Tools for Overcoming Substance & Behavioral Addictions | Ryan Soave
from Huberman Lab
by Scicomm Media
Published: Mon Apr 21 2025
Show Notes
My guest is Ryan Soave, LMHC, a leading expert in addiction recovery with extensive experience helping people heal from all types of substance and behavioral dependencies. We discuss actionable tools for breaking out of the addictive cycle and staying free of obsessions and compulsions. We also examine the relationship between trauma and addiction.
We explore the full recovery process—from detoxing and physical stabilization to building distress tolerance. We review evidence-supported tools to structure your life at each stage of recovery and highlight the power of learning “self-directed state shifting” through yoga nidra (NSDR), breathwork, meditation and prayer.
We explain how to recognize signs of addiction in yourself and others, and the treatment options available across all levels of resources, from residential programs to 12-step. If you or someone you know is struggling with any kind of addiction, this episode offers practical steps to break free and stay free.
Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
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Timestamps
Ryan Soave
Addiction, Addictive Behaviors, Relief
Rehab, Detox, Physical & Emotional Stability
Sponsors: BetterHelp & Levels
Recognizing Addition; Video Games, Parents & Responsibility
Experiencing Real Life vs Addictive Behavior; Dopamine Dynamics
Drugs & Feelings; Reordering Your Life; Roles, Kids vs Parents
Sponsors: AG1 & LMNT
Tool: 30 Days Abstinence & Addiction; Impact
Creating a Life Post-Addiction, Jellinek Curve
Tool: Emotional Weather Forecast, Gratitude, Plan, Strivings
Connection with Others, Mental Willpower Throughout Day, Defining Best Self
Emotional Weather Map, Navigating Life
Sponsor: Function
Tolerating Stress, Sailing Analogy, Discomfort
Building Distress Tolerance, Proactive Behaviors, Cold Plunge
Stilling Leads to Seeing, Tool: Recognizing Stress Response; Relationships
Yoga Nidra, Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NDSR)
Yoga Nidra & Authenticity, Breaking Patterns
Yoga Nidra Timing, Regulation of Autonomic Nervous System; Breathwork
Sponsor: Waking Up
Alcoholism, Social Acceptability, Community, AA, Powerlessness
Gambling, Kids & Susceptibility
Transmuting Energy, Running, Dopamine, Feelings
Cocaine, Amphetamine, Stimulant Addiction
Overcoming Porn Addiction, Shame
Struggle, “Discomfort Appetite”
Addiction Treatment, Detox, Rehab Centers, 12-Step Meetings, AA
Is Addiction the Problem?, Trauma, Stress & Addiction Cycle
GLP-1 Agonists & Addiction Treatment?, HALT; Addicted to Stress?
Sugar Addiction, Caffeine; Ibogaine, Psylocibin & Considerations
Helping Someone With Addiction
Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter