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Huberman Lab

Tools for Overcoming Substance & Behavioral Addictions | Ryan Soave

Apr 21, 2025
Ryan Soave, a leading expert in addiction recovery and Chief Clinical Officer for Guardian Recovery, shares his insights on actionable tools for overcoming substance and behavioral addictions. He dives into the interplay of trauma and addiction, emphasizing the importance of physical and emotional stabilization. Soave discusses self-directed state shifting techniques like yoga nidra and breathwork, and stresses the significance of community support. Listeners learn how to identify addiction signs and explore various recovery options, making the conversation both enlightening and practical.
03:07:32

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Understanding addiction involves recognizing its multifaceted nature, where both substance use and behavioral patterns can lead to compulsive engagement despite negative consequences.
  • Addressing the root causes of addiction necessitates exploring underlying trauma and stressors that often drive individuals toward maladaptive coping mechanisms.

Deep dives

Understanding Addiction

Addiction is often defined as the compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. It is crucial to recognize that addiction can manifest through substances like alcohol and drugs, as well as through behaviors such as gambling or compulsive online activities. The underlying driver of addiction is often linked to trauma or stressors that individuals seek to escape or manage, ultimately leading them to adopt maladaptive coping mechanisms. A broader understanding of addiction emphasizes the importance of questioning one's behavior: does the addiction own you, or do you own it?

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