Breaking the Chains: Addiction, Perspective & The Power of Self-Redefinition
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Dr. Adi Jaffe joins Jay for a deep, unfiltered discussion on addiction, transformation, and the illusions of identity that hold us back.
From his personal journey of addiction and incarceration to becoming a UCLA-trained psychologist and best-selling author, Dr. Jaffe breaks down the misconceptions around addiction, the power of shifting perspective, and why breaking free from societal expectations is key to personal growth.
🔥 Key Topics Discussed:
✅ The Truth About Addiction – Why it’s not just about the substance, but about unprocessed pain and survival mechanisms.
✅ Escaping the Illusion of Identity – How early experiences shape our reality and the challenge of breaking free from conditioned beliefs.
✅ Self-Judgment & Humility – Learning to sit with the “monster” within instead of running from it.
✅ From Drug Dealer to Doctor – The journey from rock bottom to helping others redefine their lives.
✅ Why Motivation is a Lie—And Purpose is Everything – What actually drives long-term transformation.
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🔹 Quotes from the Episode
🗣️ “Perspective is everything. The life you think is real is just the version you were taught to see.” – Dr. Jaffe
🗣️ “Most people aren’t addicted to substances—they’re addicted to escaping themselves.” – Jay
🗣️ “The only way to stop running from your past is to sit down and have lunch with your lion.” – Jay
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🔹 About Dr. Adi Jaffe
Dr. Adi Jaffe is a former drug dealer turned UCLA-trained psychologist, TEDx speaker, and author of the books The Abstinence Myth and Unhooked. He is the founder of IGNTD, a revolutionary approach to addiction and mental health that moves beyond outdated recovery models and focuses on empowerment, not shame. Dr. Jaffe has been featured on CNN, The Today Show, Forbes, The Huffington Post, and more.
🔗 Learn More & Connect with Dr. Adi Jaffe:
• Website: IGNTD
• Books: The Abstinence Myth & Unhooked
• Instagram: @dradijaffe
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📌 Why This Episode Matters
This episode challenges everything you thought you knew about addiction, personal growth, and self-worth. If you’ve ever struggled with breaking free from old patterns, self-judgment, or feeling like your past defines you—this conversation is a must-listen.
🚀 Listen now and break free from the illusion of who you think you have to be.
🔗 Full Episode Available On:
🎧 Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
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The Tragedy Academy is a show created to bridge societal divides in a judgment-free zone using candor and humor.
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Adi Jaffe
Author/CEO
Adi Jaffe, Ph.D. is a UCLA-trained Psychologist, TEDx Speaker, National Bestselling Author, and a recognized expert on addiction, transformation, leadership and relationship, especially in times of deep crisis.
Dr. Adi Jaffe is a UCLA-trained Psychologist and a renowned expert in mental health, addiction, and relationships. After receiving his PhD from UCLA, he lectured in the department for the better part of a decade. Dr. Jaffe’s personal journey includes overcoming addiction; he was once a meth addict and drug dealer but transformed his life after a SWAT team arrest and jail sentence. He is the author of “The Abstinence Myth” and his new book “Unhooked,” and has been featured in numerous media outlets like CNN, Fox, NBC, and The Huffington Post. Dr. Jaffe is a regular contributor to Psychology Today and is known for his non-traditional approaches to addiction treatment. He currently leads IGNTD, focusing on reducing stigma around mental health issues through helping individuals who are released from prisons and jails find addiction and mental health help.
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