The Hanley Effect Podcast - Addiction and Mental Health

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with medical researcher, author, and podcaster D E Foster, founder of the online support community Uneven Life and host of the Benzo Free and Uneven podcasts.

After taking clonazepam (Klonopin) for 12 years as prescribed, D E Foster found himself facing debilitating symptoms from what is now called Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND), a condition he later co-identified in groundbreaking research. He shares his personal journey of loss, recovery, and advocacy, as well as his ongoing work to educate medical professionals and support thousands of individuals affected by benzodiazepine dependence.

Together, John, Rachel, and D E discuss:

• The difference between physical dependence and addiction, and why it matters.
• The signs, symptoms, and realities of BIND and it's neurological effects.
• Why benzodiazepines remain a “hidden epidemic” in addiction and behavioral health.
• How stigma, misunderstanding, and a lack of education impact patient care.
• Strategies for safer tapering, support, and community-based recovery.
• What families, friends, and caregivers can do to believe, support, and empower their loved ones.

This episode is a must-listen for clinicians, family members, and anyone interested in understanding the complex world of benzodiazepines and the hope of healing from long-term use.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about D.E. Foster’s work at UnevenLife.com
• Check out the Benzo Free Podcast and Uneven Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
• Read D.E.’s book: Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal

To learn more about Hanley's programs, visit HanleyCenter.org or call 844-502-4673.

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal explore one of the most pressing and complex issues in addiction medicine today: the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and the role of medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Fresh from a conference focused on OUD, Dr. Dyben shares insights that sparked a deeper dialogue around the medical, ethical, and systemic challenges of treating opioid addiction, particularly the “medication-first” model, which often begins patients on opioid agonists or partial agonists, even if they’ve been sober for extended periods.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The “Why” Behind MAT: A nuanced breakdown of why MAT has become the standard for many, and why it may be necessary in a system where access to quality residential care is limited.
• Agonists, Antagonists, and Partial Agonists Explained: Understand the science behind commonly used medications like Suboxone and Vivitrol, and how they interact with the brain’s opioid receptors.
• Addiction vs. Dependence: Clarifying a critical distinction: being physiologically dependent on a medication doesn’t always equate to being addicted.
• Hanley’s Individualized Approach: Learn how Hanley Center integrates MAT into detox and residential treatment, always prioritizing patient dignity, preference, and long-term recovery outcomes.
• The Importance of Patient Choice: Why patient education, not fear, should guide decisions around medication.
• Systemic Gaps in Care: Why insurance restrictions, treatment hierarchies, and stigmatizing language are all part of the problem, and how Hanley is working to offer a different path.
• Treating Addiction Like the Chronic Disease It Is: Dr. Dyben compares addiction recovery to physical trauma recovery, reminding us that intensive support should be the default, not the last resort.

The episode offers an honest reflection on Hanley’s decades-long philosophy of treating the whole person — body, mind, and spirit — and why comprehensive residential care makes all the difference. From flexible detox to long-term tapering protocols and scholarship-based support, Hanley’s commitment to dignity and personalized treatment shines through.

Learn more about Hanley Center’s Treatment programs at: hanleycenter.org

Call for more information: 844-502-HOPE (4673)

In this intimate episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal dive into one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, elements in addiction treatment and recovery: dignity.

John unpacks the Latin root of the word (“dignus,” meaning “worthy”) and reflects on how acknowledging a person’s inherent worth, regardless of their status, past, or circumstances, is not only essential in treatment, but transformational in life. Together, John and Rachel explore how dignity sets the stage for empathy, forgiveness, and ultimately healing, both in relationships and within ourselves.

They also share how dignity shapes Hanley’s approach, from the moment someone enters treatment to how families are reconnected through group therapy. It’s a deeply human episode that reminds us: every person has value simply because they are alive.

Key Topics:

• The definition and power of dignity in recovery work

• How shame often obscures our own sense of worth

• What it means to treat every person as a moral equal

• Why forgiveness is a process, not a performance

• The role dignity plays in family systems and Hanley's family program

• A powerful story about a therapy group with a prince, a rock star, and a grocery store clerk, each equally worthy

“Anybody listening who breathes in and breathes out can know that they have worth and value, as much as anyone else in this entire universe.” - Dr. John Dyben

Learn more about Hanley Center’s Treatment programs at: hanleycenter.org

Call for more information: 844-502-HOPE (4673)

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Michael Herbert, a seasoned addiction counselor, interventionist, recovery coach, and author of The Recovery Roadmap: A Guide to Freedom and Adventure. With over 30 years of experience helping people heal, Michael brings not only deep professional insight but also a remarkable personal journey of transformation.

