Rick Green Discusses Dopamine Reward Deficiency and DSM Insights on Calm and Cool
Rick Green, founder of Precision Recovery and an expert in addiction therapy, recently joined the Calm and Cool podcast to shed light on an underrecognized issue in addiction treatment: Dopamine Reward Deficiency Syndrome (DRDS) [https://www.precision-recovery.com/resources/blog/what-is-reward-deficiency-syndrome]. With years of experience working in both pharmacology and addiction therapy, Green offers a unique perspective on the genetic aspects of addiction, particularly how they affect recovery.
Green has been a strong advocate for the recognition of addiction as a genetically driven brain disease and has worked closely with the DSM committee to help bring conditions like DRDS into the mainstream discussion.
His message to listeners and fellow professionals alike is simple but powerful: understanding the genetic foundation of addiction, such as DRDS, can transform how we approach recovery, making it more effective and personalized.
“It’s worked very well, we’ve never had anybody revoked,” Green said of his treatment plan and program “We’ve never had anybody revoked from bond, or revoked from probation. Thats our goal.”
Watch the Calm & Cool Episode Here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1KZmKVpPVs
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From Pharmacology to Addiction Therapy: Rick Green’s Journey
Rick Green’s career in pharmacology gave him a deep understanding of how substances interact with the human body. However, it was his personal battle with addiction that inspired him to pivot towards addiction therapy. As he shared on Calm and Cool, traditional treatment approaches left him unsatisfied because they often focused on treating symptoms rather than identifying the root causes of addiction.
He likened it to a hypothetical broken bone - yes, the bone was broken, but what caused that particular bone to break? What led to the bone breaking? No one knew, he said, they just knew the bone broke and needed mending.
Green wasn’t satisfied with that answer when it came to addiction, he wanted to find the true root cause - so he began to research.
Green emphasized that addiction is not merely a moral failing or behavioral issue, but a genetically driven brain disorder. He has built a business, Precision Recovery, [https://www.precision-recovery.com/process] helping people who are facing serious legal consequences for DUI [https://www.precision-recovery.com/resources/blog/is-a-dui-a-felony] and DWI, to find the root cause and help them to truly recover.
"We go in and explain to the court, this is a genetically driven brain disease, more than a moral failing or character issue," he said on the podcast.
This distinction is crucial in overcoming denial, one of the major barriers to successful recovery.
“Denial happens in all diseases,” Green pointed out, stressing that understanding the genetic and neurobiological causes of addiction can help addicts break through the initial denial stage and move toward recovery.
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The Role of Dopamine Reward Deficiency Syndrome in Addiction
A major focus of Green’s work is helping people understand the connection between Dopamine Reward Deficiency Syndrome (DRDS) and addiction. DRDS is a condition where the brain’s ability to produce or process dopamine — the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward — is compromised. Individuals with DRDS often turn to drugs, alcohol, or other substances to artificially stimulate dopamine production, leading to a higher risk of addiction.
In his conversation on Calm and Cool, Green explained that many addiction recovery programs overlook DRDS and fail to address the biological factors driving substance use.
"We don’t meet them where they are, we take them where they are going, pretty quickly," Green said, stressing the need for a forward-looking approach to addiction treatment that acknowledges the role of genetics and brain chemistry.
By incorporating genetic testing and assessments for DRDS, Green believes that addiction treatment can become more targeted and effective. This approach forms the core of his recovery program at Precision Recovery, which offers a personalized treatment plan based on each individual’s genetic profile, including their Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GAR Score).
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Genetics and Long-Term Recovery: Green’s Texas-Based Program
Green’s work is not just theoretical; he has applied these genetic insights to a successful recovery program for chronic DWI offenders in Texas. The program uses genetic information, such as the GAR score, to create long-term treatment plans that are specifically designed for individuals with a higher genetic predisposition[https://www.precision-recovery.com/resources/blog/what-is-genetic-predisposition] to addiction.
On the podcast, Green shared that the program has a three-to-five-year treatment and monitoring plan, which has shown great success in helping chronic offenders achieve long-term sobriety.
"It’s very fixable, we just need long-term treatment and monitoring," Green explained. This approach allows for more sustainable recovery by addressing the underlying genetic and neurological factors that contribute to addiction.
Participants in the program must meet specific criteria, such as a felony DUI charge and a GARS test score of 6 or higher, which indicates a higher risk for addiction.
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Advocating for Broader Recognition of Dopamine Reward Deficiency Syndrome
One of Rick Green’s most important missions is advocating for greater recognition of addiction as a genetically driven brain disease, particularly Dopamine Reward Deficiency Syndrome. Currently, many addiction treatment programs and even legal systems fail to acknowledge the role that genetics play in addiction. This lack of recognition can prevent individuals from receiving the treatment they need.
Green has been working closely with the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) committee to push for more widespread recognition of conditions like DRDS. His goal is to encourage more addiction professionals, therapists, and even courts to understand that addiction is not just a choice or a moral issue but is often rooted in a genetic predisposition.
He recalled conversations with the courts where he explained the genetic nature of addiction: “The court says, 'Good to know, so why should we give them a chance if this is genetically driven, and not fixable?'” Green’s response was clear and confident: "It’s the one-two punch. We explain to the court what is happening and then we offer a solution."
Green believes that by educating both professionals and the public about DRDS and other genetic factors, society can offer better, long-term solutions to individuals struggling with addiction.
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Looking Forward: The Future of Addiction Treatment
Rick Green’s guest appearance on the Calm and Cool podcast highlighted his passion for transforming the way addiction is treated. By focusing on genetics and long-term solutions, Green is paving the way for a new era in addiction recovery. His work at Precision Recovery offers a practical model for how treatment programs can incorporate genetic testing and neurobiological insights to create personalized, sustainable recovery plans.
As Green continues to advocate for broader recognition of addiction as a genetically driven brain disease, his work with the DSM committee and within the legal system will likely play a key role in shaping the future of addiction treatment. With conditions like Dopamine Reward Deficiency Syndrome gaining more attention, the hope is that more treatment centers and professionals will adopt Green’s science-backed approach to recovery.
For those struggling with addiction, understanding their genetic risk factors could be the key to finding a treatment plan that works for them. And with professionals like Rick Green leading the charge, the future of addiction recovery looks promising.
