In this episode of The Hanley Effect, neurologist Dr. Carolyn Larkin Taylor shares how three decades in practice shaped her view of addiction as a brain disease, not a moral failing. She traces her path from early training in Philadelphia to many years of practice in Washington State, explains why the developing brain is especially vulnerable (“wet cement”), and offers concrete examples of how addiction shows up in neurology clinics (e.g., withdrawal‑related seizures, B12 deficiency from nitrous oxide). Together, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal with Dr. Taylor unpack the “rock bottom” myth, the fine line between compassion and enabling, and why family education changes outcomes.

What We Cover

• Dr. Taylor’s path in neurology: From training and early practice in Philadelphia to decades of patient care in Washington State, inclu ...