handle the immediate panic of massive financial loss and the daunting challenge of telling a partner or parents about severe gambling debt. Terry and Dr. Zhang take a hard look at the emerging landscape of sports betting apps and prediction markets, debunking the dangerous myth that betting on sports is purely a game of skill rather than high-risk gambling.
They also expose the conflicts of interest behind industry-funded 'responsible gambling' programs, urging viewers to follow the money and seek independent recovery support instead. By explaining how variable ratio schedules and intermittent reinforcement keep your brain hooked on fake wins, Dr. Zhang delivers a powerful blueprint for shifting from active addiction into lasting freedom. If you are ready to stop active betting, escape the exhausting double life, and discover what true recovery looks like after hitting rock bottom, this conversation is for you. Watch the full episode to learn how to break the spell, rebuild broken relationships, and build a beautiful, authentic life. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs to hear it today.
Chapters: 00:00 – [Intro] 00:48 – How Self-Exclusion Works 03:09 – Using Self-Exclusion on Gambling Apps 06:29 – The Significance of Gambling in the DSM-5 08:20 – Handling the Panic of Massive Financial Loss 10:29 – How to Tell Your Family About Gambling Debt 15:14 – Is Sports Betting Gambling or Skill? 22:27 – How Gambling Hotlines Help 24:48 – Addressing Gambling as a Public Health Issue 31:02 – The Overlap with Substance Abuse and True Recovery
Questions the Video Answers:
#GamblingAddiction #SportsBetting #AddictionRecovery
Are you or someone you love secretly struggling with a gambling problem? Discover how modern apps trap your mind and how to break the cycle. In this episode of the Recoverable Podcast, host Terry McGuire sits down with expert psychologist Dr. Michael Zhang to uncover the hidden psychology of gambling addiction. They explore why it is so difficult to recognize and why individuals get caught in a dangerous loop of chasing losses.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Dr. Michael Zhang, a leading psychologist and founder of the innovative digital recovery support platform Income, breaks down the progression of problem gambling from innocent recreational play to a severe diagnosable disorder. Unlike substance abuse, a sports betting or online slots addiction often forces individuals to live double lives, hiding the financial and emotional damage directly inside their bank accounts. Dr. Zhang explains the neurological mechanism behind the "near-miss" effect and how anticipation triggers dopamine pathways long before an outcome is even revealed.
This deep-dive conversation shatters common myths about willpower, explains official diagnostic criteria, and highlights the terrifyingly high suicide rates associated with this hidden epidemic. If you want to understand how online sports betting apps and prediction markets are engineered to keep you hooked, this video will open your eyes. More importantly, you will learn the crucial difference between temporarily stopping the behavior and completely removing the psychological desire to gamble.
If you are ready to shift from gambling mode to recovery mode and successfully rebuild your life, watch this full episode for actionable, evidence-based insights. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs to hear it.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
01:54 – Defining Gambling Addiction vs. Gambling a Lot
04:10 – The Stages of Problem Gambling
08:25 – Why Awareness of the Problem Develops Slowly
12:44 – The Dopamine Psychology of a Gambler's Brain
18:31 – How Modern Technology and Online Apps Changed Gambling
24:50 – The Psychology of Living a Double Life
30:15 – Myth vs. Fact: Debunking Common Gambling Misconceptions
38:57 – Official Diagnostic Criteria for Gambling Disorder
49:27 – How to Actually Stop Gambling and Rebuild Your Life
Questions the Video Answers:
#GamblingAddiction #ProblemGambling #HowToStopGambling
Can a weight-loss medication actually cure your deepest cravings? Discover how GLP-1 drugs are revolutionizing the landscape of addiction recovery.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
In this episode of Recoverable, host Terry McGuire sits down with Dr. Steven Klein, an expert medical professional specializing in addiction medicine who also brings his own powerful lived experience of nine years in long-term recovery. Together, they explore the fascinating science of drug repurposing—shifting medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide (widely known under brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound) from type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management over to the frontlines of substance use disorder treatment. Dr. Klein breaks down how these powerful gut-brain peptides quiet persistent "food noise" and "drug noise" by directly targeting the mesolimbic dopamine system, which controls the brain’s fundamental reward circuitry.
