The Brain and Recovery: An Update on the Neuroscience of Addiction
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- Опубликовано: 5 июн 2024
- The last twenty years produced an explosion of understanding about addiction (substance use disorders) and how our brains enable our most human capacities such as assigning value to pleasure and making decisions based upon that value. This lecture summarizes the most current neuroscientific research about addiction -- research that explains how the brain constructs pleasurable experiences, what happens when this process goes wrong and why this can have a dramatic impact on our ability to make proper choices.
By Dr. Kevin McCauley
Support provided by:
NCADD Juneau
Juneau Community Foundation
Alaska Department of Behavioral Health
Juneau Reentry Coalition
I've never shared before but it was this doctor that changed my mind. It took over 40 years to figure it out.i got a year in September 2023
3/21/21 keep going brother. It’s possible
He came to the recovery center I was at back in 2010 & put in understandable terms exactly what had happened to me. My life was forever changed. I've been sober since then. Thank you.
Congratulations on your sobriety! I wish you well :)
When i went to rehab we saw please8 unwoven it was a light bulb moment ive now been clean near 9 year i now too set up and run a clean house thank to the doc now we help spread recovery in Australia. I would love to shake is hand and thank him no hug him for helping to save my life
Congratulations on your sobriety, Loretta!
@@steveriddell1937 That is awesome Steve!!
Are you still in recovery today?
He is now my new hero. As an addiction therapist my job is to explain this to the families.
how did you get certified in that or trained? I would love to do that
Can humanity PLZ find a few thousand more of this guy in the world?! ❤️
I'm the person who hated painkillers but became a food addict after a deployment. I wear my addiction. Getting help finally. Weight isn't coming off but I have more peace and less anxiety than I have ever experienced in my 54 years. Addictions suck. And by the way I heard a pastor say ALL people have an addiction of some type. Might not be a substance either. It might be a feeling or a perception.
See an endocrinologist .
Good vibes are the best medicine. When in rehab and miserable, I was lucky to be there with some funny, cool people. It really helped, I even got a few laughs in while feeling terrible, and man laughter is a potent cure for depression
This is hands down one of the best descriptions of and lectures on addiction that I have ever heard. Including the mentions of co-morbid conditions such as ADHD.
bro right
I never truly understood my father's addiction until I saw this talk. I feel so much more compassion and empathy for him and all the suffering he went through, and still goes through, as a person struggling with addiction. It has helped me forgive so much of the pain he has caused me. Thank you Dr. McCauley, your humor and insight are a gift.
Im sure the pain that he caused u because another reason why he gets high trying to numb the feeling of disappointment for failing the person he loves most in the world im glad you say you understand hut trust me your not even close to understanding him im not trying to be w dick but whatever u think it is its 10 times worse more intense but im glad you say that u understand him and dont hold a grudge against him he didn’t choose that over you theres way more then that theres way more happening
Senia how is uur father now
this is an excellent video- I suffer from addiction- and I DO mean suffer- that hijacked my life, ruined all my relationships, caused me to live what was left of my life In great shame, self-hatred, and shockingly sad circumstances, and finally has progressed over time into a living hell......any insight into this disease is helpful and thank god for videos like these! when people take the time to REALLY look into this problem, they will find people who are robbed of their power to choose, their ability to be free, their right to be treated like a human being, and their hope to ever change.....sad, confused, and in great need of compassion!
Jo Goode I'm sorry for your suffering! I too am an addict. Iam in recovery with the help of medication. Some don't agree with that but it's saved my life. What treatments have you truly tried?
thank you sweetheart! and im sorry for you too yet very happy that you managed to force the disease into remission ! I have tried using a maintenance dose of suboxen ad it always seemed to help for awhile, yet I relapsed anyway when a craving would eventually take over...what are you on? .have any suggestions ? feel free to email me or find me on Facebook! jogoode12@yahoo.com
I have worked all of my adult life to be in a position to fund medical research on the brain and nervous system. (My reasons are personal and complex.) I am in that position now and intend to research the physical causes and CURES for addictions. (I believe this is a mid-point in understanding all about the brain.)
I have known so many people who lived horribly deprived lives in so-called "recovery", a.k.a. "white knuckle sobriety." Some people never attain any level of comfort in the much lauded "recovery programmes". PHYSIOLOGICAL CURES MUST BE FOUND!
