E23 – Brain on Fire: Understanding Neuroinflammation’s Role in Addiction

In this episode of BrainSTEM, Dr. Hilary Marusak is joined by Dr. Eric Woodcock, a leading expert in neuroinflammation and substance use disorders (SUDs), to explore how inflammation in the brain contributes to addiction.

As research on the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction continues to grow, Dr. Woodcock discusses the role of neuroinflammation in conditions like opioid and nicotine use disorders, and its connection to psychiatric disorders such as depression and PTSD. He also highlights his groundbreaking work on using neuroinflammation as a potential target for new treatments, including novel interventions like neurostimulation.

Whether you’re fascinated by the science of addiction or curious about the future of addiction treatment, this episode offers a deep dive into the role of inflammation in the brain and its potential to change how we approach addiction.

🔗 Topics Covered:

• Understanding neuroinflammation and its role in addiction

• The connection between neuroinflammation and psychiatric disorders like depression and PTSD

• Differentiating central vs. peripheral inflammation

• Neurostimulation as a novel intervention for addiction

• The future of neuroinflammation-targeted treatments

🌟 Tune in to hear Dr. Woodcock’s expert perspective on how neuroinflammation could revolutionize addiction treatment and prevention.

🔗 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Drug Lab Detroit

• Tolan Park Research Clinic/Methadone Clinic in Detroit

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

• Quality Behavioral Health

  
  

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🎧 Available now on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!

❤️‍🩹 Help is available 24 hours/day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

🧠 BrainSTEM is hosted by neuroscientist ⁠Dr. Hilary Marusak⁠. Production by Amanpreet Bhogal, Manmeet Bhogal, and Gabby Maramag. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the ⁠Society for Neuroscience⁠ and ⁠Michigan Society for Neuroscience⁠.

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and follow us! Email us with topic or guest suggestions. Visit our website: www.brainSTEMpodcast.com. Our video podcasts are also posted on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LTYvOoFc6L7p2kUMaFhCA/videos