Tools for Overcoming Substance & Behavioral Addictions | Ryan Soave

My guest is Ryan Soave, LMHC, a leading expert in addiction recovery with extensive experience helping people heal from all types of substance and behavioral dependencies. We discuss actionable tools for breaking out of the addictive cycle and staying free of obsessions and compulsions. We also examine the relationship between trauma and addiction.

We explore the full recovery process—from detoxing and physical stabilization to building distress tolerance. We review evidence-supported tools to structure your life at each stage of recovery and highlight the power of learning “self-directed state shifting” through yoga nidra (NSDR), breathwork, meditation and prayer.

We explain how to recognize signs of addiction in yourself and others, and the treatment options available across all levels of resources, from residential programs to 12-step. If you or someone you know is struggling with any kind of addiction, this episode offers practical steps to break free and stay free.

*Thank you to our sponsors*

*Timestamps*
00:00:00 Ryan Soave
00:01:32 Addiction, Addictive Behaviors, Relief
00:06:10 Rehab, Detox, Physical & Emotional Stability
00:13:33 Sponsors: BetterHelp & Levels
00:16:08 Recognizing Addition; Video Games, Parents & Responsibility
00:23:38 Experiencing Real Life vs Addictive Behavior; Dopamine Dynamics
00:29:38 Drugs & Feelings; Reordering Your Life; Roles, Kids vs Parents
00:40:03 Sponsors: AG1 & LMNT
00:43:13 Tool: 30 Days Abstinence & Addiction; Impact
00:46:10 Creating a Life Post-Addiction, Jellinek Curve
00:55:30 Tool: Emotional Weather Forecast, Gratitude, Plan, Strivings
01:02:48 Connection with Others, Mental Willpower Throughout Day, Defining Best Self
01:08:39 Emotional Weather Map, Navigating Life
01:10:16 Sponsor: Function
01:12:03 Tolerating Stress, Sailing Analogy, Discomfort
01:16:03 Building Distress Tolerance, Proactive Behaviors, Cold Plunge
01:23:55 Stilling Leads to Seeing, Tool: Recognizing Stress Response; Relationships
01:30:56 Yoga Nidra, Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NDSR)
01:38:54 Yoga Nidra & Authenticity, Breaking Patterns
01:45:45 Yoga Nidra Timing, Regulation of Autonomic Nervous System; Breathwork
01:52:53 Sponsor: Waking Up
01:54:28 Alcoholism, Social Acceptability, Community, AA, Powerlessness
02:02:23 Gambling, Kids & Susceptibility
02:08:58 Transmuting Energy, Running, Dopamine, Feelings
02:15:41 Cocaine, Amphetamine, Stimulant Addiction
02:18:21 Overcoming Porn Addiction, Shame
02:30:03 Struggle, “Discomfort Appetite”
02:36:09 Addiction Treatment, Detox, Rehab Centers, 12-Step Meetings, AA
02:46:54 Is Addiction the Problem?, Trauma, Stress & Addiction Cycle
02:49:05 GLP-1 Agonists & Addiction Treatment?, HALT; Addicted to Stress?
02:52:44 Sugar Addiction, Caffeine; Ibogaine, Psylocibin & Considerations
02:59:56 Helping Someone With Addiction
03:04:58 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

[hubermanlab]

Thank you for watching. If you enjoyed this topic and episode, please click the "like" button and subscribe to our channel here on YouTube.
Thank you for your interest in science! -- Andrew

[theresa]

I love the statement "peace is not finding calmer seas, it is building a better boat." That is a gem.

[ZARAGOLD]

I’m watching this as I decided today to quit alcohol. God give me strength 🙏

[Jodekiss]

This episode feels timely and relevant to my life right now. I’m currently trying to overcome a behavioural addiction, and shame is a huge part of the compulsion and obsession. It’s a vicious cycle. Emotional relapse leads to mental relapse, which leads to physical relapse. My job, although meaningful, doesn’t provide me with fulfilment. Still, I have hope that I’ll find my purpose, because a compelling vision begets sobriety. Once you’re on your mission, all urges and desires dissipate.

[HareKrishnaPerth]

I overcame meth, porn, alcohol, gambling, smoking, the list goes on...
If i can do it! You can too! You got this!!!

[brendonaj]

Ryan Soave is a close friend. He has made an immense difference in my life. He helped me to clear a path through the forest to find the way back home. If anyone is seeking a way to break the endless cycles of destruction in their life, there is no better person than Ryan to reach out to for help.

[sobanejaz]

as an addict of brain rot content, the resistance and discomfort I was experiencing while listening to them how addiction can cause discomfort and how to control that was just feeling on its own. Now that, I have sat for 2.5 hour listening to this podcast, I feel alot better than I would have if I was just scrolling on instagram.

[barrysmith]

I quit drinking for my wife on Mother’s Day 2000. It was my gift to her and turns out to me also. Have had zero alcohol since that day. That’s 25 years ago. We are in our late 70’s now and in excellent health. I take care of me for her and she takes care of her for me. Neat policy huh?

[daviddeprima]

To anyone struggling.
Know that you are worthy
Know that you are loved
Know that you are not alone
Know that you are stronger than you think. You will win this battle even when you think it’s impossible, but nothing is impossible to you. Believe in yourself no matter the circumstances, through the storms, through the pain and anxiety. Don’t ever give up on yourself because the Sun will come out. You are built for this and can conquer anything.
Thanks for the sharing of this episode!

[dxnxz]

"addiction is not the problem, it's the solution". love it.

[Aria-cddq]

The fact that we get free videos on YouTube by Andrew is truly a gift. 👍👍🤷

[z.s]

As someone actively recovering from Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia a lot of this discussion hits home and is 100% accurate. Distress tolerance is central/paramount in recovery. Acceptance, allowance, doing nothing in response to triggers, detaching from your thoughts/feelings (watching them/mindfulness) are all parts of recovery. Logically I know whats going on, however once your body dumps the stress hormones/chemicals..you literally just ride them out letting go of everything and get out of the way of your body and let it do its thing. The tricky part is actively going into/towards a hurricane knowingly what may happen (thoughts/feelings) and actively accepting that over and over and over again until you don't care if it happens or not. It is possible to be uncomfortable and safe. Scared and safe. Fear is only a feeling. Retraining your reaction is a healing pain, avoidance and giving into old patterns is perpetuating your suffering. Your reaction is your gateway to your recovery. You are not alone. Hope this helps someone that may need it.

[tmagicmedia]

After drinking everyday since i turned 21, this morning starts Day 6 of no alcohol

[sanzhar_szd]

I SWEAR, ABOUT AN HOUR AGO I HAVE SEARCHED ON WHETHER YOU DID EPISODE ON ADDICTIONS, I SAVED THE ONE WITH DR. ANNA LEMBKE, WHICH WAS POSTED 3 YRS AGO AND NOW YOU DROP 3 HR LONG EPISODE ON ADDICTIONS SIMPLY WOW.

btw thanks a lot dr. huberman, you literally saved my life, big love and respect from Kazakhstan

[SF_Native]

This is right on time. On my 3rd week of sobriety after months of being clean, only to relapse over something stupid. It’s been an ongoing battle, but as a “functioning addict” with a job, house, cars, it was very hard to see it as a problem.

Things have changed recently and it’s not only become a problem for me, but for my family as well. I have been attending meetings and have a sponsor. The urges are still there and often triggered by random thoughts. The challenge is dealing with those urges and waiting for them to subside. To anyone else going thru the struggle, you’re not alone and I wish you the best of luck on your journey and I hope you find happiness in sobriety. God bless.

[HyperintelligentViralSpider]

Literally 5 days into an extended weed and alcohol break so very timely

[OptimisticallyForward]

To sum up, addiction is much more complex than I thought, it's a combination of neurobiology, psychology, trauma, environment... Overcoming it requires not just willpower but also scientific tools, support, and compassion. This episode is definitely worth listening to! 🙏💯

[timtom]

I'm a little over 5 months clean. Thanks for this content.

[ash_mts]

This feels like a gift from the heavens! God bless you all ❤️

[RiverLee_Hunt]

8 months free from fetynal and meth . Never felt better. Grateful for your podcast Andrew! I been posting the occasional sobriety update on my channel! I have a plan and vision.

Thank you Ryan & Andrew . Great discussion.