In this deeply moving episode of Real Medicine, Laurie opens up about his battle with alcohol addiction, beginning with early life experiences and the heartbreak of raising a child with cancer. With raw honesty, he reflects on the pain he tried to numb, the moments that broke him, and the community that helped him heal. Through the lens of AA, Laurie shares how recovery gave him not just sobriety—but his life, his purpose, and his family back. This is a story of vulnerability, hope, and the quiet therapy of connection.

If you or anyone you love is struggling and wanting to connect with the speakers please email janderson@cannabisdoc.ca. Alternatively you can reach out to aambco@aamanitoba.org or call the national help line at 1-877-942-0126.

Music Copyright Jason Houghton 2025

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In this episode of Real Medicine, we sit down with John to hear his powerful journey from the depths of alcohol addiction to the clarity and connection he found through recovery. With honesty and heart, John shares what led him to seek help, how the 12-step program changed his life, and the role of community in his healing process. This is a story of resilience, transformation, and hope—because sometimes, real medicine starts with one person's truth.

Music copyright 2025 Jason Houghton

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In Part 2 of this series, we explore how addiction goes far beyond substances — showing up in our daily lives through food, phones, productivity, and the constant chase for approval or control.

We dive into the science of dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical, and how overuse of certain behaviors creates dopamine withdrawal — a state that leaves us feeling anxious, restless, unmotivated, or numb. This isn’t a failure of willpower. It’s a survival response rooted in trauma, stress, and nervous system dysregulation.

I share personal stories and insights from Dopamine Nation and Sick Enough, alongside clinical reflections on how people — including teens, caregivers, and high performers — often use these behaviors to self-soothe and survive.

We also explore how to rewire our brains for long-term healing. You’ll learn how intention, small dopamine breaks, nervous system regulation, and compassionate curiosity can help restore balance to your reward system and build new, healthier patterns of coping.

This episode is about shifting from shame to self-understanding, from autopilot to awareness — and beginning the work of choosing what actually supports your healing.

music copyright 2025 Jason Houghton

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