From running 155 miles through the Sahara Desert to feeding wild hyenas in Ethiopia, Michael's life is anything but ordinary, and so is his approach to recovery.

He shares why he believes the first months of sobriety are a time of discovery, not recovery, how he helps clients design their own unique path, and why traditional cookie-cutter methods often fall short when it comes to building a sustainable, joyful life.

Whether you're someone in recovery, a loved one, or a clinician, Michael's grounded wisdom and compassionate perspective offer hope, humor, and practical tools for real-life change.

• Why Michael thinks "recovery" isn't the right word for the early months of sobriety
• His thoughts on how to move beyond the 12-step script and find your path
• Why integrity isn't about being perfect, it's about being real
• How adventure and service have helped Michael and his clients grow stronger
• What families and professionals often overlook in early recovery
• How to build a life rooted in meaning, connection, and purpose

Michael Herbert has worked with CEOs, parolees, families in crisis, and individuals desperate for change. He's known for his Recovery Roadmap approach, practical, adaptable, and full of real-life strategies that meet people where they are.

He's run across deserts, climbed volcanoes, built schools, and walked with clients through some of the darkest moments of their lives. His work is about more than just sobriety; it's about rediscovery, authenticity, and building a life worth staying sober for.

Learn more about Michael's work at https://coachmichaelherbert.com/ and purchase his book The Recovery Roadmap: A Guide to Freedom and Adventure at https://a.co/d/4auZLAr

In this episode, we sit down with Katherine Murphy, CEO of NAMI Palm Beach County (NAMI PBC), to talk about what’s working now in community mental health. Katherine shares how NAMI’s peer-led model reduces stigma, connects people to care sooner, and supports families from first questions to long-term recovery. We delve into local programs, crisis navigation, and simple ways anyone can contribute to making Palm Beach County a safer and more informed place for individuals living with mental health conditions.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why peer support matters: How lived experience shortens the path from fear to help.
• You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to seek support, early conversations save time and pain.
• Free programs you can use today: A quick tour of NAMI PBC offerings, from education classes to support groups and school presentations.
• Families & caregivers: Practical ways to show up, set boundaries, and avoid burnout.
• How peer-led education gives families and individuals the tools to navigate care and advocate confidently.
• Access in Palm Beach County: Gaps, new collaborations, and how NAMI PBC is meeting rising demand.
• How to help: Volunteering, training, advocacy, and supporting NAMI PBC events.

Resources & Links

NAMI Palm Beach County: Search local classes, support groups, and events. https://namipbc.org/

NAMI HelpLine: Information & support (M–F) 800-950-6264

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7).

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In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Dr. Antonello Bonci, Founder & Chief Scientific Officer of GIA Healthcare, and Terry Shapiro, Co-CEO and Partner of GIA Healthcare, to discuss the groundbreaking use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in addiction and mental health treatment.

They explain how TMS works, why it offers hope beyond traditional medications, and share inspiring patient stories of recovery from depression, PTSD, OCD, insomnia, and substance use disorder.

You’ll also learn about:

- The science and history behind TMS

- Why it’s a game-changer for people resistant to medication

- The challenges and barriers to access in the U.S.

- How GIA Healthcare is working to expand its availability worldwide

This conversation blends science, innovation, and compassion—a powerful glimpse at the future of mental health and addiction care.

Learn more about GIA Healthcare: https://giahealthcare.com

Learn more about Hanley Foundation: https://hanleyfoundation.org

#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #TMS #TheHanleyEffect

In this heartfelt episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben sit down with Erica and John Garwood to share the powerful story behind the Mark Garwood Foundation.

After losing their son Mark in 2014 to complications of substance use disorder and type 1 diabetes, Erica and John Garwood turned unimaginable grief into purpose. Inspired by Mark’s final message of forgiveness and strength, they created a foundation dedicated to helping individuals in recovery pursue their educational dreams.

Listeners will hear how the foundation has awarded over $590,000 in scholarships to men and women committed to long-term sobriety, providing not just financial aid, but hope, purpose, and the chance to thrive after addiction. Erica and John Garwood share inspiring success stories, including their very first scholarship recipient, who went from waitress to registered nurse.

You’ll also learn about:

• How the foundation partners with Hanley Foundation through the Mark Garwood Recovery Model.

• The “Now What?” moment in recovery—and why education can be the bridge to a new life.

