Julie Wernau, a WSJ health reporter, discusses a revolutionary approach to treating addiction using focused ultrasound. She explains how ultrasound waves can target brain areas associated with cravings, potentially disrupting harmful connections. The technology promises to reshape brain reward pathways, offering a novel method that stands apart from traditional treatments. Wernau also shares insights from patient case studies, emphasizing the importance of combining innovative tech with behavioral strategies for effective recovery.

The drug that brings people overdosing on opioids back from the brink of death in minutes just got approved for over-the-counter use. The Wall Street Journal’s Julie Wernau explains why she carries it with her everywhere she goes.This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained  Help keep this show and all of Vox's journalism free by making a gift to Vox today: bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices