In the podcast episode of “Beat Your Addiction,” co-host Scott Jones alongside Dr. John Giordano and guest Dr Maritsa Yzaguirre Kelley engaged in an in-depth discussion about addiction, mental health, and the societal constructs that influence treatment methodologies. The episode revolves around the challenges faced by individuals in recovery, especially during holidays associated with substance use, such as St. Patrick’s Day. Dr. Giordano, a recovering addict with 40 years of sobriety, underscores the importance of helping others while maintaining a balance between financial sustainability and altruism. Dr. Kelley shares insights into establishing healthier habits and coping mechanisms for those in recovery, particularly around triggering dates like St. Patrick’s Day.

Additionally, they emphasize a holistic approach to treatment, advocating for the examination of underlying physical health issues that can contribute to addiction and mental health problems. They discuss the shortcomings of conventional treatment approaches, including reliance on medication and inadequate support systems, while proposing a more integrated model that encompasses lifestyle changes, emotional regulation, and nutrition. The episode also highlights the dire consequences of untreated addiction, exacerbated by ineffective healthcare policies and systems that prioritize profits over patients’ well-being. Connecting these issues to societal behaviors, they call for a shift in mindset towards a multifaceted and compassionate approach to treatment and prevention.

Highlights

• Navigating Triggers: Dr. Kelley recommends engaging in sober activities and creating new traditions to navigate holiday triggers associated with drinking.
• Balance in Helping: Dr. Giordano emphasizes the need for a balance between helping others and financial sustainability in addiction recovery work.
• Holistic Treatment Approach: The podcast advocates for examining not just mental health but also physical health factors, including diet and lifestyle, impacting addiction recovery.
• Medication Caution: Concerns were raised over the increasing reliance on psychotropic medications in addiction treatment without exploring underlying causes or issues.
• Micro Changes: Incremental lifestyle changes can foster longer-lasting improvements in physical and mental health, debunking the myth that drastic changes are necessary for successful recovery.
• Systemic Issues: The conversation reveals systemic flaws in treatment programs and healthcare policies that prioritize profits over genuine patient care.
• Early Education Importance: The need for social-emotional learning and mental health education in schools to equip children with skills to manage their emotions and potentially reduce the prevalence of addiction issues in adulthood.

Key Insights

• Challenging Holiday Norms: The discussion emphasizes how holidays often create a romanticized perception of drinking and substance use, exacerbating feelings of peer pressure among individuals in early recovery. Dr. Kelley’s suggestion to create celebratory alternatives, like making “green lemonade,” serves as an innovative approach to reframing sober celebrations, aiding those in recovery by establishing new, healthy associations with themes traditionally linked to substance abuse.

• 💡 Underlying Health Factors: Dr. Giordano’s emphasis on the interconnectedness of mind and body highlights a critical gap in conventional treatment approaches. Addressing bodily health issues — such as hormone levels or nutritional deficiencies — could significantly improve mental health outcomes. This underscores the importance of comprehensive care that goes beyond traditional talk therapy and acknowledges physical health’s role in recovery.

• Ineffective Treatment Models: The podcast dismantles outdated treatment methods like the short-term, 28-day model, which lacks scientific backing. Discussion around sustainable treatment methods suggests that longer engagement and more in-depth support have better outcomes. This insight calls for a reevaluation of existing treatment protocols to design more effective pathways that incorporate lengthier stays and follow-ups.

• Ethical Dilemma in Healthcare: The conversation raises ethical concerns regarding insurance companies whose policies often deny adequate care based on financial metrics rather than patient needs. This insight discusses how treating addiction properly — such as providing essential aftercare and ensuring appropriate follow-up — would reduce costs over time and ultimately lead to healthier communities.

• Emphasis on Lifestyle Changes: The dialogue surrounding micro-changes promotes the idea of gradual lifestyle enhancements rather than drastic overhauls. By framing changes such as reducing sugar intake or incorporating wholesome foods into diets as manageable, the hosts advocate a practical approach that resonates more with those hesitant about making significant life changes.

• Societal Impact: The discussion touches on societal tensions surrounding addiction and mental health care, particularly regarding adolescent health. The need for comprehensive education regarding mental health, nutrition, and emotional regulation in schools is presented as a foundational solution to curb future addiction rates, thereby addressing the issue at its source rather than solely focusing on recovery.

