Dr. Russell Surasky on Addiction, Recovery & the Science Behind Sobriety

On today’s episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Dr. Russell Surasky, a double board-certified neurologist and author of This Book Will Save Your Life, sits down with Michael Chernow to explore the science of addiction, the recovery process, and why relapse happens. Together, they break down the most effective methods for overcoming addiction, the impact of genetics and environment, and the challenges people face when staying sober.

Together, the two explore:

Addiction vs. Having Addiction: Why the language around addiction matters. 

What Determines Success in Sobriety: Michael shares his experience staying sober while many around him couldn't.

Preventing Addiction in Children: What parents can do to reduce the risk of addiction in their kids and instill healthy habits.

Ambition in Addiction: How some people in recovery turn their addictive behaviors into successful, ambitious pursuits.

What is Vivitrol?: An explanation of Vivitrol, a medication that helps with addiction recovery, and how it works.

Genetics & Addiction: Why some siblings may develop more addictive personalities than others, and the role genetics play in addiction.

Personalized Approaches to Recovery: Why different recovery methods work for different people, even when there's a proven method.

If you loved today’s show or know someone that’d benefit from hearing it, be sure to share!

TIMESTAMPS:

4:09 Addiction vs. Having Addiction

10:28 What Determines Success in Sobriety

17:52 Preventing Addiction in Children

26:54 Ambition in Addiction

38:55 What is Vivitrol?

47:43 Genetics & Addiction

53:49 Personalized Approaches to Recovery