An estimated 400 million people have an alcohol use disorder globally, with millions more experiencing problems with drugs and gambling. But, despite its magnitude, addiction is one of the most misunderstood health conditions.

How does the human brain become addicted? Why are addictions so difficult to treat? And what does the future look like for people experiencing these neuropsychological problems?

Together with The Florey’s Professor Andy Lawrence, Turning Point’s Professor Dan Lubman and Lisa Rebecca, who has been in recovery for 12 years, we explore different perspectives on these complex questions.

Dan Lubman is a psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist who is Executive Director of leading addiction treatment provider Turning Point. He talks us through the complexities of addiction in its many forms.

Andrew Lawrence is The Florey’s Deputy Director, and leads the institute's Addiction Neuroscience Group. He shares his insights into what drives addiction at the biological and cellular level and how that might help us find new treatments.

If this episode brings up any issues for you, contact:

• Turning Point for 24/7 advice and support on addiction via phone on 1800 250 015 or online at www.turningpoint.org.au (Australia)
• SMART Recovery, an evidence-based recovery method grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Go to smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au

The Brain Matters Podcast is brought to you by The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and hosted by Dr Shane Huntington.

Find out more about The Florey’s work at www.florey.edu.au

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