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Can you really rewire your brain after years of addiction? Dr. Judson Brewer explains the science of neuroplasticity and the secret to unlearning any habit.
In this second installment, host Terry Maguire continues the conversation with world-renowned psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Judson Brewer (Dr. Jud). We explore why habits are formed to help us survive and how those same mechanisms can be hijacked by addiction . Dr. Jud explains the Default Mode Network and why it's the "home base" for cravings, worry, and rumination .
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Dr. Jud is the New York Times bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety and The Craving Mind and currently serves as a researcher and clinician. In this episode, he breaks down why smartphones are essentially "pocket slot machines" that use intermittent reinforcement to keep us hooked . He also debunks the 21-day habit myth and shares laboratory data showing that reward values can actually shift in as few as 5 to 15 mindfully aware experiences.
Learn how to step out of the "shame loop" and into a "learning loop" by using curiosity as a clinical intervention . We discuss the HALT method (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) for identifying stress triggers and the neuroscience behind why meeting a need is always better than feeding a want . Whether it’s substance use, social media, or problematic eating, Dr. Jud proves that everything is recoverable if it is a habit.
Chapters:
00:00 – [Intro]
01:09 – Defining Addiction: Continued Use Despite Consequences
05:26 – Why Addiction is Not a Moral Failure
08:30 – The Default Mode Network & Brain Cravings
13:47 – How to Rewire Your Brain After Years of Use
20:13 – The 21-Day Habit Myth Debunked
27:14 – Are Cell Phones "Pocket Slot Machines"?
33:32 – Dealing with Slips and the "Shame Loop"
43:12 – How Mindfulness Rewires the Brain
51:18 – Dr. Jud's Advice for Loving Someone with Addiction
Questions the Video Answers:
What actually happens in the brain during a craving?
Is it really possible to unlearn any habit?
What is the Default Mode Network in the brain?
Why do slot machines and phones get us addicted?
How many times does it take to change a reward value?
Does a single slip mean I’m back at square one?
Can mindfulness help with addiction recovery?
What is the HALT method for stress management?
Why does curiosity help stop a craving?
Is addiction primarily about choice or survival?
How long does the brain take to form a new habit?
What is "Intermittent Reinforcement"?
How do parents protect their teenager's brain?
How do medications like methadone affect receptors?
Why is "meeting a need" better than "feeding a want"?
#Neuroscience #AddictionRecovery #HabitChange
Stop fighting your brain and start understanding it. Dr. Judson Brewer reveals why willpower is a myth and how neuroscience is the real key to breaking bad habits.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Learn more about Dr. Judson Brewer: https://drjud.com/
In this episode of RECOVERable host Terry Maguire sits down with Dr. Judson Brewer (Dr. Jud), a world-renowned psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and New York Times bestselling author of The Craving Mind and Unwinding Anxiety. Dr. Jud explains why the "just say no" approach fails and breaks down the evolutionary "habit loop"—trigger, behavior, and result—that keeps us stuck.
You will learn why dopamine is actually a "motivation molecule" designed for survival, not pleasure, and how to navigate the "three gears" of habit change: awareness, disenchantment, and finding the "Bigger Better Offer". Whether you are struggling with substance use, anxiety, or digital addiction, this conversation provides a science-backed roadmap to rewire your brain using curiosity as a superpower.
Dr. Jud also debunks common myths about "hitting rock bottom" and explains why the logical brain goes offline during a crisis. Learn how to ride out a craving in just 13 minutes and why your "survival brain" might be leading you astray.
Subscribe for Part 2 and visit mindshiftrecovery.org for more resources.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
00:48 – Myth vs. Fact: Is Addiction a Lack of Willpower?
05:58 – The Habit Loop: Trigger, Behavior, and Result
11:15 – Why Willpower is More Myth than Muscle
11:43 – Gear 1: Awareness and the "Why" Trap
15:22 – Gear 2: Finding Disenchantment with Habits
26:35 – Gear 3: The "Bigger Better Offer" Strategy
37:35 – Curiosity: The Superpower for Cravings
40:54 – Is Addiction a Choice or a Brain Disease?
