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How to Overcome Addiction to Substances or Behaviors | Dr. Keith Humphreys

Andrew HubermanJanuary 12, 20263h 27m
Topics55
Advice for Quitting Smoking or Other Addictions0:00Huberman Lab Podcast Introduction1:01Episode Topics Overview2:02Podcast Disclaimer and Interview Start3:01Framing Addiction3:32Progressive Narrowing of Rewards5:00Addiction Industries and Genetic Predisposition6:00Switching Addictions in Recovery9:00Alcoholism vs. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)9:30Subset Susceptible to Alcoholism (8-10%)12:02Mark Schuckit Studies13:00Individual Differences in Drug Liking14:01Family History as Best Predictor16:31Women's Drinking Trends and Industry Marketing20:31Current Drinking Trends22:31Alcohol Use Trends and Myths About Benefits23:26Cannabis: Old vs. New, Potency, and Use Patterns38:01Lower Risks of Starting Substances Later in Life47:20Cannabis Use Among High-Achievers is Rare47:32Dangers of High-Achiever Substance Use Examples51:01AG1 Sponsorship Message53:01Kennedy Family Discussion on Addiction Industries54:00Gambling Deregulation Concerns58:01Cannabis Policy: Decriminalization vs. Legalization1:05:30Is Cannabis a **Gateway Drug**?1:07:02Psychedelics Clarification1:09:01Pharmacotherapy Progress Stagnation1:10:32Oregon Psilocybin Program1:11:30Challenges with Psilocybin for Addiction1:14:31Practical Issues in Psychedelic Research1:17:00Sponsor: Helix Sleep1:19:01SSRIs, Plasticity, and Depression Treatments1:20:30TMS (rTMS) for Depression1:25:30SSRIs: Benefits, Concerns, Mass Shootings, Suicides1:28:01Ibogaine and Nolan Williams1:33:00Tribute to Nolan Williams' Ibogaine Research1:34:41Caffeine Use and Addiction1:36:00Disappointment in Stimulant Addiction Treatment Progress1:38:00Prescription Stimulants: Adderall, Vyvanse1:40:32Nicotine: Comeback, Effects, Risks1:44:01Sponsor: Element electrolyte drink (sodium, magnesium, potassium; no sugar). Critical for hydration, brain/body function. Huberman uses 16-32oz morning, exercise. Flavors: watermelon, raspberry, citrus, lemonade. drinkelement.com/huberman for free sample pack.1:47:30Stages of Addiction and Early Intervention1:49:01Addiction Masks True Self and Causes Harm to Others1:57:38Motivation to Quit: Carrots and Sticks2:01:01Homelessness as an Addiction and Mental Health Issue2:20:55Addiction Treatment Policy Progress Since 20082:26:32Accessibility and Evidence for 12-Step Programs2:29:30Evidence for 12-Step in Other Addictions2:36:30Addressing Criticisms: Cult? Religious?2:38:02Encouraging Family and Friends to Attend 12-Step Meetings2:43:56AA Big Book: Stories for Relatability3:07:34Hospice Work and Confronting Death3:08:32Addiction as Escape from Fear of Death?3:14:00Closing and Audience Q&A3:18:02Final Thanks and Host Outro3:23:31
AI-Generated Notes

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A good clinician asks why someone wants to quit smoking: what motives, what do they want to get out of it, since it's work. Help them build motivation in their own mind, as it's about them, not the clinician.

Key recommendation: hang out with others making the same change. Examples: join a jogging group to start jogging; attend AA or other fellowships to stop drinking. Provides support and accountability (e.g., "Hey, you were going jogging Tuesday, you weren't there. What's up?")

Welcome to Huberman Lab podcast discussing science and science-based tools for everyday life. Host: Andrew Huberman, professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine.

Guest: Dr. Keith Humphreys, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine. World's foremost expert on addictive substances and behaviors, overcoming addictions, and how science, commercial marketing, lobbying, and legal system create addiction for-profit businesses (e.g., alcohol, food, opioid industries) shaping legal policy.

Covers major addictions with up-to-date info: alcohol, cannabis, opioids, gambling, and more.

Unbiased facts and logical ways to think about health risks:

  • Alcohol: any heart benefits greatly offset by increased cancer and other risks.
  • Cannabis: who may be okay to use, who should absolutely not.

Most effective ways to overcome addictions including alcohol, pornography, stimulants, and more.

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