Kim Hellemans, Ph.D.: The Fascinating (and Surprising) Neuroscience & Psychology of Addiction

Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Maligned and misunderstood, addiction can present among the greatest clinical challenge to mental health professionals. In addition, the stigma and shame associated with addiction is a frequent and strong barrier to clients seeking services. Teaching professor, Chair of the Department of Neuroscience of Carleton University and host of the podcast Minding the Brain Dr. Kim Hellemans joins host Dr. Pete Kelly, C.Psych to discuss:

• how Dr. Hellemans became interested in the study of addiction
• current thinking around the definition of addiction
• the neurobiological basis of addiction, considering both subcortical and cortical processes
• psychological factors that influence addiction including trauma, state dependent learning, environmental conditions & social connectivity
• is there such a thing as an "addictive personality"?
• fact and fiction around addiction related to behaviour such as gambling, sex, gaming, eating & work
• harm reduction through a neurobiological lens
• some thoughts on how to leverage knowledge of the neuroscience of addiction to reduce stigma and increase access to care

Dr. Kim Hellemans is a teaching professor and the current Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University. She received her PhD from Queen's University, where her research focused on understanding the biological basis of drug addiction. She later went on to complete post-doctoral positions at Cambridge University and University of British Columbia prior to joining Carleton University in 2008. Dr. Hellemans has received several prestigious awards for her passion and dedication to university teaching. Outside of the classroom, she's the co-host of the popular podcast, Minding the Brain.
https://mindingthebrainpodcast.com/