Whether discussing alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, nicotine dependence, or behavioral addictions like compulsive gambling, this deep-dive addresses the critical neurobiology behind how GLP-1 for addiction functions as a substance-agnostic tool. You’ll learn about recent groundbreaking clinical data showing a 50% drop in substance-related mortality, the clinical reality of off-label prescribing, common GI side effects, and what happens to internal cravings once you stop taking the medication. Dr. Klein shares his profound "record needle" analogy, showing how these treatments temporarily quiet internal noise so individuals can learn a completely new behavioral song. If you or a loved one are exploring cutting-edge medical tools to support sustainable recovery, reduce relapse, and reclaim your agency, this episode provides essential context, breaking down the artificial boundaries between physical metabolic health and mental health.
Watch the full conversation to unlock the future of highly personalized behavioral care. Don't forget to like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share your thoughts or personal experiences in the comments section below!
Chapters: 00:00:00 – Intro
00:01:14 – How GLP-1s Transformed My Relationship with Food
00:06:27 – How Weight Loss Drugs Ended Up on the Addiction Radar
00:09:05 – How GLP-1s Treat the Core Circuitry of Addiction
00:11:14 – What Are the Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications?
00:15:18 – How Do GLP-1 Drugs Actually Work for Addiction?
00:18:00 – Does Brain Rewiring Continue After Stopping GLP-1s?
00:23:49 – Are GLP-1s FDA-Approved for Addiction Treatment?
00:26:53 – Do GLP-1s Cause Anhedonia or Suicidal Thoughts?
00:42:31 – Can You Take GLP-1s for Addiction Without Losing Weight?
Questions the Video Answers:
#GLP1ForAddiction #OzempicForAddiction #AddictionRecovery
Is willpower alone enough to beat opioid addiction, or are we fighting a medical disease with the wrong tools? In this episode of the Recoverable podcast, we shift the paradigm from shame to evidence-based science.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Host Terry McGuire sits down with Dr. Steven Klein, MD, PhD, a triple-boarded physician in pediatrics, genetics, and addiction medicine who serves as full-time faculty at Caron Treatment Centers. Dr. Klein brings a deeply authentic perspective to the table as a professional in long-term recovery himself, diving into the raw mechanics of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). We break down the crucial differences between traditional Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and OUD-specific options like Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), oral naltrexone, and the game-changing shift toward monthly long-acting injectables.
Dr. Klein directly confronts the intense societal stigma and the ongoing debate within 12-step recovery groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) over whether using addiction medication means you are truly "sober". He shares the striking clinical data regarding the low number needed to treat (NNT) for buprenorphine compared to other lifelines in modern medicine. Beyond the blocking of withdrawal symptoms and cravings, we uncover the profound psychological "why" behind substance abuse—looking closely at trauma, identity, and the heavy sense of disconnection that fuels severe opioid use disorder. If you or a loved one are trying to navigate rehab options, outpatient detox programs, or sober living rules, this conversation offers data-backed hope. Subscribe for Part 2 next week, and leave a comment below with your thoughts!
Chapters:
00:00 – Changing the Paradigm of Addiction Recovery
01:11 – Dr. Stephen Klein’s Personal Recovery Journey
03:36 – What is the Difference Between MAT and MOUD?
05:12 – The Opioid Class: From Prescription Pills to Kratom
07:05 – Is Abstinence Always the Goal of MOUD Treatment?
09:28 – How Do We Measure Success in Addiction Recovery?
11:34 – How Suboxone and Naltrexone Block Cravings
14:56 – Navigating Stigma: "Replacing One Drug with Another"
21:16 – How Monthly Injectables Change Compliance and Self-Stigma
23:55 – The True Medical Risks of Untreated Opioid Withdrawal
Questions the Video Answers:
What is the difference between MAT and MOUD in addiction treatment?
How does Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) work for opioid addiction?