(Meanwhile I have learned how many research efforts are created to fail so that special interests are not harmed. Now I must learn how to make my resources get ACTUAL results that will stand scrutiny.)
Memoir of an addicted brain by dr marc lewis... check it out
@@jogoode12 how r U now Jo?
when you apologized to all mothers who had been tortured by there sons because of addiction, i cried because my son did torture me mentally ,thankyou sir for this lecture
I'm an addict myself. And I'm sorry to hear what you've gone through. I hope you and ur son are better now. Love from Germany. I can tell you we do things we regret to our core while using..
This is amazing. Whats his name?
lornas little loves my heart goes out to you. I tortured my mother for years with my addiction but we eventually got through it. I hope you and your son receive the joy and blessing of him getting better and both of you growing together
@@roccomiller2647 Where was dad?
Where does dad fit into this picture?
I am a nurse. Acknowledging my addiction saved my career and my life. Sobriety gave me hope. Hope in a loving higher power is cares for me and helps me. In so doing, I can do the same for others. God is good.
The fact that he was actually a substance abuser himself makes his words that much more powerful. Incredibly gifted insightful man. Wish we had many more like him
What a pleasant and peaceful man. Thank you Mr :)
Agreed
Clean for just short of 17 years and relapsed . Fighting to get a week. Each day a little Birdie tells me what I used to do and then repeat it. Just for today, I will not use.
Tell yourself.
It's all good man, you still got that mad time don't forget that, your a trooper fr!
"learning the neuroscience can make the difference addiction recovery" .... maybe the best quote I have ever heard in my life ... This subject is my passion and my life's work. It is paramount to my recovery ... physical, mental, psychological, emotional and spiritual recovery
This man needs to do a Ted talk.
The only problem with that it would be difficult to condense ALL the information he has to present down to the brief time allowed for TED talks.
🙏 thank you!!! What an eloquent presentation!! So refreshing to have such a dedicated, intelligent and compassionate advocate for recovery.
I saw this video in rehab the other day! It has truly saved my life. I owe it all to my counselor Courtney at OARC in columbus!
Love you Doc Kevin. Best leader in our field. Shine on. 🔥🔥
I was able to overcome my addictions once I recognized that I was also dependent. Physical dependency and addiction are very very different and require different approaches. I find it tragic that most recovery modalities link the two as the same because I think many would be way more successful quitting drugs and alcohol if they did what I did. I am now not even tempted to get high or drunk / I prefer to be sober and clearheaded which is a miracle if you knew me 8 years ago.
How do you get help with alcohol dependence when you don't crave it are have with drawls from it but drink heavily to change the way you feel, I'm 63 days sober and I don't mean this as a joke but I've been listening to videos like this and it almost makes me give up and drink because I don't figure there's any hope to stay quit, I've made it to this point and beyond several times but the outcome is always the same, I know I'm going to give in sooner are later
Thank you, Dr Kevin McCauley. What a blessed life you are.
One of the first places I went to was his "Pleasure Unwoven" series when I lost my only child to it in 2018 at 37......
I was shown Pleasure Unwoven during my stay in rehab in 2021. Showing his work to others has helped them in understanding me and this disease. Grateful
He has left out that most pre addicts do not feel happy in their natural state of mind. Situational depression from life losses, poverty and illnesses cause people to fill the empty with drugs to elevate their mood. Bored, lonely, alone contributes to taking drugs fir relief from being so unhappy.
He does bring it up when talking about Stress Reaction and early development.
Yeah that's me....I need to learn that I'm adding to that story of unhappiness when I relapse tho....and I need a vision of a better future....I have no hope bc I have no real goals or sense of purpose for many years now....
yeah true. the meetings for me where a good social outlet, time with like minded people who i want to hear about and want to hear about me and we have a set time together. i think that alone has good spill over affects. i know when i was growing up didn't fit in at school, also didn't fit in with mum or step dads family. i think though if don't use the drug and work on ur life and attitudes things change. rehab in japan was really good, did 2 weeks. even just to give body and mind a break, got good meals and good sleep and good company. first week got an iv drip of nutrients and light sedatives, second week no iv no sedatives, was a little frustrated all the time but i think good to have that emotion in the controlled environment. was funny end of the first week i had the option to leave and broke down cause knew i needed the help and would probably just go buy alcohol the first chance i got. wife picked me up end second week and had lots of ideas as usual how to stay sober. as almost got home their was kitten who got run over and no one had bothered to get it off the road and bury it or something and then had a real flip out......no one cares about others it feels and i felt a bit like that kitten. anyway......was a good thing to do for my health even if didn't stay sober too long after. if 3 months of the year if ur responsibilitys allow it would mean ur drinking a quarter less for that year. I was pretty depressed at the time marriage wasnt great and was very home sick, japan a nice place but everyone has a lot of responsibilitys and can seem pretty distant.
smart recovery meetings helped me feel normal. zoom is great. some groups better than others depending on who takes it and whos in it.
