Treating addiction is complicated – could cravings be the key?

The widespread problem of substance abuse has plagued humans throughout history. It robs potential, ruins lives. Yet nothing we’ve tried has ever solved addiction. Professor Michael Bowen wants to change this. He went looking for a solution not in the human body, but in the brain. 

And what he’s found could change the way we treat addiction forever. 

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Addiction – substance abuse – is a wicked problem in our modern era. It robs potential, ruins lives. 

Yet it isn’t a new problem. Over and over again, humans have tried to beat the scourge of addiction. And no matter the substance, or the treatment, every attempt at a cure has had limited success at best. 

What if we’re thinking about it the wrong way?  

What if the solution to addiction isn't to focus on the addictive substance, but on the experience of addiction itself? What if focusing on cravings is the key?  

That’s the question Professor Michael Bowen is trying to answer. 

Michael’s skills as a neuroscientist and psychopharmacologist give him unique insight into how substance abuse affects human brains and bodies.  

And right now Michael and his team are testing a single drug that could change the way we treat every addiction. 

If listening to this episode raised any concerns for you, follow the below links to access assistance: 

Australian Government National Alcohol and Other Drug Helpline – 1800 250 015 

Turning Point – Treatment & Support 

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The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Supervising producer is Andrea Ho. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room. 

This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

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