• Call for Empowerment: Ultimately, the podcast ends with an empowering message for listeners to take responsibility for their health by seeking help when needed, exploring different treatment options, and advocating for themselves within the system. The emphasis on taking small, deliberate steps in improving one’s health mirrors the path to recovery, encouraging listeners that change is possible through concerted effort and support.

In summary, “Beat Your Addiction” presents a refreshing and optimistic viewpoint on tackling addiction and mental health, challenging conventional paradigms and advocating for change that is sensitive to the nuances of individual experiences. The episode fosters a sense of community, empowerment, and resilience, essential for navigating the complex landscape of addiction recovery.

In this episode of the “Beat Your Addiction” podcasts, co-hosts Scott Jones and John J. Giordano engage in a detailed conversation with guest Hayes Thomas, an entrepreneur and tech innovator focused on advancing addiction recovery through technology. The discussion revolves around Thomas’s platform, “Wingman for Recovery,” which utilizes advanced AI algorithms and data analytics to aid addiction treatment and recovery. Thomas draws on his extensive experience in tech and his personal loss to create a more effective recovery tool that is tailored to individual experiences. The app is designed to help users navigate cravings, connect with recovery support, and track their progress, all while ensuring user privacy and security. The conversation covers topics like the importance of personalized recovery plans, the shortfalls of traditional rehab programs, and the potential for technology to provide additional support in the ongoing battle against addiction, paving the way for improved recovery outcomes.

Highlights

• Introduction of Hayes Thomas and his background in technology and addiction recovery.
• Development of “Wingman for Recovery,” emphasizing personalized data collection for addiction treatment.
• The importance of technology in revolutionizing addiction recovery systems.
• Discussion on why traditional rehab programs see high relapse rates within two weeks post-treatment.
• “Wingman’s” emphasis on data privacy and adherence to HIPAA compliance.
• Using AI to provide real-time support for individuals experiencing cravings or relapses.
• The platform also tracks user progress and keeps family and counselors updated, facilitating a holistic recovery program.

Key Insights

• Data-Driven Approach: Hayes Thomas emphasizes the transformative potential of data in addiction treatment. His platform, “Wingman,” meticulously gathers information about users, which creates a rich profile that enables personalized recovery suggestions and interventions, similar to how hotels market to specific customer preferences. By highlighting individual needs and triggers, the platform aims to improve overall treatment outcomes, which has historically been a significant challenge in the addiction recovery field.

• Efficacy of Existing Systems: The discussion highlights a glaring shortcoming in traditional rehabilitation programs: the high relapse rate of 98% within two weeks post-treatment. Thomas and Gerano identify the necessity of continuous support and engagement beyond initial treatment, advocating for a more sustained, data-informed approach that actively manages the recovery journey.

• Generative AI in Recovery: The “Wingman” platform represents the use of modern technology, specifically generative AI, to learn from user interactions and provide customized support during crucial moments of temptation. This technology is sensitive to users’ needs, suggesting tailored activities to distract from cravings, acknowledging the unique challenges individuals face in recovery.

• Community and Connectivity: A key feature of the platform is its ability to keep therapists, counselors, and supportive family members in the loop regarding the recovering individual’s status. This interconnectedness creates an environment of accountability and support, helping to curb isolation, which is often a significant factor in addiction.

• Privacy and Security: Addressing concerns regarding the data collected through the platform, Thomas reassures potential users that “Wingman” is HIPAA compliant, ensuring that all personal data remains confidential unless the user chooses to share it. This assurance is crucial for building trust in a demographic often wary of institutional oversight.

• Expanding the Scope of Treatment: The podcast reveals how the “Wingman” platform can adapt to cater to various demographics, from postpartum women to people struggling with broader lifestyle issues. Its flexibility underscores the importance of individualized recovery plans—a crucial shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach.

• Mission Beyond Profit: Hayes Thomas articulates that the development of “Wingman” goes beyond commercial gain; it is a labor of love grounded in personal tragedy and community commitment. By aiming to provide valuable tools that genuinely help people struggling with addiction, they aspire to foster a more humane approach to treatment that values individual recovery journeys and society’s collective responsibility.

