Episode 9: Substance Abuse and the Neurobiology of Addiction

Substance abuse and addiction affect everything from how we live to how we think about choice. But what is addiction, and how do scientists study it? In this episode, Gopu shares what he’s been learning as he steps into the field of addiction neuroscience. Together, we explore the prevalence of substance use, why research often focuses on drugs like MDMA, THC, amphetamines, and opioids, and why everyday behaviors like eating sugar or scrolling social media are harder to study.

We also touch on the opioid crisis, naloxone as an antidote for fentanyl, and the role astrocytes and dopamine may play in addiction pathways.

A casual between friends about the science of substance use, the questions researchers ask, and the early steps of a journey into addiction neurobiology.

New episodes on all platforms—just search “Gopu & Zane” or visit lybrandlab.org/jospod