53:21 – The Truth About Dopamine Fasting
Questions the Video Answers:
#Neuroscience #AddictionRecovery #JudsonBrewer
Can you tell if someone has an eating disorder just by looking at them? Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar debunks the "healthy look" myth and explains why dieting is toxic to recovery. This episode explores the critical "Nine Truths" of eating disorders, the role of genetics, and why early intervention is vital for long-term health.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
In this deep-dive, host Terry McGuire continues the conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar, MD, a triple board-certified psychiatrist and the Regional Medical Director at Eating Recovery Center. Dr. Wassenaar leads clinical excellence in treating complex eating disorders and guides families toward sustainable healing.
We cover the nuances of Binge Eating Disorder (BED)—the most common yet underdiagnosed type—and ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), a different entity driven by sensory avoidance or fear rather than body image. Dr. Wassenaar also breaks down the four levels of care: Inpatient, Residential, Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient (IOP), helping listeners understand how much containment and support is necessary for true recovery.
Whether you are a parent looking for signs, a professional seeking evidence-based insights, or someone struggling, this video provides a roadmap for navigating the "crafty" nature of these illnesses. Recovery is possible, but no one has to do it alone.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
01:10 – Can you tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking?
05:02 – Why families are allies, not the cause
06:40 – Is it just a phase? The crisis of adolescence
11:02 – The role of genetics vs. environment
16:32 – Understanding Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder
19:46 – What is ARFID? Disinterest and sensory avoidance
24:00 – Why "just eat" or "just stop" is dangerous advice
27:45 – Explaining levels of care: Inpatient to IOP
44:40 – How long does recovery actually take?
52:34 – Common eating disorder behaviors to look for
Questions the Video Answers:
#EatingDisorderRecovery #BingeEatingDisorder #MentalHealthMatters
"You can have an eating disorder and not be in an underweight body."
This powerful insight from Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar, Regional Medical Director at the Eating Recovery Center, challenges everything we think we know about food, weight, and mental health. In this eye-opening episode of RECOVERable, host Terry Maguire sits down with Dr. Wassenaar to dismantle the dangerous myths surrounding eating disorders.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Dr. Wassenaar, a triple board-certified psychiatrist, explains that eating disorders are real, brain-based biological illnesses—not matters of willpower, vanity, or "just a diet gone wrong". We dive deep into why these conditions are curable, the difference between "disordered eating" and clinical diagnoses, and the alarming rise of anorexia and bulimia in younger children.
We also address the "pathological aloneness" that often accompanies mental illness and why community and connection are the strongest antidotes to the isolation of an eating disorder. Whether you are struggling yourself, worried about a friend, or curious about the signs of eating disorders in men and boys, this conversation provides a compassionate roadmap for understanding and seeking help.
Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 00:32 – What is the one thing society should understand? 02:06 – Why are eating disorders considered a mental illness? 06:34 – Is there a typical age when they start? 08:37 – Why are eating disorders starting at younger ages? 12:22 – How should we communicate with each other about bodies? 14:53 – What does disordered eating actually mean? 19:54 – When does it become a medical or mental health crisis? 23:45 – How does tracking calories and macros play a role? 37:34 – What are the signs a friend might have an eating disorder? 50:17 – Do guys get eating disorders, too?
Questions the Video Answers:
#eatingdisorder #mentalhealth #recovery
Can you outrun a traumatic childhood? Dr. Christina Bethell returns for Part 2 to explain why an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) score is an indicator of risk, not a predictor of destiny. As a national leader in population health and systems measurement, Dr. Bethell has reshaped how we understand the "toxic stress" that accumulates in the nervous system when childhood trauma is experienced without buffers.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
In this episode, we dive into the "Positivity Paradox" and the breakthrough research on Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Dr. Bethell explains that the absence of positive experiences—feeling loved, supported, and heard—can be as detrimental to long-term health as the presence of trauma itself. We discuss why healthcare systems are often slow to screen for trauma and how the "medicine" of presence and connection can rewire the brain even decades later.
