The Neuroscience of Addiction

About this event

What if addiction isn’t about willpower? Discover the brain science behind cravings, recovery, and how to manage them. Followed by Q&A. This evidence-based workshop reframes addiction as a learned state of brain and body, not a character flaw or weakness. Neuroscientist Faissal Sharif breaks down how the brain’s reward system, stress, habits and decision making processes interact to drive craving and make addictive behaviours more difficult to break. We’ll look beyond alcohol and nicotine and also explore why cocaine, social media, and gambling can be so hard to resist. You'll leave with a clearer understanding as to why addiction develops, why it impacts people differently, and how factors such as brain biology, learning, and environment play a role. You’ll also gain some practical, realistic strategies for reducing harm, managing cravings, and building more reliable sources of reward and wellbeing. Learn why addiction is a learning problem, not a moral failing Unpack dopamine, differences in rewards received versus rewards predicted, and habit cycles Understand how stress and our brain’s management system shape craving and relapse Gain evidence-based tools for cue management, “craving surfing”, and habit redesign Faissal Sharif is a neuroscientist and journalist whose work sits at the intersection of brain health, neurotechnology, and society. Based at the University of Oxford, he investigates the neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychiatric symptoms and explores the potential of emerging non-invasive neurotechnologies to advance mental health treatment. His work spans neuroscience, global health, and international development, with experience across the United Nations Development Programme and the World Health Organization. In these roles, he has contributed to evidence-informed policy, health equity, and social protection initiatives, particularly in fragile and resource-constrained settings. This workshop is 18+