Dr McCauley has done an outstanding service in providing education and encouragement in the field of addiction & recovery.
I'm a big fan of Dr McCauley. His video," Pleasure Unwoven"' was the best takeaway from treatment. I've been involved in recovery since my teens ( 63 now ) with multiple periods of sobriety, ( 3 yrs, 8, 17, 12) and felt baffled, ashamed a AA failure. In COVID I found Secular AA and feel better equipped going forward. With gratitude...
Brilliant, helpful and hopeful. Thank you Kevin McCauley for your diligent research and excellent explanations! I'm a mom of young adults in recovery after a decade of ups and downs, also psychotherapist and an author, and this is one of the best videos you can watch if you care for someone struggling with substance use.
Brilliant and eye opening. THanks for posting.
This is fascinating. Thank you for this presentation!
I am clean from heroin ( my doc ) and all mood altering drugs, including alcohol, going on 39 yrs. They also say that you're loaded before you pick up. It's discussions like this that help me understand the nature of my uneasiness. The doctor is right on. My job is to show up and pass it on. One day at a time 😂
Thank you for being interested ENOUGH TO PASS ON THE WORD n INVESTIGATING.
160,977 views • May 4, 2018 :)So refreshing to have such a dedicated, intelligent and compassionate advocate for recovery. It might be a feeling or a perception.Thank you Dr. McCauley, your humor and insight are a gift.
Outstanding presentation. If you need an introduction to the science underlying addiction And Recovery, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything better.
Thank you very much Dr. McCauley.
watched this at my recovery place and it’s crazy how impactful it was
Fantastic talk, unbiased - open minded - scientifically accurate.
I went through many great lectures on addiction, this one is the best so far. Thank you.
What a great video I learned so much!
This was literally brilliant
best teaching i have ever heard on the brain and addiction.
Thanks 🙏 for your wonderful lectures and for the awareness. God blessed you.
Interesting thing about smoking! Very good lecture in general…
Absolutely the best and most important insight into addiction I've ever heard.
Excellent!! Thank you!!
Thank you for posting
This presentation is really really really good.
Amazing talk
Phenomenal work!! 🎉
great talk
Love this!
My father was an alcoholic, but stopped drinking before I was born. I’ve hated the taste of alcohol so much, I’ve never been able to drink it much at all. I had to force myself to drink some when I was younger, almost to the point of gagging.
Possibly a very fortunate genetic adaptation you got there! 🧬
My first time watching this GOLD. There will be a second, third, fourth....
This is the BEST !!
This was a great presentation.
this guy is likable and i am learning a lot from him
Brilliant, what a great talk.you can tell he gets it. Maybe I can transfer from drinking/kratom to exercise and fasting 🙏🙏
Wow thank you❤️
Very good lecture sir. Thank you
The best way drug use have been explained to me ever,even with all the right rehab and NA meeting I attended,aLthough I knew it w
As all about me making the right choice.sooner or later.
I'm finally on my way to sobriety.1&1/2 months in.
I really like this guy, great video thanks ✌🏻
The most honest assessment I ever heard and thank you for me trying to understand myself
That's a nice man! I can tell something's up with your dopamine & stress responses though (perhaps you've healed more perfectly than many non-addicts, if there is such a thing)
Thanks”
90% recovery rate wow! I’d like specific info and contact info ????
In another video by Dr. McCauley, he goes into statistics about addicts who, on their own, eventually stop using drugs. This goes along with the work of Johann Hari and the reported fact that 90% of U.S. soldiers who returned home as heroin addicts, were able to stop the habit when they were home and out of the jungle hell. These sorts of things support the idea of nurturing and support groups "healing" addiction.
