Episode 62: Why Australia’s Drinking Culture Fuels Addiction — And What Needs to Change

Australia just made history—psilocybin and MDMA are now legally prescribed by psychiatrists under strict supervision. Join host Ryan Penley as he sits down with Principal Psychologist & Clinical Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist Shai Hipperson to explore:

✨ Australia’s cultural drinking roots and why substance use is so prevalent
✨ Childhood trauma as a hidden driver of addiction
✨ Why rehab often fails to treat underlying wounds—and how patient agency transforms recovery
✨ The promise of MDMA & psilocybin in trauma therapy under new clinical guidelines

In this episode of the Next Fix podcast, Ryan Penley interviews Shay Hipperson, a therapist specializing in addiction recovery. Shay shares her personal journey into the field, influenced by her own experiences with trauma and substance abuse in her family. The conversation explores the cultural context of substance use in Australia, the impact of childhood trauma on addiction, and the challenges faced in rehabilitation systems. Shay emphasizes the importance of patient agency in recovery and discusses how success in treatment can vary based on individual goals. The episode concludes with a reflection on coping mechanisms and the importance of seeking help when needed. In this conversation, Shai Hipperson and Ryan Penley explore the complexities of addiction, recovery, and the challenges faced by individuals and their families. They discuss the importance of personal readiness in addressing addiction, the stages of change in behavior, and the often muddy definitions of success in recovery. The conversation also touches on the accessibility of support resources in Australia and the emerging role of psychedelics in therapeutic settings.

🔗 Learn more about Shai 👉 https://www.consciousmindcentre.com.au

👉Insta handle is: @consciousmindcentre

🔗 Connect with Ryan 👉 https://www.ryanpenley.org  Or https://www.myrockbottomrecovery.com 

#sober #sobriety #addiction #fyp #addictionrecovery #AA #alcoholism #wedorecover