The Resilient Mind “Just One More Time” - The Lie That Almost Killed Me - Dr. Jason Giles
Jan 21, 2026
Dr. Jason Giles, a board-certified anesthesiologist turned addiction medicine expert, shares his transformative journey from addiction to recovery. He delves into the neuroscience of habits, revealing how neuroplasticity can shape both addiction and healing. Jason discusses the emotional toll of addiction on families and the importance of self-care. He encourages listeners to take breaks from alcohol for self-assessment and emphasizes that recovery isn't just about quitting—it's about rediscovering purpose and joy in life.
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How One Dose Led To Crisis
- Jason Giles described starting fentanyl use during residency and how ‘‘one more time’’ became uncontrollable.
- He chose to ask for help only after being confronted about missing fentanyl and a pager alert from the department chair.
Addiction As Learned Shortcut
- Giles reframes addiction as learned habit loops, not a disease like cancer or asthma.
- He emphasizes the brain's laziness and preference for efficient shortcuts that reinforce addictive routines.
Neuroplasticity Explains Relapse And Recovery
- Neuroplasticity stores addiction loops long-term, meaning relapse can feel like resuming rather than restarting.
- Recovery requires building competing neural loops through repeated healthy responses until they become automatic.
