Welcome to our podcast, The Hanley Effect. Whether it’s recovering from addiction, trauma, mental health challenges or any other life obstacles, this podcast is your safe space for inspiration, guidance, and real stories of triumph!
CEO of Hanley Foundation, Dr. Rachel Docekal, as well as Hanley’s Chief of Research and Innovation, Dr. John Dyben, discuss the complexities of addiction and how it affects not just individuals but also entire families and communities, spanning across generations.
Rachel kicks things off by shedding light on how Hanley has innovated treatment specifically for older adults, addressing the unique challenges that they face in recovery. You’ll hear about the importance of creating a safe space where people from the same generation can connect, empathize, and heal together, emphasizing just how important that it is to tailor treatment approaches to meet the specific needs of different age groups.
Dr. Dyben also examines the science of addiction and how it’s more than just a disease of the brain. He shares his journey from seminary school to becoming a leader in addiction treatment, and we talk about the parallels between the fight against AIDS and the battle against addiction – how societal change and innovation are crucial to making real progress.
We also touch on some of the groundbreaking research happening at Hanley, with the aim being to shift how we as a society treat and understand addiction. Dr. Dyben’s insights into trauma, family dynamics, and the broader implications of addiction are truly eye-opening, and Rachel’s enthusiasm for the future of behavioral health is inspiring to say the least.
Buckle up for a conversation that’s as informative as it is inspiring. We talk about tangible solutions for tangible problems and how, together, we can create a world free of addiction! Until next time, keep embracing your recovery and thriving in your story!
In This Episode:
[01:02] – Rachel highlights that older adults in treatment fare better when grouped by generation because they benefit from shared backgrounds and experiences. [03:41] – Beginning his career in church ministry, Dr. Dyben transitioned to addiction treatment and found a true calling at Hanley Foundation. [05:41] – Hear how, fascinated by the influence of social factors on health, Dr. Dyben now leads research and innovation in addiction treatment. [07:04] – Dr. Dyben focuses on elevating addiction treatment research to the same level as other diseases. [10:08] – Dr. Dyben reflects on how societal changes, especially the humanization of AIDS, were crucial in advancing AIDS research and treatment. [11:56] – Dr. Dyben describes guinea worm disease’s near-eradication and its parallels with addiction treatment. [14:58] – Cory discusses changing attitudes toward AIDS and the importance of addressing trauma in addiction. [16:27] – Better understanding addiction reduces stigma and encourages empathy and treatment. [17:49] – Rachel shares having refused opiates for her daughter’s surgery, advocating for alternative pain management. [19:55] – Rachel warns against unnecessary opiate prescriptions and advises proper disposal of unused medication. [21:58] – Addiction is a neurobiological disease, affecting people beyond moral or intellectual weakness. [24:11] – Learn how addiction impairs impulse control by reducing blood flow to the prefrontal cortex. [26:29] – Rachel advocates for more realistic addiction portrayals and notes Hanley Foundation’s role in treatment.