HOWEVER=> IMO, nicotine addiction seems to argue against these findings. It is estimated that 85 to 90% of people who begin smoking, become addicted. Few of those people stop smoking without a terrible struggle and many start smoking again because life is not enjoyable without smoking. Most of my friends smoke so I have some firsthand knowledge of this matter.
Therefore, IMO, whether the substance is heroin or tobacco, the process is ultimately physiologically driven, IMO. Therefore it is a disease because the body's demands overtake rational thinking and the victim cannot think themselves well or obtain enough hugs in a support group to "cure" the underlying problem.
How do I help! I am a recovering addict 3 years 12 days! I am fascinated by all of your study!
Amazing information! Thank you! Is it possible for a family of little means to get this help for a very willing family member?
Respectfully, and I do very much respect Dr. McCauley, I find sad his discussion of genetically predisposed offspring being strengthened by a parent in recovery. I get the point but to me it is equal to a family genetics coding for blindness or Huntington's disease. Yes, those who adapt help those who must adapt in the future but that does not solve present or future blindness, dementia or lives lived in the quiet desperation of craving. My points as always are, if this is the best we can do now, OK, but we must increase research to find PHYSIOLOGICAL causes and cures for addictions--and all other brain and neurological disease. (The 13th step for the 12 step groups should have been to raise money and fund research! I am serious!)
I agree. He's obviously a 12 stepper, so this has given him a bias. Also, this whole bit about not going to the places or situations...well that may work for him as a heroin addict, but it doesn't work for alcoholics. Alcohol is everywhere. It cannot be avoided unless you want to live in the woods or something.
I appreciate your thoughtful comments. The fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, of which I’ve been member for more that 26 years, has one primary purpose. “To stay sober, and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety”. The simplicity of this is the reason why it is so effective for those who want it. The 12 steps keep us from an alcoholic death, while the 12 traditions, safeguard the fellowship from outside influences. “AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. Does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor apposes any causes”. Sincere best wishes to you.
@@markg.4246 you got the company lines well remembered.
@@jfmorache Please offer me a better solution, so I don't have to go to those damn meetings. I'll wait...
@@markg.4246 if you have to go and it works then do it
Everyone's addicted to something. Everyone has a vice. The goal just seems to be to shift the addiction from something socially unacceptable to something acceptable, non-hazardous, or well hidden.
I like to look at human history to get an idea about universal human issues and illnesses. I personally believe ALL disease is genetic and physical. Therefore I reject as extremely cruel, the idea that patients can "think" themselves well which is most of what has been offered in addiction medicine. However as I study the subject more, the higher brain functions enter in. I see the cortex as physical also but now and trying to understand the physicality of thought.
Historically, for instance the Christian New Testament speaks of overcoming the more animalistic side of humanity. Greek philosophers also tried to quantify some of this.
Considering addiction specifically, I have friends who no longer use substances but who live lives of craving and deprivation. In my experience with friends, this is especially so with former tobacco smokers many of whom never seem to be able to forget or to begin life again without nicotine. The political phrase, "tobacco free" in relation to "quitting" elicits bitter, snarling laughs from these people. Many return to smoking because it makes their lives whole again.
There MUST be PHYSIOLOGICAL CURES found for addictions that will shut down forever the lifelong "in recovery" programmes.
Behavior shapes biology. I wouldn't say recovery programs are bad but are part of a set of interventions to be used together. It's a shame that many recovery programs reject physiologic treatments but I doubt you will find physiologic cures for these substance abuse disorders that will stand alone. The brain literally changes from substance abuse and can be somewhat modified by psychological and pharmacological treatments. If nothing else despite it's limitations 12 step provides support and help to at least some from using again or less often. I understand your point but it's improbable that there will be magic bullet for these disorders. To completely extinguish powerful reward circuity is next to impossible as the relevant neurons have their DNA altered by use of the substance. Nevertheless Naltrexone, for example, can be for useful for reducing cravings although not in everyone. I wholeheartedly believe people shouldn't be considered weak or lacking will power
@@bpggg I have a book written by a doctor in the field that claims a high percentage of treatment facilities/experts are not using what IS available now.
I have the ability to accomplish something with medical research so I am studying what is out there and what needs to be done. It appears research at the molecular level is underfunded. I have been in touch with Scripps, La Jolla and have some options to pursue research there.
