Wired for risk: The science of addiction and mental health

23/04/2025 21 min

Listen "Wired for risk: The science of addiction and mental health"

Episode Synopsis

Depression and alcohol dependence are often seen as personal struggles—but decades of study by Scripps Research professor Cindy Ehlers reveal a much bigger picture. In this episode of Science Changing Life, Ehlers breaks down how biology, culture and trauma interact to shape mental health outcomes.Learn how her work is paving the way for more effective interventions, and how new strategies—like culturally grounded prevention programs and digital tools—can reduce harm in high-risk communities.//Ehlers lab: https://www.scripps.edu/ehlers/index.html Scripps Research Magazine: https://magazine.scripps.edu