S2 Ep8: How Your Brain Can Be Hijacked by Addiction With Dr Rayyan Zafar

Today we have an incredible guest. Dr. Rayann Zafar is a neuropsychopharmacologist with a core focus on addiction. After a battle with anorexia nervosa as an adolescent, Dr Zafar was compelled to learn more about how the brain works and as a result dedicated his life and career to finding science-backed solutions that help others to tackle addiction and make sense of their own mental health. Rayyan talks about the reward pathways being hijacked by addiction, whether there is a genetic predisposition to addiction and the spiritual elements of addiction. Dr. Zafar is in the midst of some very exciting trials involving psilocybin, and how effective that can be in treating alcoholism, addiction, and depression.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are plenty of resources on the Stride Foundation website: https://stridefoundation.com/

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Find out more about gambling trials with the NHS https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/250473/psychedelic-therapy-help-break-chains-gambling/

Find out more about psychedelics research https://www.imperial.ac.uk/psychedelic-research-centre/