Finding the Brain's Addiction Switch | Steven Laviolette | TEDxWesternU

The Human Condition; a concept that is intimately intertwined with every single one of our lives. All of us subscribe to the human condition and the diversity of what that means makes humanity the enigma that it is. Together we will try to navigate its definition from the perspectives of a variety of professionals. From implications on healthcare to business to human rights, TEDxWesternU 2015 will explore what it means to be human.
Steven Laviolette is an associate professor and N.A.R.S.A.D Young Investigator at Western University. Dr. Laviolette received his B.Sc. and PhD from the University of Toronto. His research focuses on the neurobiological methods the brain uses to controls information and how perturbations to these systems can cause mental disorders. His research interests also include using single neurons and brain circuits in order to explore the underlining neuronal mechanisms of emotional associative learning. As a researcher, he has 42 publications that investigate several mental health domains such as addiction, schizophrenia and PTSD.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@bradanderson7987]

I have been an addiction medicine physician for 27 years (congrats to all below on their recovery!) and consider it a privilege to be in this field. Interesting information but I disagree with the statement that diseases are static. As a family physician as well I can certainly tell you this is absolutely not the case. I also strongly disagree that we don't have effective treatments for addiction. We clinicians need researchers like this speaker but they also need us to be informed about the incredible people who treat this disease successfully. They are my heroes.

[@gw593]

What do you suggest generally? I’ve been sober for 2 years and I’m still doing what some people have been doing for over 80 years…A.A….but other then that in my experience as an addict who has been to treatment 4 times and have done everything under the sun that is offered through the medical community which is basically nothing other then some therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy which I’m still on the fence about as I go through it…This question isn’t a question born out of resentment..I’m truly curious if you have any suggestions cause it feels like the medical community isn’t really making much progress

[@mikemiller659]

If U'r refering to methadone..it works but is Too slow, the delivery system sucks and once U get down to a low level..dose. U Still have to go through withdrawl. The system disperatly needs something new

[@LakeMusicx]

I can't thank you enough for this. As a recovering addict I was very unhappy with the whole "You will forever be an addict"-paradigm in science and in therapy. That always gave me a bad feeling and led to nihilistic thoughts like "If I am addicted forever, it doesnt matter if I am sober or not". Reading and watching ted talks about the connection between dopamine, memory and addiction now really helps me a lot. Maybe there is a way to even change the addiction-memory or the (falsley) good association an addict has with a drug. When I had a releapse, I was very disappointed from my used-to-be-all-time-favorite (prescription drug). I hope this memory helps me overwrite my memories. Anyways, thanks again Steven Laviolette! If anyone has more research/videos on this subject, I would highly appreciate it. Stay sane!

[@oneidea1121]

How you doing?

[@LakeMusicx]

@@oneidea1121 Thanks for asking! Much better. I have the feeling that with every week and month passing, it gets easier. The addict-memories and thoughts come and go, but they are far less strong than 6 months or even a year ago. For me, it helped (and still helps) a great deal to look at the subject from all angles: Scientifically, emotionally and thearapeutically. I dont identify with most of what NAs oder AAs do in their programme but they have one phrase, that helped me a lot: Only for today.

[@oneidea1121]

@@LakeMusicx be strong you already did it haha just keep going, I'm trying to quit cigarettes again, even put the no smoking logo as wallpaper haha

[@visam28]

I couldn't agree more and is why 12 step programs didnt work for me.

[@LakeMusicx]

@@visam28 did you find another solution for you? I think the best from AAs and NAs is "just for today". Its a lot easier than "just forever" :D

[@adamemac]

7 years 4 months 2 days Yay me!

[@DJ-gg1mx]

How, Adam? I have a loved one that needs the answer to "how".. :"(

[@arturocastellanos1417]

What worked for you ?

[@marklewis4793]

GROW ON!

[@MaryJaneHancock]

Awesome. Thanks for aharing.

[@mishaa5124]

I guess he works 12 step program

[@EveningTV]

My son died of an overdose 2 months after getting out treatment for the 8th time, and I believe that it was because the reason he started using in the first place was never addressed. I believe the solution is to focus on the demand not the supply. If we heal the pain the drugs were used to numb, the addiction will fall away on its own. The closest thing to a switch would be ibogaine, but even that is just a start. You still need to heal the underlying pain.

[@downbntout]

May his death not ultimately have been in vain.

[@amreshyadav2758]

you losse choice in addiction.

[@gerardjones7881]

Anything but the steps. Anything but rigorous honesty. Anything but reduction of ego. Science hasn't got a clue.

[@adamy3834]

BINGO!!!!!! I will stay in the rooms!

[@amberscottcmt7400]

Heck yes! I've been telling the 12 steppers the disease model is outdated for a couple years now. I could never swallow the disease model version. I had settled on it being a response to trauma and I still believe that's correct, but the switching of brain states just takes my theory to a whole nutha level. This is supremely cool. 😎

[@billystevens3073]

How? What treatment exists that can target these brain areas and functions, and switch them from on to off? If this guy's theories are correct and he has identified these addiction switches and is also able to develop a treatment and put them in the off position, this would be one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of our time. Imagine the healing that could occur in families and individuals around the world.

[@stephaniedegange2737]

exactly, Billy....why does it run in families?

[@EveningTV]

Unfortunately, 95% of treatment programs are really the same program -- 12 steps which has been failing far more people than it helps for over 80 years. My son went to rehab 8 times and died of an overdose after getting out the last time, and I believe that it was because the reason he started using in the first place was never addressed. I believe the solution is to focus on the demand not the supply. If we heal the pain the drugs were used to numb the addiction will fall away on its own.

[@jrjones7237]

@@EveningTV My condolences to you and ur family sad to hear that I believe what u say to be true. You can't remind someone of their pain instead helping them and let them understand their pain not put fault to individuals who Already has a habit mindset. That problem with these so call programs reason no one wins with they system. They blame individuals who they say failed cause system they using failed those individuals . Programs should be a fault but they love the money of income reason they truly don't help them. Wake up if someone system work it be free, than say if we don't help u u keep your money as to be true. I bet more come out off those substances than. Everything about money say part of this world instead of helping . My condolences to you and ur family

[@downbntout]

He is describing this research breakthrough and calling for new directions in research so that hopefully we will have new medicines. I hope this work is given due consideration by his colleagues in addiction science.

[@JohnDickey-vl2ek]

Interesting, and as a former addict and alcoholic there are a couple of questions that I have. First, I completely agree that the reward pathway can reverse itself and lose the impulses that trigger the reward pathway triggered by external stimuli. Completely agree; however, as someone who drank again after a decade and having experienced the brain reversal and now sober again, What I can tell you is even after long periods of time the memory of the feeling you get from that first drink or drug never goes away. Essentially, it stops getting triggered by external stimuli, but the physical memory never leaves. That leaves us with the human condition: What is it exactly? A delusionary idea that we are going to ease are suffering by creating more suffering? Looking at a Macro perspective very few who passed over the line never return to normal drinking, and the trouble is that most will think that they are that exception. In the early years of research it was described as " Dipsomania" A manic condition, and it is apparent to all except by the one who suffers from it. I think these perspectives on brain activity are amazingly astute; however, returning to substances again in most cases will once again redevelop that reward pathway and all it's workings on another occasion. No one is exempt, and I thank that scientific community for offering hope; however, why are you ignoring the need for total abstinence and high risk susceptibility for the former addict or alcoholic?

[@rodsitvideos]

Obvious question after watching this: Why cannot we simply switch the brain from addicted state to non addicted state as a cure for addiction -simple? I'm sure that's what everyone wants to know......

[@paulbridges7306]

It's the TED talk with the greatest ratio of promise to result ever.

[@aliqureshi2494]

Ibogaine treatment? I heared about it many times on internet... what u say guys?

[@gerardjones7881]

It can be switched but not humans. It's what God does. The process is accomplished by working the steps. Takes 2 days. The doctors havnt got a clue. They don't even know what the problem is.

[@LakeMusicx]

I think its possible. But it takes a lot of time. depending on your level of addiction, it can be a very heavy and timeconsuming switch

[@perry.panther]

Because the memory system he described relies on stimulation to switch the brain into addiction mode. He's saying they found where that is and can switch it back. This wasn't a talk about application or therapy unfortunately, it mostly provided science that could lead to therapy.

[@richardsartori4172]

After 24 hours abstinence, you can't sleep well or making countdown.. you're addicted In front of your mirror, if you can recognize the problem... this is the start of the right way. Take time, not pharma and think about which steps you did when you start this "journey", and do it now backward. Slowly, day by day and don't ask yourself so much, because you're too sensible, your feelings are not working right. I mean you're going from panic to laughing to crying to it's too cold or hot in not normal short time. After a while, when your body is abstinent, all of your feelings (smelling, touching, looking, hearing, eating) are so clean and clear that, you have to re-educate your body to this "new" life. It's not easy to manage this situation, and love could help a lot. The looking for drug is a (not right) reaction of something that we had to much, or we needed in our childhood. Be honest, so you need to find the solution only one time, in yourself and not outside. You can't find the switch in your brain, but you can recognize that your brain switched.

[@aliqureshi2494]

I say that just a very close loyal friend or a very loyal girlfriend can help .. But its v hard to find that person ... bcz mostly people dont want to continue the love & friendship relationship with a sick person :"""( even family members lovely motivation can cure but mostly parents dont know that the addict is in fact cant control him ... all they thought that the addict is doing it for just having fun :"'( which makes an addict one of the poorest person on the planet...

[@ThrifterPickerShipper]

Richard Sartori what you have written here is I think one of the most profound things that has ever resonated inside my soul. It makes sense on EVERY level. Thank you for your insight that is so spot on. Wow.

[@billwong6077]

Addiction is a tough thing to explain in detail in 15 or so minutes. You have done such an awesome job! I give you props as a fellow TEDx Talker and an occupational therapist.

[@azeller09]

fucking fix the audio

[@virginiav3133]

In this talk only dopamine is included in the 'addiction picture". But what about endorphins? Morphine has the same chemical structure as our endorphins, which are our natural painkillers. And that's why opiates drugs are able to bind to our opioid receptors. Opiates replace our endorphins and that's why we become dependent. After a short while we no longer produce endorphins, and that's why withdrawals are so bad. Why no expert/neuroscientist ever mention the endorphin aspect of addiction?

[@SuperFrise]

Haha wow, blast from the past! I know Steven from Scarborough, many many many years ago in the 1970s.

[@ruthchingosho2469]

Very informative

[@kylesa1323]

I'm with you I think this is a great method to gain new understanding of addiction and it may possibly end it altogether

[@larrytate1657]

Ok well where do we sign up to get our switches flipped

[@avitalchen6206]

A good one indeed.......

[@annalisette5897]

Since the dopamine reward pathways also have to do with learning, it would be interesting to investigate if traumatic learning experiences cause the floods of dopamine that addictive chemicals are said to cause. My reasoning is twofold. Drug addictions seem to form because the body releases huge amounts of dopamine, more than would ever be released in a naturally occurring pleasurable experience, in reaction to various substances. The process can be fairly rapid, for instance in the case of nicotine addiction. Is it possible that when a person needs to learn something real fast for ultimate survival, the body dumps large amounts of dopamine to create an instant memory? For instance, if you are a child and you touch a hot stove and get horribly burned, you learn quickly and permanently not to repeat the action. Perhaps a similar scenario could help explain PTSD? My scientific question, if I was doing research, would be something like, is there any naturally occurring experience in human existence that would equal the release of dopamine that occurs in reaction to certain chemical substances? If so, what is the purpose of this action in relation to survival?

[@eddieneal9920]

Listened to this hoping I could find out. This talk is for doctors, can't really help someone struggling with addiction itself.

[@TruePekso]

Was this recorded on a cellphone?