Can you use naltrexone for both opioid and alcohol use disorder?
Why do 12-step programs like AA and NA stigmatize Suboxone users?
How do monthly injectable addiction medications like Vivitrol reduce self-stigma?
What is the Sinclair Method for treating alcohol use disorder?
Is a person on MOUD considered truly sober and in recovery?
What are the side effects of buprenorphine vs untreated opioid withdrawal?
Does health insurance or Medicaid cover long-acting injectable opioid treatments?
Why is kratom considered an emerging and dangerous opioid alkaloid?
How do trauma and deep emotional disconnection cause substance abuse?
How can family members support a loved one starting buprenorphine?
#OpioidAddiction #SuboxoneRecovery #AddictionMedicine
What is brainspotting therapy and how does it actually work? Dr. Jenny Hughes, licensed clinical psychologist and trauma expert, explains this revolutionary approach to healing trauma — including how it differs from EMDR, why where you look affects how you feel, and what happens during a real brainspotting session.
In this interview, Dr. Hughes breaks down the science behind brainspotting: how it accesses the subcortical parts of your brain where trauma is stored, why you don't need to talk through your trauma for it to work, and the accidental discovery by David Grand that changed trauma therapy forever.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Intro: What Is Brainspotting?
1:33 — Myth or Fact Lightning Round
5:11 — The Accidental Discovery (David Grand & the Skater)
8:15 — EMDR vs. Brainspotting: Quick Overview
8:49 — How Brainspotting Actually Works
10:08 — The "Inside Window" & Finding Your Brain Spot
10:52 — Focused Mindfulness & the Subcortical Brain
12:26 — The Pointer, Variations & Therapist Training
13:33 — Why Therapists Experience Brainspotting First
15:21 — EMDR vs. Brainspotting: The Key Differences
16:50 — What Changes After Brainspotting Therapy
18:15 — Which Therapy Is Right for You?
🔗 ABOUT DR. JENNY HUGHES
Dr. Jenny Hughes is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in trauma, anxiety, and evidence-based therapies including Brainspotting and EMDR.
🎙️ ABOUT RECOVERABLE
RECOVERable answers the internet's most-asked questions about mental health, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction recovery — through expert interviews you can actually understand.
Find the right treatment for you at Recovery.com
https://www.recovery.com
EMDR therapy is one of the most effective treatments for trauma, anxiety, and PTSD — and most people have never heard of it.
In this episode of RECOVERable, licensed clinical psychologist and trauma expert Dr. Jenny Hughes breaks down exactly what EMDR therapy is, how it works, and whether it's right for you.
Dr. Hughes covers:
✔ What EMDR therapy actually is — and what it isn't
✔ How trauma gets "stuck" in your brain (and how EMDR unsticks it)
✔ The difference between EMDR and traditional talk therapy
✔ All 8 phases of an EMDR session, explained step-by-step
✔ Whether EMDR works for anxiety, depression & complex PTSD
✔ Common myths about EMDR — and what the science says
✔ Why you should NEVER try to do EMDR on your own
✔ How to find a certified EMDR therapist
If you've been struggling with trauma, anxiety, or depression — and feel stuck — this conversation gives you a clear, practical understanding of one of the most powerful healing tools available.
——————————————————————
🕒 CHAPTERS
0:00 — Introduction: What Is EMDR Therapy?
1:12 — How Trauma Affects Your Brain
3:02 — Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Therapy
3:37 — EMDR Myth vs. Fact ⚡ Lightning Round
9:47 — What EMDR Therapy Actually Is
12:05 — How to Find the Right EMDR Therapist
13:41 — EMDR vs. Brain Spotting: What's the Difference?
14:37 — What Can EMDR Treat?
15:58 — The Science & Research Behind EMDR
18:13 — What a Client Experiences During EMDR
22:33 — EMDR Session Walkthrough: All 8 Phases
36:35 — Do You Have to Relive Your Trauma?
39:33 — EMDR vs. Talk Therapy
41:09 — What If You Don't Know What to Target?
43:17 — Risks of EMDR Therapy
44:25 — Can You Do EMDR on Yourself?