Our guest, Dr. Christina Bethell (PhD, MPH, MBA), is a Professor at Johns Hopkins University and the Director of the Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative (CAHMI). Her work proves that healing is a life process and that "more likely is not most"—meaning a high trauma score does not guarantee a future of illness or addiction. Whether you are struggling with your own past or trying to build a resilient future for your children, this conversation offers a roadmap for shifting from "fixing" to "connecting".
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Recap: How ACEs and PCEs intersect
05:03 – What does an ACE score actually mean?
08;23 – Are you "broken" if you have a high score?
10;43 – How do we get more positive experiences (PCEs)?
13;27 – Why don’t doctors ask about childhood trauma?
16;36 – Is the absence of "good" worse than the "bad"?
23;16 – The 4 indicators of family resilience
34;42 – Is it ever too late for adults to heal?
44;16 – Healing your relationship with your teenager
53;14 – A magic wand for society: Connecting vs. Fixing
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
What is an ACE score?
Does a high ACEs score mean I will get sick?
What is the difference between an event and toxic stress?
How do positive childhood experiences buffer trauma?
Why is emotional neglect so common and harmful?
Can I heal my nervous system as an adult?
What is the "positivity paradox"?
Why don't insurance companies cover trauma screening?
Can I build resilience with my teenager now?
What is "biobehavioral synchrony" in parenting?
How does trauma affect the immune system?
What are the 7 key PCEs for healing?
How do I reparent my inner child?
Why is "feeling heard" a public health priority?
How can I find safety if I grew up not trusting people?
#childhoodtrauma #mentalhealth #resilience
Can you truly heal from a traumatic childhood? Dr. Christina Bethell explains why your past shapes you but doesn't have to define your future. In this episode of Recoverable, we dive deep into the groundbreaking research behind Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the "medicine" of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs).
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
We explore the 10-question ACEs screener and why factors like emotional neglect are often the most underrated drivers of adult disease. Dr. Bethell shares her powerful personal story of growing up in the mid-60s amidst addiction and neglect, proving that even with a high trauma score, "flourishing" is possible through connection and emotional safety.
Our guest, Christina Bethell, PhD, MPH, MBA, is a Professor at Johns Hopkins University and the founding director of the Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative (CAHMI). Her work has revolutionized how we view relational health as the cornerstone of well-being. Whether you are an adult seeking healing or a caregiver looking to protect a child, this conversation provides a research-based roadmap for recovery.
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear that they matter.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Meet Dr. Christina Bethell
02:52 – What are ACEs and how do they impact us?
04:02 – Why were these 10 specific ACEs chosen?
09:51 – The long-term impact of feeling unloved
23:16 – Does the age trauma happens change the impact?
25:11 – What should you do if you have a high ACEs score?
28:23 – The Science of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)
37:58 – How PCEs buffer the effects of a traumatic past
58:20 – How can we help others heal from trauma?
01:01:06 – What does "flourishing" actually look like?
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?
How do ACEs affect long-term physical health?
What is the "positivity paradox" in trauma healing?
Can you heal from a high ACEs score as an adult?
What are the 7 Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)?
Why is emotional neglect as damaging as physical abuse?
How does a parent's addiction impact a child's brain?
Can one caring adult change a child's entire life trajectory?
What is "developmental trauma disorder"?
How do "mirror neurons" affect children witnessing conflict?
Why is high school belonging such a strong protective factor?
What is the neurobiology of "presence"?
How do we move from "fixing" to "connecting"?
What are the four different ways we measure flourishing?
Is a high ACEs score a guarantee of future illness?
#childhoodtrauma #resilience #mentalhealth
Are you feeling overwhelmed, angry, or disconnected after childbirth? You are not alone—nearly 20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression, yet many suffer in silence due to a paralyzing sense of shame.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
In this essential follow-up, host Terry McGuire continues the conversation with Dr. Karen Sheffield-Abdullah. Dr. Sheffield-Abdullah is a PhD, researcher, and nurse-midwife with over 20 years of experience specializing in perinatal mental health. While Part 1 focused on pregnancy, this episode dives deep into the "fourth trimester," exploring why the massive dip in progesterone after the placenta is delivered can trigger everything from the "baby blues" to severe clinical depression.