[@alhoward1960]

Maybe not thinking of it as a static condition may, like he said, take research closer to more effective treatments. But it does not get us even close to a cure. Doesn't matter if you call it a static disease or whatever; I'm an alcoholic (sober almost 14 years) and nothing he said led me to believe that I'll ever be able safely drink again. After 14 years, the withdrawal is long gone. And the memory of the reward is faded, but one drink leads me to another like a domino effect.

[@stephaniedegange2737]

26 years sober; terrified of one swallow of alcohol!

[@xyzsame4081]

There is medication, for some very weird reason it is not widely used for alcoholics. it is not even widely known. Kind of like the omerta on cannabis and the bias against it. Society _loves_ the drama, the preconceived long held ideas and some love a punitive stance. And everyone has bought into the narrative that it has to be terribly hard, so a drug solving alcohol addiction w/o struggle does not compute. * You take it and one hour later you can drink alcohol. you do not get the "reward" so it disrupts the cycle. You can socially drink, and maybe you like the taste, but that is it. There should be more info on the internet, studies, etc. * Reminds me of what people report from EFT / meridian tapping. When the discomfort is solved easily or a problem or emotional distress or phobia vanishes - some people refuse the acknowledge how much it bothered them before ( they are asked to give a assessement how bad it is before they start. The idea that something helps that is easy and fast can't be true when they have sought help for longer. At least a part of them goes into denial. Same experience as Monthy Roberst the horse whisperer had. It used to be a brutal and long process to "break in" a horse. Then he found out how horses function (as highly social creatures), and if you do it right and go WITH their instincts instead of brutally going against it, they are usually willing after a short time to let a person put the reigns on them or saddle them, or even slide on their back and later sit on the back and ride them. But that did not compute either with the people who "knew" that it had to be hard. And the will of the horse had to be "broken".

[@xyzsame4081]

Naltrexone, very highy success rate to get people off alcohol addiction (not in your cases you are many years sober, it has very good success rates with people that try for the first time to get sober or relapsed. it should be even better for people that are sober for more than a decade).

[@awfulprogrammer619]

more helpful

[@luckyllama1310]

Great video with great information

[@itscalledlogic7]

This video could have been watchable if I could hear and understand everything the presenter was saying. Oftentimes he is not speaking into the microphone, and he is also speaking WAY too fast. Was he being timed, or racing someone? He's too hyper and needs to relax--the constant moving, the talking, the gesturing. Like, breathe for a second dude. I'm bummed--I can't even watch this. It's actually making me feel anxious.

[@stephaniedegange2737]

plz switch off our addictive brains with your research...you will be one of the greatest and most loved people in the world

[@Kingleazard]

The audio is so bad.

[@TheFusedplug]

Yes it's so awful. I'm skipping the rest as it's far too annoying to listen to

[@J.M.Andrew]

So how do you stop this switch?

[@peromxip_7710]

I was here before this blows up.

[@averyslowcamera]

hah

[@martinklingvall6982]

Kevin Sek Same.

[@xfadora1686]

me too😂😂

[@popobby4415]

can someone tell me what omega 3 fatty acids do.

[@markbutler9046]

So, is their a way to turn off this proverbial addiction switch in my brain ? If so, where do I find it? Has this theory ever been tried and tested in an animal? What was the success rate?

[@KaushalKumar.007]

TEDx Talks please provide subtitle

[@skiukb]

Upgrade browser to HTML5, then click the gear on bottom right, choose subtitles.

[@geraldinecasey5678]

Pavlov's Dog- why was this understanding of addiction quashed by Addiction 'experts' circa 1993

[@cheesecakelasagna]

that dab in the thumbnail, though.

[@throughtheendlessinertia1915]

Idiot.

[@wessteyrn7746]

Exactly why I clicked on the video

[@ssbMekk]

Hello!!

[@navadamwah7949]

The thumbnail looked like he was dabing😂😂

[@D3XthaTriF3ctA]

Yeah...dabbin that knowledge fam 👌🏻

[@kayaisbilen4341]

what about non-drug addictions?

