[Ep 35] Why Addiction ‘Works’—Until It Wrecks Your Life | Joe Polish

Is addiction really your problem—or the way you learned to survive? In this raw conversation from Metabolic Health Day in Tucson, Mark Young sits down with Joe Polish (Genius Network, Genius Recovery) to unpack addiction as a connection disorder, why you can’t punish pain out of people, and what it actually takes to heal.

Joe shares decades of experience in addiction recovery, entrepreneurship, and relationships: from his own relapse after losing his father, to why shame keeps people stuck, to the 4 pillars he believes you need to get sober and stay sober: community, biochemistry, trauma work, and purpose.

This episode is for you if:

• You’ve tried to “white-knuckle” your way out of addiction and feel like you still can’t stop
• You’ve watched a parent or loved one drink or use themselves into an early grave
• You’re in 12-Step, recovery, or just sober-curious—but still feel disconnected or stuck
• You’re wondering how AI, social media, adult content, and modern life are reshaping addiction today

Nothing in this episode is medical advice. Always talk with your doctor or qualified professional before making changes to your health, medications, or recovery plan.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Joe says “addiction is a solution”—and why focusing only on the substance often misses the real problem
• The difference between first-stage recovery (sobriety) and second-stage recovery (healing the deeper wounds)
• How addiction thrives in shame, secrecy, and isolation (“your sick is your secrets”)
• Why Joe calls addiction a connection disorder—to self, others, and something bigger than you
• The role of biochemistry (nutrition, seed oils, gut health, dopamine, serotonin) in cravings and relapse
• How trauma—especially early childhood trauma—shows up later as addiction, even in high performers
• Why “less alcohol” doesn’t necessarily mean less addiction in a world of adult content, social media, and AI
• How service and helping others can become one of the most powerful tools in long-term recovery

Resources Mentioned

Genius Recovery – education, blogs, interviews, and resources on addiction & recovery

Visit: GeniusRecovery.org

Joe Polish – Genius Network & I Love Marketing – Author of What’s In It For Them? and The Miracle Morning for Addiction Recovery

We’re all just taking it one day at a time with our own struggles. Don’t do yours alone.

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