The Truth About Addiction: Dr. Ben Shapiro & Dr. Brett Shurman Break It Down

On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite is joined by Dr. Ben Shapiro and Dr. Brett Shurman, two leading addiction psychiatrists and co-owners of three psychiatric clinics specializing in substance use, mood disorders, and innovative mental health treatments. Together, they break down the realities of modern psychiatric care and the science behind addiction.

The doctors begin by exploring why TMS has become one of their favorite and most effective tools in psychiatric treatment. They then dive into the neuroscience of addiction, explaining the true “reasons” people use substances and how these brain-based mechanisms shape dependency. The conversation shifts to the Fentanyl crisis, exposing what the public isn’t hearing and revealing how fentanyl contamination is impacting clinics behind the scenes. They warn that if someone is buying anything off the street—or unverified online sources—the risk is now higher than ever.

Richard, Dr. Shapiro, and Dr. Shurman discusses why psychiatric illness and addiction must be treated in tandem rather than separately. They explain how childhood trauma, early mood issues, and developmental challenges often lay the groundwork for addiction later in life. The doctors also clarify how clinicians differentiate Bipolar Disorder from Borderline Personality Disorder, and why chronic mood problems starting at a young age shape attachment, personality structure, and long-term psychiatric health.

The conversation covers the importance of a strong therapist–patient relationship and the dangers of misdiagnosis—especially when patients are given antidepressants or stimulants instead of proper addiction treatment. They offer essential guidance for families of loved ones battling addiction and compare classic psychotherapy to newer, emerging solutions. Finally, they break down how psychedelics, ketamine, and MDMA are being used in clinical settings—and why many first-time adult users report “seeing God.”