Understanding Substance Use Disorders: Neuroscience-Trauma & Recovery
In Episode 2.5 of Psychiatry Boot Camp, we explore one of the most challenging—and most rewarding—areas of psychiatry: Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
Our guest is Dr. Steve Delisi, Chief Medical Officer at YourPath Inc., Associate Director at UC-Irvine’s "Train New Trainers" Addiction Medicine Fellowship, and Adjunct Professor at Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. With decades of experience in both clinical addiction psychiatry and neuroscience education, Dr. Delisi brings exceptional clarity to this critical topic.
🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✔️ The neurobiology of addiction and how substances hijack brain systems
✔️ How translational neuroscience can enhance clinical understanding
✔️ The strong correlation between trauma and substance use
✔️ How to build therapeutic alliance with patients facing SUD
✔️ Key insights on stigma, motivation, and readiness to change
✔️ The science behind craving, reward pathways, and relapse vulnerability
✔️ An overview of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and integrated models
✔️ How SUD research is evolving—including brain-based and trauma-informed therapies
📌 Why This Episode Matters:
Substance use disorders are highly prevalent, often misunderstood, and carry immense stigma—even within medical settings. Dr. Delisi provides evidence-based guidance on how to approach these patients not just clinically, but compassionately and effectively.
He challenges clinicians to reframe addiction as:
A neurobiological condition, not a moral failing
A response to trauma, not just poor decision-making
A chronic illness that can improve with the right treatment and relationship
By focusing on neuroscience, empathy, and therapeutic technique, this episode equips providers to serve some of the most marginalized patients with skill and humanity.
🧬 What Is Translational Neuroscience?
Dr. Delisi introduces the concept of translational neuroscience—applying complex brain science directly to patient care. From understanding reward circuitry to identifying trauma-related triggers, this approach helps clinicians connect research to recovery in meaningful ways.
👨⚕️ About Dr. Steve Delisi:
• Chief Medical Officer, YourPath Inc.
• Associate Director, Train New Trainers Primary Care–Addiction Medicine Fellowship, UC Irvine
• Adjunct Professor, Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies
• National expert on addiction psychiatry, neuroscience education, and trauma-informed care
Dr. Delisi is known for bridging the gap between clinical psychiatry, education, and public health, making this episode ideal for learners at all levels.
🎯 Who Should Watch This Episode:
• Psychiatry residents and addiction medicine fellows
• Primary care providers and behavioral health clinicians
• Psychologists, therapists, and social workers
• Public health professionals and trauma specialists
• Anyone seeking to better understand the biological and emotional roots of addiction
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💬 Discussion Prompt:
How do you address substance use in your clinical setting? Have you found neuroscience helpful when educating patients or families about addiction? Share your experiences below.
📌 Timestamps (Suggested Layout):
00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Steve Delisi
02:45 – What Is Translational Neuroscience in Addiction Psychiatry?
06:20 – Neurobiology of Addiction
09:40 – Trauma and Substance Use: The Link
13:00 – Building Therapeutic Alliance with SUD Patients
17:15 – MAT, Craving, and Recovery Planning
21:30 – Future of SUD Treatment: Brain-Based Innovations
25:00 – Closing Reflections
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