Episode 28: Cravings and the Brain: Beyond Food and Substance
In this episode of Breaking Free from Within, host Prairie Francia dives into the fascinating science of cravings and why they extend far beyond food or substance use. Drawing from neuroscience, addiction studies, and recovery coaching, Prairie explores how the brain interprets cravings as signals—often pointing to unmet needs, emotional avoidance, or disrupted balance in the body.
Listeners will discover how cravings arise in the midbrain’s reward circuitry, linking dopamine release to everything from sugar and alcohol to scrolling on social media, shopping, or seeking validation (Koob & Volkow, 2016; Brewer, 2017). Prairie unpacks how these neurological pathways share a common root, making it possible to understand all cravings through the same lens.
Through reflective motivational interviewing prompts, you’ll consider: What is this craving really asking for? and How can I meet that need in a more aligned way? Prairie guides you to see cravings not as enemies to resist but as messengers inviting you into deeper awareness and healing.
For treatment providers and helping professionals, Prairie also highlights how the Empowered Recovery Curriculum equips facilitators with psychoeducational tools, reflection exercises, and practical strategies for helping clients decode cravings—building resilience and empowerment rather than shame. Read More…
Practical Pathways Forward
If you’re ready to take this deeper in your own life, I’ve created three pathways that build on one another:
The 21-Day Breaking Free Challenge is where you begin experimenting with awareness. You practice noticing cravings and trying out new responses, step by step.
The 28-Day Clean Body Reboot takes it further by removing physical triggers like sugar, alcohol, and inflammatory foods. This reset makes it easier for the brain and body to stabilize.
And the Empowered Recovery Course brings it all home. This is where you learn to fully master cravings, build emotional regulation skills, and rewire your brain’s reward system for lasting change — whether you’re overcoming substance use, unhealthy eating, or patterns of self-sabotage.
Sources for Show Notes
Volkow, N.D., & Morales, M. (2015). The Brain on Drugs: From Reward to Addiction. Cell, 162(4), 712–725.
Berridge, K.C., & Robinson, T.E. (2016). Liking, wanting, and the incentive-sensitization theory of addiction. American Psychologist, 71(8), 670–679.
Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. Viking.
Hayes, S. C., Wilson, K. G., Gifford, E. V., Follette, V. M., & Strosahl, K. D. (1996). Experiential avoidance and behavioral disorders. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(6), 1152–1168.