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Addiction, the Brain, and the Road to Recovery

Mon 27 Jul 2026 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM CEST Online, Zoom
Reserve Your Spot

Addiction, the Brain, and the Road to Recovery

Mon 27 Jul 2026 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM CEST Online, Zoom
Reserve Your Spot

Addiction, the Brain, and the Road to Recovery

Mon 27 Jul 2026 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM CEST Online, Zoom
Reserve Your Spot

An Open Community Gathering

Addiction, the Brain, and the Road to Recovery

With Dr. Kevin McCauley, in conversation with our host Joe Saavedra, LMFT

About the session

Dr. Kevin McCauley joins our host Joe for a wide-ranging conversation about what addiction really is, what happens in the brain, and what it takes to stay well over the long term.

Together they'll cover:

  • His personal story, and what it taught him about addiction as a disease
  • The neuroscience of addiction: what's actually happening in the brain, explained in a way anyone can understand
  • Living well in recovery, and what the science tells us about staying well for the long term
  • The role of stress and trauma in recovery, and why taking care of your body matters as much as your mind
  • What science tells us about spirituality in recovery

The second half is open Q&A. Come with your questions.

Everyone is welcome here. This is an open community gathering and there is no fee to attend.

If you are able to contribute, your support helps us keep these gatherings going. Contributions of any amount are gratefully received.

The recording of this session (without the Q&A) will be shared on our YouTube channel after the event.

Times by region

This gathering is at 7:30 p.m. Berlin time (CEST), that's:

UK & Ireland (BST)6:30 – 8:00 PM
Eastern US (EDT)1:30 – 3:00 PM
Central US (CDT)12:30 – 2:00 PM
Pacific US (PDT)10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
🕒 Your local time isn't listed or you're not sure?
Tip: On this website, add your city and hover over CEST – 7:30 p.m. to see what time that is where you live.

About Dr. Kevin McCauley

Dr. Kevin McCauley is a Senior Fellow at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare and one of the most compelling voices in addiction medicine today, and his story is as powerful as his science. A former naval flight surgeon, he developed his own addiction to prescription opioids, was court-martialed and imprisoned at Fort Leavenworth, and has been in long-term recovery ever since. He has given over 2,000 lectures on the neuroscience of addiction and is the creator of the documentary Pleasure Unwoven, winner of the 2010 Michael Q. Ford Award for Journalism.
Learn about Kevin's work

About your host, Joe Saavedra

Joe Saavedra, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Louisville, Colorado, with certifications in sex addiction, trauma, multiple addictions, and sexual addiction treatment. Through his practice, Emmaus Road Counseling Colorado, Joe works with individuals and couples navigating sexual integrity issues, relational trauma, and the lasting impact of addiction. He brings a grounded, compassionate presence to his work and a deep commitment to helping people move toward healing and restored connection.
emmausroadcounselingcolorado.com

Our workshops and community gatherings are educational and recovery-supportive. They complement, rather than replace, professional mental health care or your existing recovery program. Guest presenters contribute as independent experts and their participation does not constitute a therapeutic relationship.