Maia Szalavitz: Understanding Addiction

The Re-Patterning Podcast returns, and joining us to kick off season 2 is none other than the incredible Maia Szalavitz!

Maia is an acclaimed author and journalist in the fields of neuroscience, addiction, drug policy and recovery. She is the author of several books, including Unbroken Brain, Undoing Drugs, and Help at Any Cost. She is a contributing opinion writer at the New York Times and her work has also been featured in Time Magazine, Scientific American, and The Guardian.

Our episode explores how dopamine drives our cravings, and how the difference between wanting and liking can make or break your journey to recovery or mastery. Maia unpacks the neuroscience behind addiction, revealing why chasing pleasure often leads to pain, and how understanding this subtle dance can transform your approach to habits, relationships, and self-growth. We also discuss Maia’s critical take on the troubled teen industry, exposing its cult-like origins and manipulations, and the dangerous resurgence of conversion therapy.

You can learn more about the work of Maia Szalavitz on https://maiasz.com/books/.

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Produced by Tomi Trembath of the Keymaster Collective.

Theme music by Andrew Means.

Video animations by Mortis & Madriax.

Cover photo of Arden by Al Alvarez.

Logo by Adeline Dally Soothteller.

Thumbnail design by Amal Desai

Improved transcripts available on https://freepodcasttranscription.com/transcription/bc38106bf7ee8bc98c84d2825872d809c8f9e5e9.srt