In this episode, I speak with Dr. Arwen Podesta, an addiction specialist and integrative psychiatrist, about the science of addiction, with a focus on how drugs impact the brain.

We break down how substances like alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine, and particularly opiates like fentanyl affect brain function. Dr. Podesta explains the role of our dopamine, serotonin, and opioid systems in driving cravings and addiction.

We also discuss the potential benefits and risks of substances like psilocybin, cannabis, and ketamine, along with the causes of addiction—from genetics to environment—and possible solutions, including nature, connection, psychedelics, and nutrition.

Learn about addiction in animals and how their behaviors shed light on human struggles with addiction.

Join us for an action-packed conversation that uncovers the complexities of addiction and explores new approaches to understanding and addressing it.

RESOURCES

ARTICLES
- Magic Mushrooms, Teens, and Young Adults by Mark Gold

BOOKS
- HOOKED by Arwen Podesta
- Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky
- Zoobiquity by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz & Kathryn Bowers

ORGANIZATIONS
- HMP Global
- Integrative Medicine for Mental Health (IMMH)
- Integrative Psychiatry Institute
- Psychiatry Redefined
- UCLA

PEOPLE
- Mark Gold
- Matthew Perry

**Connect and Learn More**
website: podestawellness.com
book: HOOKED
Instagram: @podesta.wellness
LinkedIn: /arwen-podesta-md-8a396042