I have a number of reasons why I think addiction is the gateway to understanding brain and nervous system disorders. My problem with 12-step programmes is that they teach helplessness, dependence and hopelessness. I have always said the 13th step should've been to raise money to buy research. When I have my new 501(c)(3) up and operating, part of the name will be "The 13th Step."
Totally get where you're coming from. Most people cannot maintain sobriety via 12 step programs. Support groups with individual therapy (if one can afford it) would be ideal without the doctrinaire model of the 12 step structure. This would a good adjunct to medical treatments. I still believe in the power in behavior shaping biology but it's certainly not the complete picture. Once the ball gets rolling you definitely have a biological problem. Twelve step groups can be in some ways as destructive as what Freudianism (not necessarily Freud himself) has been to the treatment of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. In other words blame the person who is suffering for their suffering. Ironically, even Freud predicted that one day we would better understand the physiologic underpinnings of illness (he started as a neurologist). Sad to say 12 step groups have a death grip on the rehab movement. They send you to AA meetings for DUIs for example.
Anna Morris Anna Morris I love your perspective. I am almost three years sober and ditched the program after a year because of the teachings of shame, helplessness, dependence, and the mentality that I’m an addict forever and ever and ever. I saw too many people come into the rooms that constantly complained of cravings and wanting drugs every time they had a bad moment or a bad day... that scared me. I found more help in therapy, making friends with good stable people (even if they drank or smoke), going back to school, exercising, pursuing my hobbies, and admitting that I do have power and control once I learn how. I also used suboxone at a tiny dose (0.25mg/day), for two years and I have only gotten better and better. Sorry for venting that all to you, I just wish more people in America acknowledged that the solution for addiction is not just going to AA or NA.
Rocco Miller The bottom line is this...Regardless of the avenue to sobriety, most people aren’t willing to put forth even a fraction of the effort, compared to the effort they put into drinking! I have seen countless individuals arrive on the doorstep of AA desperate to know what the solution is, but not willing to work for it! I am in no way suggesting that Alcoholics Anonymous is the end all, be all. I personally don’t care if someone stands on their head for an hour a day, if it works for them! AA was, and is the solution for me, because it asks me to take ACTION on a daily basis. When I do that, I enter the world of abundance, and have a life beyond description.
often if i have a good meal with family i then get a 6 pack after. is it i got some good nutrition and ready for a bender? or had a good time and want the good times to continue. i wish i had a bit more drive to quit or cut down.
Great craic
Haven't done needles for years .....but l sure wish you didn't mention that Burrows thing!
Great content . AA and silly should never be used in the same sentence
Listen to Dr. Gabor Mate, Canadian has videos. I am lucky to not suffer from these problems myself.
He is good but a bit biased, while this Doc follows real unbiased and respectful attitude (See the sixth point of spirituality in the presentation)
This was fascinating. Thank you. As a person on the autism spectrum, specifically Asperger's syndrome, I am curious about the relationship with the anterior cigulate cortex, addiction, and Asperger's. I have difficulty with social cues. Being around more than one person at a time is very difficult for me, and for many years I used marihuana to slow myself down, and lower my inhibitions - purposefully lessen my "care" or "give a fuck" - so that I could function socially. I am cursed with overthinking. I have pre-arguments constantly going on in my head. Now, I am taking Adderall and that helps. Interestingly I can no longer smoke pot. And my masking is not as good as it was. My question specifically - are you aware of any work being done around addiction and Asperger's syndrome, or autism?
21:21 for the good science, but the whole presentation is good; the opioid crisis is real and this data is critical for combating it.
Thank you.
PTSD. Compassionate enable
The collegiate recovery system sounds alot like what they are doing in Portugal,
The brain does change. So an addicts brain does have a very different MRI result than a non adict.
I took a class Cypress Junior College dr. McCauley taught us a class receptors synapses inductor alibrandis class Cypress Junior College that's for drug addiction certificate
With respect, he seems to have a food addiction at this point in his life.
This reference is just for myself 40:00
Is it wrong to want to get away from the addict? Especially if there is a child and that person doesn’t want help?
As a recovering addict, absolutely not. You have to save yourself and your child at all costs. The addict will drag you down into whatever hell they have created. Get away to preserve your own well being.
Hope youre doing okay now
This was a great presentation, the coughing all the way through was so irritating though
Buddy you have no idea on benzodiazepine wd
So Kevin is in the opposite camp to Peele and Marc Lewis who argue against the disease model of addiction.