45:59 — Does EMDR Work for Anxiety & Depression?
50:01 — In-Person vs. Virtual EMDR
51:20 — Where to Find Help & What's Next
——————————————————————
RECOVERable is a production of Recovery.com — the best place to find mental health and addiction treatment.
Find the right treatment for you at Recovery.com
https://recovery.com
Alcohol use disorder vs. gray area drinking — what's the difference, and how do you know when your drinking has become a problem?
In this episode, licensed clinical social worker and national mental health expert Kelley Kitley breaks down the real signs of alcohol use disorder (AUD), explains what "gray area drinking" actually means, and answers the question so many people are afraid to ask: am I an alcoholic?
Kelley draws on both her clinical expertise and her own personal recovery journey to help you understand:
✔ The DSM criteria for alcohol use disorder
✔ What gray area drinking looks like — and why it's so easy to miss
✔ Why drinking every night is NOT normal, and what it does to your body
✔ How to talk to a loved one about their drinking without pushing them away
✔ The difference between supporting someone and enabling them
✔ Treatment options: therapy, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), 30-day inpatient, and medical detox
✔ What medications like Naltrexone do for alcohol cravings
✔ Why relapse doesn't mean failure — and when recovery finally "clicks"
Whether you're questioning your own drinking, worried about someone you love, or just trying to understand alcohol addiction recovery, this conversation is for you.
0:00 — Introduction
1:26 — What Is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
3:05 — Gray Area Drinking: Are You in the Gray Zone?
4:11 — Is It Normal to Drink Every Night?
5:55 — How Alcohol Destroys Your Sleep
7:30 — "I Don't Have an Off Switch" — Kelley's Personal Story
9:44 — Why Trying to Moderate Drinking Rarely Works
11:24 — What Happens When You Quit Drinking
13:23 — How Alcohol Affects Your Kids & Genetic Risk
15:56 — The Moment Kelley Decided to Get Sober
18:29 — How to Talk to a Loved One About Their Drinking
21:56 — Setting Boundaries vs. Enabling
25:15 — How to Encourage Someone to Seek Treatment
30:03 — Treatment Options: Therapy, IOP & Inpatient Rehab
34:14 — What Medical Detox Actually Involves
37:49 — Why Relapse Is Not a Failure
41:15 — Naltrexone & Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
43:32 — Where to Find Help & Resources
Kelley Kitley is a licensed clinical social worker, national mental health expert, and person in long-term recovery. She specializes in breaking cycles of trauma and addiction using a holistic approach.
#AlcoholUseDisorder #GrayAreaDrinking #AddictionRecovery
Find the right treatment for you at Recovery.com
https://www.recovery.com
Alcohol use disorder and gray area drinking affect millions who wonder "am I an alcoholic?" — but don't fit the stereotype. Licensed clinical social worker Kelley Kitley shares her personal recovery story and 20+ years of professional expertise to help you recognize the signs of problem drinking, understand the difference between sobriety and recovery, and find practical strategies for moderation, tapering, and navigating social situations without alcohol. Whether you're questioning your own drinking habits or supporting someone else, this expert interview breaks down DSM criteria, internal warning signs, and health risks in plain language you can actually understand.
Find the right treatment for you at Recovery.com
https://www.recovery.com
0:00 — Introduction: Who Is Kelley Kitley?
1:03 — Kelley's Personal Story: From Bar Business to Recovery
3:07 — What Is Alcohol Use Disorder? (DSM Criteria Explained)
6:46 — Signs of Problem Drinking & Gray Area Drinking
11:14 — Coping Mechanisms & Social Anxiety Without Alcohol
16:50 — Internal Signs, Moderation Management & "Dry January"
21:30 — Comparing Drinking Habits & Hidden Health Risks
26:06 — Sobriety vs. Recovery: Why Just Stopping Isn't Enough
34:42 — Brain Repair Timeline & Tapering Strategies
37:25 — Managing Social Situations in Sobriety
#AlcoholUseDisorder #GrayAreaDrinking #SoberCurious
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