Hijacked Brains: The Science of Addiction and How to Heal

On this episode of Change Your Brain Every Day, host Dr. Daniel Amen sits down with renowned addiction expert Mark Gold for a powerful, eye-opening conversation about addiction—and why it has far more to do with brain health than character or willpower.

 

Together, they explore how addiction physically changes the brain, why some people are more vulnerable than others, and how substances and behaviors hijack the brain's reward system. Dr. Amen and Dr. Gold break down the latest science behind effective, brain-based treatments and share practical strategies for healing, recovery, and long-term resilience.

 

Whether you're struggling with addiction yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand the brain better, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable insights that can truly change lives.