[@diyoptics1387]

kaya işbilen the same applies as long as you call it addiction

[@kayaisbilen4341]

the problem is, literally, there is blocade of dopamine's delivery from one neuron to another, in drug addictions, the chemical substance which is in drug/s blocks the delivery of dopamine properly and then the "dopamine rush" which drug addict expreriences, its why, one becomes addicted, but in behavioral addictions....?

[@downbntout]

Such as sugar and phone time

[@Lankee-y]

190th it counts...

[@jameshadfield2658]

it just feels good to get HIGH! so as much as this professor goes on about dopamine+the reward system,its all about escaping. life isn't that great for most people and to step-out of it even momentarily is desired.i know,ive lived it,or more properly,ive existed it.because being "stoned' isnt really living!

[@xyzsame4081]

He spoke about addiction NOT DRUG USE. Not every drug is addictive. Addiction: You accept long time (serious) harm to continue whatever you are doing and can't stop. Thatcan be taking a substance or doing something.

[@exodus146]

for some reason I read that as Finding Bryans addiction switch lol

[@kubba1962]

well what was the point of all that if you aint gonna explain how it can be used to help addicts to brake out of addiction

[@mikecervantes6628]

Yea where do i sign up. You tell us youve found a way to fix us and then it ends.

[@7hek1ng63]

so hw do u turn the addiction off

[@WelcomeToThe92503]

Joon Kim healthier eating, embracing LOVE.. soul searching.. overcoming fears. finding a higher power.. finding meaning to your life .. smoking weed. having sex .. going to school.. challenging yourself.. being unapologetically honest about who you are and owning and embracing your flaws .. understanding the complex chemistry of the Brian and how to have absolute control over it. following the laws of attraction and becoming the person your soul tells you are. .. following your dreams... counseling... therapy.. finding out your ancestry.. talkin to your family about your lineage.. finding your true purpose. I can go on

[@WelcomeToThe92503]

Joon Kim Imma tell you straight up tho. it all starts with getting healthy mentally and physically. use drugs to get your thru the initial anxiety of working out.. then ween off. then research organic clean eating and try to remove meat and dairy from your life... for the hormones passed down from animals are making your anxious and depressed GUT HEALTH is the root of so many mental issues. your mind body and soul are one. and unless you reward then with proper nutrition. If you're an opiate guy like me. KRATOM KRATOM KRATOM

[@itscalledlogic7]

WelcomeToThe92503 One of your solutions to "turning addiction off" is to smoke weed? Hm. Probably not the best advice I've heard. What if the addiction IS weed?

[@WelcomeToThe92503]

Kate EDid same way COFFEE and cigarettes are encouraged to ppl who are coming off of hard drugs. idk if you've ever Stepped foot in an AA/NA meeting but caffeine and nicotine fuel them. I supposed to easiest most consice way I could respond is "the lesser of two evils" the true way you "turn it off" COMPLETELY Is weening to less and less harsh drugs. and essentially to nothing. IMHO weed is miracle plant . I don't see it as a drug. I see it as the universe's gift to us . it has so many purposes and causes little to no damage .. but that's is an opinion I guess subjective to the individual. an addict is an addict for life ...unfortunately... so to Joons point.. you can't technically "turn it off" ..all you can do is curb and find positive substitutes

[@stephaniedegange2737]

grt question...we should all be sober

[@Haylaysus]

yeah what the hell wrong with the audio?

[@TheEnlightenedFool]

Doing drugs makes me feel good, even more than never having done them to begin with. When I don't have them, I don't feel good, and crave them to feel good again. I view people who don't do drugs as a tight-ass, as they generally try to get me to do their drugs(tv, food, alcohol, fake happiness) while they're always blind to the similarities. I choose to feel good. Thanks D.A.R.E., for the intro to drugs in 3rd grade. I never knew lsd would be so fun.

[@zekezero12345]

TheEnlightenedFool Just give it time. You'll come around. 👍

[@dimitrispapa168]

TheEnlightenedFool do you even know how wrong you are?

[@TheEnlightenedFool]

need some milk to go with your Cerealness?

