Huberman Lab

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

203 snips
Jan 12, 2026
Guest
Keith Humphreys
Dr. Keith Humphreys, a Stanford psychiatry professor and addiction expert, dives into the complexities of substance and behavioral addictions. He explores how genetics influence addiction susceptibility and contrasts various substances like alcohol and cannabis. Discussion highlights include the impact of social pressures on drinking habits and the importance of evidence-based recovery methods, including the potential of psychedelics. Dr. Humphreys also addresses the role of policy in treatment accessibility, making this a crucial listen for anyone seeking insights into addiction.
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Addiction Is Narrowing Of Rewards

  • Addiction is the persistence of harmful behavior despite consequences, not mere repetition or habit.
  • Recovery requires recognizing how other rewards narrow and the substance or behavior becomes the sole remaining reward.
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Genes Raise Risk — Not Fate

  • Genetic risk substantially influences addiction vulnerability but is not destiny; environment and exposure matter too.
  • Some genetic effects are substance-specific while others (e.g., impulsivity) raise risk across many drugs.
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Reward Sensitivity Drives Risk

  • People who experience drugs as more rewarding and less punishing have higher addiction risk.
  • That difference in experience is largely genetic and explains why some get addicted and others don't.
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