• Upcoming fundraisers, including Shoot for the Moon and Rackets for Recovery.

• Their call to action for donors, employers, and community members to embrace second chances.

This episode is a moving reminder that there is no such thing as a throwaway person—and with the right support, recovery can lead to extraordinary new beginnings.

Resources & Links:

www.markgarwoodfoundation.org – Apply for a scholarship through September 15 or donate

HanleyFoundation.org – Learn more about our treatment programs & services

In this impactful episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Florida Senator Tina Polsky, a dedicated public servant representing the state’s 29th District. Known for her relentless advocacy on public health and safety issues, Senator Polsky has become a leading voice in Florida’s fight against fentanyl-related deaths.

She shares the personal connections and community tragedies that motivated her to pass Fentanyl Awareness Day (August 21), legalize fentanyl test strips, and co-sponsor Gage’s Law, requiring hospitals to test for fentanyl in suspected overdose cases. Each of these legislative victories represents a crucial step toward saving lives in a state that ranks #2 in the nation for drug overdose mortality rates.

Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process—the “sausage-making” that turns community ideas into actionable policy. Senator Polsky explains how bills move forward, the compromises sometimes needed to get them passed, and why bipartisan cooperation is essential in tackling the fentanyl crisis.

Along the way, she urges Floridians to understand the real-life impact their elected officials have, stay informed, and use their voices—whether by voting, advocating, or bringing forward life-saving ideas.

• How Senator Polsky’s background and personal experiences led her into politics.
• Florida’s alarming fentanyl statistics and why awareness matters.
• The story behind Fentanyl Awareness Day and how it came from a student’s idea.
• Why legalizing fentanyl test strips was a game-changer for prevention efforts.
• The heartbreaking case that inspired Gage’s Law.
• Navigating legislative challenges and building bipartisan support.
• How communities, schools, and parents can spread awareness and prevent tragedies.

• Learn more about Hanley Foundation’s prevention programs
• Learn where to find free Narcan and how to use Narcan.
• Call Hanley for help or resources: 844-502-4673

In this inspiring episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. Michele Borba joins hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal for a heartfelt and practical conversation about how to raise kids who thrive, not just survive. Dr. Borba is an educational psychologist, is a best-selling author who has authored 27 books, and Today Show contributor. Drawing on 40 years of experience and decades of research, Dr. Borba breaks down what children truly need to build resilience, regulate emotions, and navigate a fast-changing world.

The conversation covers:

• Why prevention and protective factors matter more than ever
• The three “P’s” every child needs: a person, a place, and a protective buffer
• The top seven character strengths that correlate with resilience
• What parents can do, just one to three minutes at a time, to model emotional regulation
• Social media's impact on empathy, sleep, and self-control
• Real-world parenting strategies that help foster independence and self-confidence
• How to build a family culture that supports growth and mental wellness

Dr. Borba also shares stories from her books, discusses the science behind raising emotionally strong children, and offers immediately actionable tips for parents and caregivers who want to build connections and character in their kids.

Learn more about Dr. Michele Borba and download free parenting resources at www.micheleborba.com

Learn more about Hanley Foundation's prevention programs at www.hanleyfoundation.org

Listen now and discover how we can all raise a generation that thrives, even in the face of adversity.

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. Judith Grisel, behavioral neuroscientist, professor at Bucknell University, and author of the best-selling book Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction, joins Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben for an eye-opening discussion on addiction, brain science, and healing.

Dr. Grisel shares her remarkable personal journey from homelessness and active addiction to recovery and groundbreaking neuroscience research. Now a nationally recognized expert and TED-Ed speaker, she focuses on the biology behind addiction vulnerability, exploring how genetics, development, and environment influence who becomes addicted and why.

Together, the group dives into:

• Why some people are biologically more prone to addiction
• The dangers of early drug use on developing brains
• The similarities between addictive drugs and modern digital stimuli (social media, pornography, and gaming)
• How our brains adapt to overstimulation—and what we lose when they do
• The importance of presence, real-world relationships, and sensory experiences in rewiring the brain for recovery
• Why there is always hope for healing—and how paying attention is a form of medicine

Dr. Grisel also reflects on her early recovery experience and shares a heartfelt connection to Hanley Foundation, where she was evaluated during her own journey to wellness.

Learn more about Dr. Judith Grisel’s work: Never Enough on Amazon

Need help? Visit hanleycenter.org or call 844-502-4673.

Whether you’re a clinician, a parent, or someone in recovery, this conversation is rich with insight, compassion, and scientific clarity.