[@dimitrispapa168]

TheEnlightenedFool because i am very tired, i am not gonna analyze subjekt, but i am gonna tell you a few things even though i know i am not gonna persuade you. What you feel when you take drugs is just a very quick moment of pleasure. You need to look in long term if this helps you. You are gonna have in the future problems with your body. Also when you are not gonna have the capability of having you are not gonna feel good. So every time you dont take drugs( depending on your addiction) Your life will suck and you will feel awful. Other people can take advantage of this addiction you have. The pleasure is only gonna be a moment. Me for example i havent tried drugs, not even ciggarete! I am working out since i was 10( now i am 20) almost every day from then. Playing basketball , going gym.do you think its easy? No. The results however are immpresive and i can tell you i feel very good. I have a very nice and exercised body and i am very proud for myself. Anyway i am goona close with what my grandfather was saying: No pain, no gain. Choosing the easy road isnt gonna go you somewhere, chosing the hard road will evolve you

[@TheEnlightenedFool]

I know the future..... I will die. Might be out of my hands as lightning hits me, or under my own accords as I od. So I will enjoy my time. No, your attempt at getting me to do your drug(working out) to get that endorphin rush after I work out. 'Runner's high' much? Sounds like you've become "hooked" to the feeling of euphoria, pleasure, and ego-boost that exercise can provide. Not gonna join you in your not-fun non-substance addiction to stroke my body-image-ego to help fuel my body-dysmorphic-disorder. Tell me: if you stop working out for a week or two, can you go thru "exercise withdrawl" and feel shitty cause you don't work out? Bet you can. You'll prolly also call yourself a fatass as well, I bet, if you haven't worked out in a month. Exercise is free, easy, and can be done anywhere at almost anytime. Drug use, compared to exercise, is a costly and sometimes hard to find drug use that you can't always do anywhere.

[@GoatzAreEpic]

Tickets to hot here

[@kyawsoewin701]

Am i supposed to eat, drink or smoke drugs?

[@SankofaAncestorShrine]

He acts like the system of criminalizing prior was much better. Treating it like a disease is supposed to get addicts out of jail and connected with help and treatment. His semantics game doesn’t address this issue at all.

[@lisamoss8827]

Does it help

[@sivakumar675]

first view..first like..😄

[@KumarRaghavendra93]

He's addicted to dabbing? 😮

[@annalisette5897]

Excellent research. I disagree with his weak statements about rejecting the disease model for addiction. If the body falls into a state where illness of any kind results, it is disease. Dis-ease, the body not functioning well. Especially concerning addictions and mental/neurological disorders, the word disease spurs research as opposed to the old ideas of moral failings and not thinking right. I do not see any difference between the important scientific work detailed in this video, on unraveling the pathophysiological aspects of addiction, and research into a disease like diabetes. In both cases the body fails to perform correctly and the causes of the disorders are to be found in biochemical pathways which sorely need correction to return the body to a healthy state.

[@stephaniedegange2737]

thank you anna

[@Salma-ur2ym]

Second

[@dimitrispapa168]

Help me get 100 subs with no videos why should i help you?

[@justabl0x]

my dad left

[@nicmart]

The vast majority of people who are habitual drug users simply quit. For good. No treatment.

[@cameisenberg2370]

thats because they are not addicted they probably just have a bad habit

[@jeffreyzima2666]

Uhh.....didn't even mention the mid brain. Reversible? Yeah right. Keep researching!!!

[@Areena999]

third

[@franckchen5058]

Areen A luv u

[@brendareed5050]

And who would be the one to turn off the switch in the 🧠 brain? Sounds Orwellian.

[@rdallas81]

Addiction......get healthy. Stop abusing drugs, that's the easy part. Challenge yourself into quitting. Become addicted to being the best you as possible.

[@WelcomeToThe92503]

watching this after I just took two yellow 10mg norcos. 😝

[@lukeaaron5588]

Women found that switch in men, oldest trade known to man lol

[@amreshyadav2758]

i can explain addiction better than him...