Cracking Addiction

Meducate
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Seeking answers about addiction or supporting someone on the path to recovery? Welcome to Cracking Addiction, the podcast that empowers you with knowledge and hope. Hosted by Addiction Medicine Specialist Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, we explore the science of addiction, effective treatments, and inspiring recovery stories. Whether you're facing addiction, helping a loved one, or a professional seeking insights, this podcast is for you. Join us weekly for expert discussions on substance abuse, behavioral addictions, and their impact on lives. Subscribe now to become part of our healing community

  1. Dopamine, Relapse, and Recovery: Why Addiction Needs Long-Term Management

    5 HR AGO

    Dopamine, Relapse, and Recovery: Why Addiction Needs Long-Term Management

    A lot of people still think addiction recovery is just about willpower. But addiction neuroscience tells a different story: dopamine, the reward system, and relapse risk all help explain why recovery often needs long-term management, not shame. The encouraging part is that brain recovery is real. With support, treatment, and time, people can rebuild healthier patterns and protect executive function. What do you think helps most with long-term recovery: routine, therapy, support groups, purpose, or something else?

    6 min
  2. Why You Can Be Detoxed and Still Addicted

    18 MAR

    Why You Can Be Detoxed and Still Addicted

    Addiction neuroscience, dopamine, cravings: detox ends withdrawal, but it does not end addiction.The MythA common myth in addiction recovery is that once detox is over, the problem is solved. Many people assume that if the physical withdrawal symptoms are gone, addiction itself should be gone too. But that is not how addiction works.This episode breaks down one of the most important distinctions in recovery science: physical dependence is not the same as psychological addiction. Someone can be fully detoxed and still experience intense cravings, compulsive thoughts, emotional vulnerability, and relapse risk. That is why relapse so often happens after the acute withdrawal phase has ended.The NeuroscienceAddiction changes the brain’s reward system, stress system, and prefrontal cortex. Over time, repeated substance use strengthens learned associations between cues, emotions, routines, and drug or alcohol use. These pathways do not disappear just because the substance leaves the body.

    6 min

  3. 11 MAR

    Relapse Happens to Everyone: Here's the Science Why - Addiction Basics 06

    Dr. Fergal Armstrong reframes relapse in addiction, explaining why it's not a personal failure but a common part of the recovery journey, comparable to chronic illnesses. Understanding the neuroscience of addiction, particularly how cortisol responses impact stress management, is crucial for effective relapse prevention in addiction recovery. This episode offers vital addiction recovery motivation to build protective factors and support overall brain health.

    6 min
  4. The Science of Withdrawal: What's Actually Happening? - Addiction Basics #5

    4 MAR

    The Science of Withdrawal: What's Actually Happening? - Addiction Basics #5

    Withdrawal is one of the most feared parts of addiction recovery. But neuroscience shows something important: Withdrawal isn’t a failure of willpower — it’s the brain restoring balance after long-term changes to the dopamine reward system. Understanding the neurobiology of addiction can make recovery feel less frightening. Question for the community: What surprised you most about the science of withdrawal and brain recovery?

    6 min

  5. 25 FEB

    Addiction vs Dependence vs Tolerance: The Critical Medical Difference

    🚨 TOLERANCE ≠ ADDICTION 🚨Most people — even healthcare professionals — use these terms incorrectly. And that confusion is hurting patients. In this episode, we break down: 🧠 The real definition of addiction 💊 Why opioid tolerance doesn’t automatically mean addiction 📉 What physical dependence actually is 📖 What the DSM-5 REALLY says ⚠️ How mislabeling leads to stigma”,

    5 min

  6. 23 FEB

    Why Buprenorphine Is Safer Than Full Opioid Agonists

    Most people think methadone is the only real option for opioid addiction.Wrong. Buprenorphine — especially long-acting injectable depot — is flipping the entire system upside down. No daily pharmacy visits.No takeaway dose arguments.Lower overdose risk.Better treatment retention.More freedom. This isn’t just medication-assisted treatment.It’s a complete shift toward patient-centered care. And yet… stigma and outdated policies are still blocking access. If you care about smarter healthcare and real recovery solutions, you need to hear this. Want more? Check out our MedHeads YouTube channel.

    28 min

  7. 18 FEB

    How Cravings Work: Limbic System vs Prefrontal Cortex - Addiction Basics EP3

    Addiction neuroscience explains why wanting to quit isn’t the same as being able to quit. Dopamine reshapes the brain’s reward system. In Episode 3 of Addiction Basics, we tackle one of the most painful and misunderstood questions in recovery: “If I truly want to stop… why can’t I?” The common myth is that addiction is a failure of willpower.The science tells a very different story. Addiction creates a functional imbalance between two major systems: The Limbic System – your fast, survival-driven reward circuitry The Prefrontal Cortex – your executive control and decision-making center Repeated dopamine surges strengthen the brain’s reward system, training it to treat substance use as a survival-level priority. At the same time, the prefrontal cortex — responsible for impulse control and long-term planning — becomes functionally weakened. When stress, emotional triggers, or environmental cues appear: The limbic system activates rapidly Cravings intensify Executive function drops Control feels lost This is not weakness. It is neurobiology. 🧠 The Brain Conflict Behind Addiction

    7 min
  8. Dopamine and Addiction: The Science of Cravings - Addiction Basics EP2

    12 FEB

    Dopamine and Addiction: The Science of Cravings - Addiction Basics EP2

    Addiction neuroscience explained. Dopamine, cravings, brain recovery, and neuroplasticity — backed by research.If you’ve ever wondered how addiction works in the brain, this is the science most people never hear.Addiction is not about pleasure. It’s about dopamine-driven learning, reward prediction error, and long-term changes in the brain’s reward system.In this evidence-based breakdown, Dr Ferghal Armstrong explains: 🧠 How Addiction Rewires the BrainThe real role of dopamine in addiction How the nucleus accumbens strengthens habit loops Why cues trigger cravings before conscious choice ⚠️ The 3 Brain Changes in Addiction Cue sensitisation and trigger amplification Reduced response to natural rewards (dopamine tolerance) Prefrontal cortex impairment and weakened impulse control 🔄 Brain Recovery and Neuroplasticity What brain imaging studies show after abstinence How dopamine transporter levels normalise Why recovery takes months — but is measurable This video covers: Addiction neuroscience, dopamine explained, reward system function, executive control, relapse science, cognitive behavioural therapy, brain healing after drugs, and neuroplasticity recovery. If you are researching addiction recovery, studying neuroscience, supporting someone in recovery, or simply want to understand how cravings work, this video provides clarity without stigma. Recovery is not a motivational theory.It’s a measurable brain change. Subscribe to MedHeads for evidence-based medical education and brain science explained clearly.

    6 min
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About

Seeking answers about addiction or supporting someone on the path to recovery? Welcome to Cracking Addiction, the podcast that empowers you with knowledge and hope. Hosted by Addiction Medicine Specialist Dr. Ferghal Armstrong, we explore the science of addiction, effective treatments, and inspiring recovery stories. Whether you're facing addiction, helping a loved one, or a professional seeking insights, this podcast is for you. Join us weekly for expert discussions on substance abuse, behavioral addictions, and their impact on lives. Subscribe now to become part of our healing community

Information

  • Creator
    Meducate
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    238
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Meducate
  • Show Website
    Cracking Addiction

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