By integrating cutting-edge technology with compassionate support systems, “Wingman for Recovery” represents a pioneering approach to addiction and recovery, leveraging innovation to improve patient outcomes while ensuring user-centric privacy. The discussion in this podcast invites listeners to reconsider the potential avenues for recovery and opens a dialogue about the future of addiction treatment—one that is more informed, engaging, and connected.

In this episode of the “Beat Your Addictions” podcast, co-hosts Scott Jones and John Giordano delve deep into the alarming statistics surrounding addiction recovery rates, highlighting that only 8 to 10% of individuals seeking help succeed in maintaining sobriety. Scott and John discuss the inadequacies of traditional treatment methods, emphasizing the need for systemic changes in addiction recovery frameworks. They cite that most approaches fail to address the underlying problems of addiction, such as psychological and physiological issues.

Throughout the podcast, John proposes a series of insights that underline the importance of holistic treatment, extending beyond mere psychological support to include physical and environmental factors that contribute to addiction. The discussion touches on the relevance of detoxification, the psychological impacts of drug dependency, and the need for a comprehensive treatment duration, advocating for longer recovery programs of at least 60 to 90 days.

Further, they explore various therapies that fall outside standard medical practices, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the role of gut health in mental well-being. John’s experiences and research into alternative therapies—including neurotransmitter support through amino acids, psychedelics, and functional nutrition—offer listeners a broader understanding of potential recovery tools. They conclude by encouraging individuals to become advocates for their health and to push for better treatment options backed by evidence-based research.

Highlights

• Staggering Recovery Rates: Only 8 to 10% of people seeking treatment for addiction manage to achieve long-term recovery.
• Inadequate Treatment Framework: Most addiction treatments do not adequately address psychological and physical dependency issues.
• Need for Extended Treatment: A suggested treatment duration of 60 to 90 days could significantly improve recovery outcomes versus traditional 30-day programs.
• Holistic Approaches: Emphasis on the importance of integrating physical health and psychological treatment to tackle addiction.
• Innovative Therapies: Exploration of therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen treatment and the role of gut health in mental well-being.
• Drug Dependency and Health: Discussion of physiological contributors to addiction, including hormone imbalances and heavy metal toxicity.
• Call to Advocacy: Listeners are encouraged to advocate for systemic changes in addiction treatment policies.

Key Insights

• Failures of the System: The recovery rates highlight significant flaws in the addiction treatment system. Without better funding and support for successful treatment methods, such as those that address biological and psychological needs, the cycle of addiction will continue to devastate lives. The podcast urges listeners to hold policymakers accountable for improving the recovery landscape.

• Importance of Detoxification: Proper medical detoxification should stabilize individuals physically before they enter rehabilitation. Many treatment facilities do not effectively provide this, leading to relapse due to inadequate care in managing withdrawal symptoms.

• Mental Health and Physical Health Connection: The influence of physical health on mental well-being suggests that addiction needs a more integrative medical model. Treatments should incorporate physical health assessments and interventions, including nutritional support and exercise, as part of the recovery process.

• Exercise and Mental Resilience: Regular physical activity, especially high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can positively affect mental health by releasing endorphins and reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

• Gut Health’s Role in Recovery: The health of the gastrointestinal system is crucial for mental well-being. Many neurotransmitters, including serotonin, are produced in the gut. Therefore, diagnostic tests like gut health assessments may offer crucial insights into treatment plans.

• Potential of Alternative Therapies: Therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and psychedelics show promise in aiding recovery by rejuvenating brain function and managing trauma. They discuss how these are often overlooked due to restrictions imposed by traditional insurance and medical practices.

• Individualized Care is Critical: The podcast emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual. Recovery strategies must cater to personal histories and biological factors, and not every method will work for everyone, necessitating a more flexible approach to treatment healthcare.

Through these discussions, Scott and John aim not just to inform their listeners but also to inspire them to take action—both for their own health and for broader changes in the addiction treatment field. They have positioned this episode as not just a conversation, but a robust call to fieldwork in the fight against addiction, underscoring the need for hope, action, and advocacy for a more effective treatment structure.