Understanding Addiction Recovery with Dave & Susan Kenney

Introduction

• Guest: Dave & Susan Kenney
• Host: Dr. Allen Lycka
• Topic: Addiction recovery and the role of brain function
• Background: Dave and Susan are co-founders of Emergent Academy, an online community supporting people in addiction recovery and life crises. They have coached over 2000 individuals and co-authored the best-selling book "Actualized Recovery."

The Journey to Addiction Recovery

• Educator Background: Both Dave and Susan began as educators and observed students and families struggling with various challenges.
• Hypothesis: In 2007, they hypothesized that changing brain function could help overcome learning, behavioral, and addiction challenges.
• Influence of Dr. Daniel Amen: They discovered Dr. Amen's work on SPECT imaging, which looks at brain function before diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

The Brain's Role in Behavior

• Neuroscience Agreement: The brain drives behavior, influencing everything from driving habits to addiction.
• Neuroplasticity: Addiction is seen as a disease of neuroplasticity, meaning the brain's ability to rewire itself. Rewiring can reverse addictive behaviors.
• Donald Hebb's Law: The more a neuron fires, the stronger it wires, explaining how habits are formed and can be changed.

Critique of Traditional Recovery Programs

• 12-Step Programs: While popular, the 12-step model hasn't evolved with scientific advancements in understanding the brain.
• Actualized Recovery: Combines beneficial elements of the 12-step program with neuroscience, psychology, and nutrition for a holistic approach.

Principles of Actualized Recovery

• Lifestyle Changes: Emphasize sleep, diet, and movement to support brain health.
• Brain Nutrition: Focus on what the brain needs for optimal function.
• Addressing Trauma: Recognize that trauma can be emotional, physical, mental, or chemical, and all can impact brain function.

Steps to Recovery

• Starting Point: Look at current lifestyle and relationships.
• Setting Realistic Goals: Break down goals into manageable steps to create a "winnable game."
• Consistency: Small, consistent actions lead to long-term change.
• Environment: Create an environment that supports new habits and makes old habits difficult to maintain.

Overcoming Challenges

• Misconceptions: Recovery isn't instant or easy; setbacks are part of the process.
• Setting Up for Success: Ensure the environment supports recovery, and avoid perfectionism.

Living a Fantastic Life

• Focus on the Future: Encourage a forward-looking mindset, using positive psychology and strengths-based coaching.
• Brain-Healthy Lifestyle: Embrace habits that support brain function for overall well-being.
• Hero vs. Victim Mindset: Choose to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.

Final Advice

• Identify Desires: Clearly define what you want in life, rather than focusing on what you don't want.
• Small Steps: Begin with small, consistent actions to build new neural pathways and habits.

Conclusion

• Inspiration: Dave and Susan Kenney's work emphasizes the power of the brain in overcoming addiction and living a fulfilling life. Their approach integrates science and practical steps to help individuals achieve lasting recovery.

For more information on Dave and Susan Kenney and their work at Emergent Academy, visit Emergent Academy's https://www.emergoacademy.com