Dr. Sheffield-Abdullah addresses the "elephant in the room": the terrifying intrusive thoughts many mothers experience but are too afraid to voice for fear of Child Protective Services (CPS). We discuss the critical differences between normal exhaustion and medical red flags, including postpartum rage, anxiety, and the rare but serious condition of postpartum psychosis.
This episode is a roadmap for recovery, highlighting the importance of the two-week postpartum check-up and providing resources like Postpartum Support International (PSI) and the 988 crisis line. Whether you are a new parent or a loved one looking for signs, this video offers the language and hope needed to navigate the challenges of early motherhood.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – [Intro] Postpartum Depression vs. The Blues
00:54 – How Common is Postpartum Depression?
07:30 – What is "Normal" for a New Mother?
09:19 – When Does it Become a Medical Problem?
12:27 – Who is Most at Risk for PPD?
21:57 – Is it PPD or Just Sleep Deprivation?
23:25 – The Truth About Scary Intrusive Thoughts
24:58 – Addressing the Fear of Child Protective Services
30:27 – How Long Does Postpartum Depression Last?
40:05 – Understanding Postpartum Rage and Psychosis
❓ Questions the Podcast Answers:
#PostpartumDepression #PostpartumAnxiety #MaternalMentalHealth
Are you struggling with depression during pregnancy but afraid to talk about it? You are not alone, as up to 20% of women will experience a significant mood disorder during pregnancy or after birth.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
In this episode, host Terry McGuire sits down with Dr. Karen Sheffield-Abdullah. Dr. Sheffield-Abdullah is a professor, a nurse-midwife of 20 years, and a researcher specializing in Black maternal stress and anxiety. We dive deep into the often-misunderstood world of perinatal mental health, breaking down the crucial differences between antenatal depression, pregnancy anxiety, and the standard "baby blues". Dr. Sheffield-Abdullah explains how the hormonal shifts of pregnancy, like the dip in progesterone, can easily mask clinical depression.
We also tackle the most searched questions on the internet regarding maternal mental health. Does crying constantly affect your baby's development? Are antidepressants actually safe to take during pregnancy? What are the real risks of leaving depression untreated? Dr. Sheffield-Abdullah provides evidence-based answers, reassuring expecting parents that treatments like talk therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and SSRIs are both safe and highly effective. She also explores the "Superwoman Schema" and how the pressure to maintain a stoic exterior prevents many—especially Black women—from being vulnerable and seeking help.
Whether you are pregnant and experiencing unexplained mood swings , or you are trying to support a loved one who might be quietly suffering, this episode offers compassionate, actionable advice. You'll learn how to successfully advocate for yourself at the doctor's office , simple mindfulness techniques like body scans to break the cycle of "bed rotting" , and why it is so important to build a strong support system early on.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – The Truth About Pregnancy Search History
01:01 – Antenatal vs. Postpartum Depression Explained
02:40 – Baby Blues vs. Clinical Depression Symptoms
06:47 – Why Pregnancy Causes Severe Anxiety
09:20 – Does Crying Affect My Baby's Development?
11:05 – Are Antidepressants Safe During Pregnancy?
14:02 – Overcoming Guilt & The "Superwoman Schema"
21:57 – Am I Depressed or Just Hormonal?
