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Published Dec 14, 2016

Dr. Drew on The Psychology of Healing Addiction and Trauma with Lewis Howes

Dr. Drew delves into the complex interplay between addiction and trauma, highlighting the healing power of human connections while sharing his insights from a diverse career spanning medicine and media. This episode sheds light on transformative approaches to treatment and the crucial role of emotional bonds, parenting, and mentorship in personal recovery and development.
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Episode Highlights

  • Genetic Roots

    explores the genetic underpinnings of addiction, highlighting that about 10% of people have a genetic predisposition to addictive behaviors 1. This genetic trait, while seemingly disadvantageous, may have provided adaptive advantages in extreme circumstances, such as making individuals excel in high-stress roles like fighter pilots or extreme athletes 1. He explains that addiction is fundamentally a genetic issue, which can be triggered by environmental factors, particularly trauma 2.

    It's been fixed seemingly for a long time. So how would you answer that question? Why does this gene persist in the human population? Well, it must have some adaptive advantage, right?

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    Understanding this genetic basis is crucial for addressing addiction effectively.

       

    Trauma Impact

    Trauma plays a significant role in the development of addiction, acting as a catalyst that activates genetic predispositions 2. emphasizes that trauma, whether emotional or sexual, disrupts an individual's capacity for emotional regulation, leading them to seek substances as a coping mechanism 3. He notes that trauma survivors often experience dissociation, where their sense of self and body becomes disconnected, further complicating recovery.

    A child that has been sexually abused by an adult will act out on other children. And that just happens. That's just how God doesn't know. And that is traumatizing for the objects of that abuse.

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    Addressing trauma is essential, but it must be done after stabilizing the addiction.

       

    Healing Process

    The treatment of addiction and trauma is a complex, long-term process that requires addressing addiction first 4. explains that the brain's wiring changes slowly, necessitating repeated experiences to solidify new patterns of behavior 4. He highlights the role of twelve-step programs in providing a framework for recovery, where relationships with sponsors can mimic trauma therapy 5.

    And then you start going in and out, and then it goes away. And for me, that was my version of the specialized care I needed in order to really close this wound.

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    Ultimately, healing requires a safe environment to confront and process deep-seated emotional wounds.

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