How to Overcome Addiction to Substances or Behaviors | Dr. Keith Humphreys

About this video

Dr. Keith Humphreys, presented by Huberman as an expert on addictive substances and behaviors, explains how to think logically about addiction rather than simply being told what to avoid. Humphreys discusses the major addictions, including alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and gambling, and how commercial marketing, lobbying, and the legal system shape addiction-for-profit businesses and public policy. He argues that claimed heart benefits of alcohol are greatly offset by increased cancer and other risks, and explains that cannabis may be acceptable for some people but should absolutely be avoided by others. On recovery, Humphreys emphasizes clarifying your own motives for change and surrounding yourself with people pursuing the same change, which provides both support and accountability. The conversation also examines emerging psychedelic research, including ibogaine work in veterans, while noting the limits of open-label trials without control groups.

Key takeaways

• Humphreys advises clarifying your own motives for quitting, because change requires sustained work.
• Humphreys recommends spending time with people making the same change, for support and accountability.
• Humphreys argues that any heart benefits of alcohol are greatly offset by increased cancer and other risks.
• Humphreys explains that who should avoid cannabis depends on individual risk, not a single rule for everyone.
• Humphreys cautions that encouraging ibogaine results still come from open-label trials without control groups.

Episode details: published January 12, 2026 · 304.8K views · 3:27:01 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The science and protocols described are Andrew Huberman’s, presented for education — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your own health practices.

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