What happens to the brain during addiction—and what changes when someone enters recovery?

Clinical psychologist Dr. Theresa joins Tim Roberto to explore the connection between brain health, substance use, mental health, and recovery. Drawing on her background in addiction treatment and neuropsychological testing, Dr. Theresa explains how substance use can affect executive functioning, including impulse control, decision-making, and the ability to anticipate consequences.

They discuss the brain’s capacity to develop new neural pathways, why changing deeply ingrained behaviors can feel so difficult, and how recovery gives the brain an opportunity to heal and adapt. Dr. Theresa also explains how neuropsychological and psychological testing can help identify cognitive strengths and deficits and potentially guide more individualized treatm ...