Why Addiction Happens & How the Brain Heals – Dr. Suzette Glasner

Dr. Suzette Glasner joins Forrest to break down the science of addiction — why some people get hooked and others don't, what actually happens in the brain during cravings, and how recovery rewires the circuits that chronic use destroys. They dig into genetics, trauma, dopamine, stress pathways, gambling triggers, access, professional athletes, and why the brain can heal more than most people think. It's raw, smart, and packed with real explanations about addiction, cravings, relapse risk, emotional regulation, and why time, behavior change, and biology all work together in recovery. 🎧 If you've ever wondered why you crave, slip, spiral, or struggle — this episode makes the science finally make sense. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 02:25 – Introducing Dr. Suzette Glasner? 04:30 – "What's Your Problem?" 06:35 – Why Scientists Need Better Platforms 07:55 – The Otani Gambling Scandal Pops Up 09:20 – What Actually Happens in the Brain During Addiction 12:30 – Dopamine, Memories & Chasing the First High 14:52 – Early Gambling & Childhood Reinforcement 17:20 – Social Aspect vs. Alone Behavior 19:05 – Is Addiction an Illness or a Choice? 22:40 – Genetics, Trauma & Why Some People Become Addicted 26:30 – Teen Brains, Risk Windows & Early Use 30:05 – Forrest's Childhood Stories (Pot Brownie Edition) 32:45 – Stress Pathways & Why They Increase Vulnerability 38:40 – What Craving Feels Like in the Brain 43:15 – Money, Cash & Gambling Triggers 47:20 – Can the Brain Heal After Addiction? 51:50 – Time, Neural Rewiring & Building New Pathways 55:20 – Dopamine vs. Serotonin (and Why Both Matter) 58:10 – Gambling in the NBA & Athlete Vulnerability 1:04:10 – Treating Gambling for High-Access Populations 1:08:05 – Legalized Sports Betting & Public Health Risks 1:13:10 – Recovery Outcomes & Why There's Real Hope 🎙️ Find Dr. Suzette Glasner: 🔗 Website: https://www.drglasner.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drglasner 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drglasner/ 👉 Book : Addiciton : What Everyone Needs To Know