The Science of Addiction and Recovery with Dr. Andrew Huhn
EPISODE 9 / 01.28.2025
Joined by addiction expert Dr. Andrew Huhn, we break down what really works (and doesn’t) in opioid recovery and uncover the science behind effective treatment. If you’ve ever wondered what treatment looks like, why it matters, or how to help someone in need, this episode pulls no punches.
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Show Notes
Addiction isn’t about “just saying no”—it’s a battle of brain chemistry, societal stigma, and frustrating systemic barriers. In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Dr. Andrew Huhn, Ph.D., MBA, an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins whose groundbreaking research is transforming how we understand and treat opioid use disorder. Together, we unpack the opioid crisis, dive into the science of addiction, and tackle some hard truths about what truly works—and what doesn’t—in the fight against opioid addiction.
Whether you’re someone in recovery, supporting a loved one, or just curious about how treatment actually happens, this episode is your backstage pass to understanding recovery. Spoiler: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there is hope.
Highlights
- The science behind addiction: Dr. Huhn explains how opioids hijack the brain’s reward system and why breaking free isn’t just about “willpower.”
- The real deal with medications: Methadone, Suboxone, and other treatments aren’t just tools—they’re proven methods that save lives.
- Recovery isn’t a straight line: Relapses don’t mean failure – Dr. Huhn shares why recovery is a process, not a straight line.
- Detox myths busted: Why detoxing alone isn’t enough and what sustainable recovery truly requires.
- The role of therapy: How counseling and behavioral therapy fit into the bigger picture of addiction treatment.
- The reality of withdrawal: A raw look at opioid withdrawal and how it’s managed in treatment.
- Matthew Perry’s drug addiction battle: Insights about ketamine and what Matthew Perry’s struggle reveals about the lasting effects of opioids and the challenges of recovery.
- Barriers to care: Why some people can’t get the help they need and how stigma, cost, and availability play a role.
- What recovery actually looks like: What day-to-day looks like for people in recovery and the challenges they face.
- Systemic roadblocks: The frustrating gaps in healthcare and resources that leave too many people without proper support.
- Why empathy matters: Dr. Huhn emphasizes how understanding and compassion from loved ones can make a world of difference.
Tune in to learn
- The difference between detoxing and long-term recovery (and why both matter).
- What stigma really looks like and how it hurts people seeking help.
- How family and friends can better support loved ones in recovery.
- The future of addiction treatment: What’s on the horizon for opioid recovery?
Addiction is a battle that no one should have to face alone, and understanding the science and solutions is the first step toward real change. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or just looking to learn more, this conversation with Dr. Huhn sheds light on what it truly takes to fight the opioid crisis. Hit play to join us!
If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who could benefit. Together, we can break the stigma, foster compassion, and pave the way for lasting recovery.
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If you’re struggling with your mental health, you don’t have to face it alone. The SAMHSA National Helpline is available 24/7 to provide free, confidential support (in English and Spanish), information, and resources for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use challenges. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to speak with someone who cares. Help is just a call away.