The Truth About Addiction That Every Woman Should Know ft. Dr. Sarah Wakeman

Addiction affects millions of people, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized medical conditions. This week on SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney sits down with Dr. Sarah Wakeman, a nationally recognized addiction medicine specialist, Harvard Medical School faculty member, and leading advocate for evidence-based addiction treatment.Dr. Wakeman shares how her experiences treating patients revealed a troubling reality: people struggling with addiction are often treated very differently than those with other chronic illnesses. Together, they explore why addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing, and what needs to change in healthcare, policy, and public perception.The conversation also dives into alcohol use, women's unique health risks, pregnancy, breast cancer, and the growing body of research on how alcohol impacts long-term health. This episode is an eye-opening discussion about stigma, recovery, compassion, and the power of treating addiction with science instead of judgment.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PMOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.SponsorsKa'Chava: Treat yourself to the flavor and nutrition your body craves. Go to kachava.com and use code SKINNY for 15% off your first order. Use code SHE MD at checkoutOsea: Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code SHEMD at oseamalibu.com. Myriad: Go to GetMyRisk.com to learn more about hereditary cancer testing and how you can use Myriad’s virtual care option for fast, at-home testing - no office visit required.Peloton: Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push and GO. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.comDavid: Buy 4 cartons of Protein Bars and get the 5th free when you go to davidprotein.com/SHEMD.What You’ll LearnWhy addiction is a chronic medical conditionHow stigma impacts addiction treatmentWhy women experience alcohol differentlyThe link between alcohol and breast cancerAlcohol's effects during pregnancyCommon myths about addiction recoveryWhat evidence-based addiction care looks likeWhy compassion improves outcomesThe role of trauma in substance use disordersHow to support someone struggling with addictionKey Timestamps00:00 Why Alcohol Is More Dangerous Than Most People Think03:02 What Alcohol Actually Does To Your Brain06:48 Why Some People Become Addicted Faster Than Others10:42 The Science Behind Alcohol Cravings14:56 When Drinking Becomes A Real Problem18:37 Why Addiction Changes Your Brain22:14 Women & Why Alcohol Affects Them Differently26:03 Alcohol, Anxiety & The Sleep Problem30:21 Signs You May Need To Cut Back Drinking37:05 The Best Treatments For Alcohol Use Disorder41:36 New Medications That Reduce Alcohol Cravings44:43 Why Menopause Makes Alcohol Harder To Tolerate45:37 Teens, Alcohol & Parenting Conversations46:42 The Biggest Protective Factors Against Addiction53:05 Why Scare Tactics Fail Teenagers57:39 How To Help Someone With Alcohol Problems58:35 Why Tough Love Usually Doesn't Work01:01:17 Supporting Loved Ones Without Enabling01:07:58 Questions To Ask Yourself About DrinkingKey TakeawaysAddiction should be treated like any other chronic illness, with evidence-based medical care and long-term support.Stigma and judgment often prevent people from getting the treatment they need.Many people with addiction have histories of trauma, adversity, or significant life challenges.Alcohol carries real health risks, including an increased risk of breast cancer, even at lower levels of consumption.Women metabolize alcohol differently and may experience greater health impacts than men.Recovery is possible, especially when treatment is rooted in science, compassion, and individualized care.Language matters; how we talk about addiction can either reinforce stigma or support healing.Understanding addiction as a medical condition is essential to improving care and saving lives.Guest BioDr. Sarah Wakeman is a nationally recognized leader in addiction medicine, a graduate of Brown University, and a faculty member at Harvard Medical School. She is double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine and serves as the Program Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Addiction Medicine Fellowship.Throughou