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Meet Dr. Brian Licuanan

Dr. Brian Licuanan is a California board-certified clinical psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience specializing in addiction, substance use disorders, and mental health. He blends evidence-based treatment, family intervention, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help individuals overcome addiction, anxiety, and mood disorders. As an author and speaker, he shares expert recovery insights and has been featured on The Doctors, Dr. Drew Midday Live, KTLA5 News, and more.

What We Talk About

• Dr. Brian Licuanan’s journey and experience in mental health, addiction treatment, and recovery
• Why willpower alone isn’t enough to overcome addiction and the science behind physiological dependence and withdrawal
• How addiction rewires the brain, creating chemical dependence that makes quitting without help extremely difficult
• The role of support systems—including family, therapy, and community—in long-term recovery, and why perception of support matters
• The impact of family dynamics on addiction, and how families can either contribute to healing or unintentionally enable destructive behaviors
• The importance of education, accountability, and community in maintaining long-term sobriety
• Key resources for individuals and their loved ones, including NAMI, Al-Anon, and PALS
• Powerful success stories of individuals and families overcoming addiction together, including reunification after years of estrangement

Episode Resources

How to Get Your Resisting Loved One Into Treatment
Dr. Brian Licuanan’s latest book provides expert strategies for helping resistant loved ones seek treatment. Praised by the addiction and mental health community, it has received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews and won the International Impact Award.
https://amzn.to/4l3eM6P

Hearth Math
Tools and technology designed to improve emotional resilience, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity through heart-brain coherence.
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Pulsetto
A wearable device that uses vagus nerve stimulation to promote relaxation, stress relief, and improved sleep quality.
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Higher Dose
Infrared therapy and wellness tech products that support detox, boost mood, and enhance circulation for overall vitality.
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Tethos
Premium non-alcoholic wine crafted to deliver the taste and sophistication of traditional wine without the alcohol. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 10% OFF.
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Body Bio
Science-backed supplements formulated to support cellular health, brain function, and metabolic wellness. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 15% OFF.
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Healthgevity Peptides
Advanced peptide-based supplements designed to promote longevity, optimize hormone health, and support overall vitality.
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Qualia Life
Supplements designed to support brain health, energy, and overall well-being. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 15% OFF.
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BiOptimizers
Health supplements focused on digestion, stress resilience, and optimal body function. Use code THETRAILTOHEALTH for 10% OFF.
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Four Sigmatic
Functional mushroom products that promote relaxation, focus, and immune support. Use code ERIKA83918 for 10% OFF.
https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/foursigmatic

Oura Ring
A wearable device that tracks sleep, recovery, and overall health metrics.
https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/OuraRing

Connect With Dr. Brian Licuanan

Website:
https://drbrianlicuanan.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drlicuanan/

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@drlicuanan

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPlXQnNWRzAP8AAbbJWLeYA

Keywords

Addiction, recovery, mental health, substance use, willpower, support systems, family intervention, treatment strategies, alcohol dependence, opioid addiction, withdrawal, accountability, therapy, NAMI, Al-Anon, PALs, relapse prevention, success stories, resources, counseling, rehabilitation.