29:48 – The Real Risks of Untreated Depression
36:08 – How to Stop "Bed Rotting" & Seek Help
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
#PregnancyDepression #MaternalMentalHealth #PregnancyAnxiety
Description: How do you know when you’ve finally reached the point where you can't do it alone? For many, the realization doesn't come from a "lightbulb moment," but from the exhaustion of repeating the same mistakes while expecting different results. In Part 2 of our deep dive into the Levels of Care, host Terry McGuire and Dr. Sal Raichbach explore the psychological barriers to seeking help and the reality of life after the "rehab" doors close.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Dr. Sal Raichbach, PsyD, LCSW, CFSW, is an expert in behavioral health with over 33 years of experience. In this episode, he tackles the uncomfortable truths about addiction treatment: why discharge planning must begin the very day you are admitted , the critical difference between "acute" and "chronic" symptoms , and how to navigate a toxic home environment once you've completed a program.
We also address the "failed" treatment attempt. If you’ve tried rehab before and it didn’t work, Dr. Sal offers a perspective that might change everything you think about your journey. From daily recovery habits—like self-reflection and medication adherence—to the power of peer support groups, this conversation provides a roadmap for anyone navigating the complex system of behavioral health. Recovery isn't a "one-stop shop"; it's a series of steps toward a life you actually want to live.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Recap: The Continuum of Care
02:46 – How to Know When It’s Time for Help
05:23 – Choice vs. Coercion: The Truth About Ultimatums
07:27 – Acute vs. Chronic: Understanding Success Rates
10:45 – Is Relapse a Part of the Process?
12:59 – Why You Can't Dictate Your Own Level of Care
16:16 – Why Discharge Planning Starts at Admission
19:26 – Staying Sober in a Toxic Home Environment
22:53 – 6 Daily Habits to Maintain Long-Term Recovery
26:31 – "I Tried Rehab and Failed"—The Honest Truth
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
How do I know if I'm ready for addiction treatment?
Does treatment work if someone is forced to go?
What is the difference between acute and chronic mental health symptoms?
Is relapse a failure or a "setback"?
Why is discharge planning important in recovery?
How do I stay sober if my family still drinks or uses?
What are "wraparound services" in addiction care?
Can I bring my phone or laptop to residential rehab?
Why do people go back to rehab multiple times?
What daily habits help maintain sobriety after treatment?
How do I advocate for the right level of care?
What is the role of medication in long-term recovery?
Can adolescents be forced into treatment without consent?
What is "projection" in addiction psychology?
Why does "trying" therapy require full participation?
#addictionrecovery #mentalhealth #soberlife
Navigating the world of addiction and mental health treatment can feel like learning a completely different language when you are already at your breaking point. How do you know if you need a "hospital level" of care or if weekly therapy is enough? In this episode of RECOVERable, host Terry McGuire sits down with behavioral health expert Dr. Sal Raichbach to demystify the "continuum of care" and explain exactly what happens at every stage of recovery.
Find mental health and addiction treatment near you: https://recovery.com/
Dr. Sal Raichbach, PsyD, LCSW, CFSW, is a doctoral-level psychologist and Chief Clinical Officer at Haven Health Management with over 33 years of experience in the field. He breaks down the critical differences between Outpatient, Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and Residential treatment. You’ll learn why the "30-day rehab" rule is often an insurance myth and what a "SMART" treatment plan actually looks like.
Whether you are struggling with a dual diagnosis or trying to help a loved one choose the right path, Dr. Sal explains the risks of "DIY" research and why professional assessment is the first step toward lasting sobriety. We dive deep into the intensity of medical detox, the power of group therapy for those who "hate groups," and how to manage the transition back into everyday life.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Why Understanding "Levels of Care" Saves Lives
01:45 – The Danger of "DIY" Addiction Research
03:00 – Breakdown: The 5 Major Levels of Treatment
06:14 – Outpatient vs. Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
13:12 – What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
18:13 – Residential Treatment: What Really Happens in "Rehab"
26:19 – The "SMART" Treatment Plan Explained
27:21 – The 30-Day Rehab Myth & Insurance Truths
31:52 – Inpatient Care: When Is It a Crisis?
35:53 – Medical Detox: Is It Always Necessary?
❓ Questions the Video Answers:
#addictionrecovery #mentalhealth #rehab
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RECOVERable features conversations with top experts in mental health, addiction recovery, and emotional wellbeing. Each episode answers the internet’s most-asked questions about topics like…
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