In this episode of The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show, Dr. Lyon is joined by Dr. Russell Surasky, a board-certified neurologist and addiction specialist, to discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time: addiction. With a deeply personal connection to the topic, Dr. Surasky sheds light on the reality of addiction as a chronic brain disease and dispels the myths that have fueled stigma for decades.

Dr. Surasky explains how addiction fundamentally alters brain function, the role of genetic susceptibility, and why opioids—particularly fentanyl—pose an unprecedented threat. He shares actionable insights into treatment options, including the promise of medication-assisted therapies like Vivitrol, and how families and society can better support individuals struggling with addiction.

This episode is essential for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of addiction and how we can combat the opioid epidemic through science, compassion, and innovation.

We dive into:

Why addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failure or lack of willpower
The alarming rise of fentanyl and how it has changed the landscape of addiction
How genetic predispositions influence addiction risk and potential
The critical differences between physical dependency and true addiction
Cutting-edge treatments for addiction
Strategies for families to navigate addiction and support recovery

Who is Dr. Russell Surasky?

Dr. Russell Surasky is a dual board-certified neurologist and addiction specialist who combines his expertise in brain science with a compassionate approach to treating addiction. With years of experience in understanding how substances hijack the brain's reward system, Dr. Surasky has become a leading voice in addiction medicine.

Driven by a personal tragedy, Dr. Surasky works tirelessly to raise awareness about the science of addiction, reduce stigma, and offer hope through innovative treatment options. His mission is to ensure that addiction is understood as a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing.

Find Dr. Russell Surasky at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russellsuraskymd/

His website: http://www.drsurasky.com/

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Disclaimer: The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions.

S14 E03: Jonas Tåhlin, President of Spirits Brands at Moët Hennessy