I don't know if I can trust what he's talking about, I don't know if it's the sugar that's driving this addicts mouth or his heart.
Yep
The forward to the Big Book says “we are a group of individuals who have RECOVERED from... one need not always be in Recovery forever! They can’t use again, but the obsession leaves them with God’s help!
That’s not the predominant view in AA/NA
Raise the volume on this vido please
19:07
41:05 It’s a 2fer!
I’m making a documentary on Facebook of my recovery, the page is called, “An Addict’s Journey Getting Clean”. I’d love to help in anyway about more education about addiction.
What’s the name? Is it public?
Sounds cool
It’s no wonder her child has a substance abuse problem. This man gave a great presentation, has noble intentions, and is sober. What did he do to deserve her asking that question and then immediately turning her back to him to walk away? That’s so rude
I hate the disease mentality.
The term "spiritual" doesn't belong anywhere near addiction. Science is real.
Can't stop no friends no family
Better of dead
Well why not not ??? Not feeling sorry for my self what's the point ?????
Hey man. Im sorry you are struggling. In the end you can only quit long term for yourself.
He contradicts himself when he talks about his sugar addiction. He says “we have too few dopamine receptors,” yet He didn’t say anything about addicts having too few dopamine receptors elsewhere in his lecture.
Addiction to drugs causes the brain to destroy dopamine receptors, at later stages (but possibly as early as months into the addiction with hard drugs). So that is known. Not sure if that’s what you meant…
I cant figure out how you come to say psychoanalysis puts addiction down to a sick person's character. That is absolutely not the case. One way of looking at addictions psychoanalytically is to say that the substance represents the best of all object- this object takes the place of all objects (relationships, work,...) because it seems to be whole, it seems to be there for the addict no matter what. We have to deal with loss all the time, since losing our mother's body through birth and weaning. Our society is one that deals with loss through consumption or through denial i.e. nacissicm (they do not lack anything) this is why addictions are to common right now. Listening to an addict tell their subjective story is much more important than pushing objectifing concepts on them. This mans' story is about knowledge and security, but it also creates a feeling of failure for those who cannot take the place of the knowing, truthful father or, in other words, a mild but still super ego. It is deeply disturbing to hear that someone claims to know which kind of pleasure is the correct one. Pleasure and enjoyment of others is often disturbing but it is not right to say they have to enjoy your way. There is always a choice. Addiction confronts us with the beyond of the pleasure principle and with the fact that human beeings are driven to irrationality and destructiveness. Recovery of addiction is about finding away of dealing with these powerful drives and finding a way that gives rise to the desire to live and create- not denying loss and destruction but incorporating it. By saying its about neurochemicals you turn a blind eye to the lust and therefore leave it unchanged, needing to keep up a constant fight instead of working through it. Sure, it can be helpful to have a concept to start grasping your addiction and for some it will be enough. I just dont like the objective viewpoint and the idea that in recovery "one size fits all". I know some addicts that could not stand groups and did it in isolation. Human beings are just too diverse.
I agree…that’s not the case, across the board. I’ve found that to be more of an uneducated/pop culture belief.
I'd love a weekend place. turn up friday afternoon leave monday morning. maybe hit my auntie up though don't think she likes me lol
Have you been to the Hood to evaluate the crack cocaine addiction plaguing the marginalized population?
This is sad. He does all this research, explains things medically and scientifically, yet his recommendations are from a religious program from the 1930s. Why aren't his solutions focused on science and neuroscience? I'm not impressed by this guy at all.
What are you talking about? Maybe he spoke not so much about pharmacotherapy but gave a one hour long lecture on neuroscience, at least now laypeople can have a better understanding of possible scientific explanation of various addict themed behaviors. Moreover including 12 step programs which are mainly donation based as a free and easily adaptable recovery program is the sign he is showing great respect even for one of the oldest method available on this planet.
I agree , all thoses great explanation but in the end god remove your addiction if you work the 12 steps. Ok.
Because science and neuroscience don’t have a better solution to offer yet. There is no miracle pill. Sorry you’re unimpressed.
You don’t understand because you’re not an addict; it’s not a religious program it’s a spiritual program.
There’s an alternative to AA and NA called SMART recovery. It’s science based and non-religious and more modern.