How Our Brains Get Hooked: Cue Biases and Impulses

4 Dec

Guest Speaker: Professor Matt Field

In this episode titled “How Our Brains Get Hooked: Cue Biases and Impulses”, we discuss alcohol addiction with Professor Matt Field, and how cue biases and impulses can contribute to the ongoing cycle of addiction.

Professor Field begins by explaining how alcohol is different or similar to other substances. It is made clear that alcohol’s normalisation in society and use across many centuries has contributed to many misunderstanding how harmful it is.

After, Professor Field talks about cues, initially, defining what they are. Then, he goes on to describe how alcohol-related cues play out in real life and whether cravings or exposure to alcohol-related cues trigger relapse after treatment.

As the discussion develops, Professor Field discusses his book “Evaluating The Brain Disease Model”, focusing on the motivations and evidence behind writing it. Importantly, the brain disease model is challenged as we talk about many saying it focuses too much on the brain and doesn’t take into account the social, environmental, genetic or psychological factors that also play a huge role in addiction. Professor Field then gives his opinion on how the social, environmental, genetic or psychological factors fit in with the neurobiological changes.

Interestingly, the conversation around the Brain Disease Model then leads to discussing refugee communities and substance misuse. In this, it is mentioned how many cases of addiction cannot be fully explained or understood without recognising the substance’s value to those addicted.

Recovery and treatment are also discussed. Specifically, the use of technology in treatment and the pros and cons of doing so. Professor Field shares insight from research he has conducted and informs of the many different aspects being considered.

Listen now on Spotify