A new model for understanding addiction | Dr. Jason Giles | TEDxColumbiana

Addiction isn't a loss of control—it's the opposite.
It's a perfectly functioning brain that learned the wrong map to safety, relief, and connection.
Dr. Jason Giles, an anesthesiologist, became addicted to fentanyl during his brutal residency. Through repetition, his brain built a powerful—but dangerous—pathway.
Recovery isn't about fixing a broken brain. It's about retraining a new one through consistent practice.
You are not broken. You are trained. And training can always be changed. Dr. Jason Giles, MD, is a triple board-certified physician in Addiction Medicine, Anesthesiology, and Pain Medicine. A graduate of UC Berkeley in molecular biology, he earned his medical degree from UC Davis, where he also completed his general surgery internship, anesthesiology residency with cardiac emphasis, and pain medicine training.
Early in his career, Dr. Giles served as a cardiac anesthesiologist and pain specialist, managing complex trauma, cardiac, and transplant cases. In 2005, he dedicated his full practice to addiction medicine and has spent over 20 years advancing the field.
Drawing on both scientific training and his own sustained recovery, he treats addiction as a treatable neurobehavioral condition. He has helped more than 25,000 patients reclaim their lives with compassionate, evidence-based care emphasizing dignity and long-term wellness.
A respected thought leader, Dr. Giles brings clarity, empathy, and optimism to one of medicine’s greatest challenges. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx