What if the key to improving youth mental health, strengthening family connections, and even shaping the future of our communities was as simple as listening?

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben sit down with Dr. Zabina Bhasin, M.D., better known as Dr. Zee, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, global mental health advocate, and founder of Listen to the KidZ (LTTK).

Dr. Zee joins Dr. Rachel Docekal and John Dyben for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about:

• Her powerful personal story of growing up as the only girl in a South Asian immigrant family
• The early experiences with dyslexia, academic struggle, and lack of voice that shaped her path
• How cultural expectations shaped her journey into medicine and youth advocacy
• The founding of Listen to the KidZ and why listening, genuinely listening, is the foundation of all support
• Why adults need to be the ones to set boundaries and listen with intent
• How social media is not the villain, but how we use it matters
• Creating guidelines, structure, and mentorship that empower, not stifle, our youth

Key Takeaways

• Listening with intention signals interest, and interest builds connection.
• Kids don’t need to be coddled; they need to be heard and guided.
• All adults, not just parents, have a role in shaping the mental health and self-worth of young people.
• Social media is a tool; it’s up to adults to model responsible use and create boundaries.
• Empowerment begins with respect, and that starts by validating the voices of youth.

Learn more about Dr. Zee’s work at www.dr-zee.com

Visit hanleyfoundation.org to learn more about our programs.

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with medical researcher, author, and podcaster D E Foster, founder of the online support community Uneven Life and host of the Benzo Free and Uneven podcasts.

After taking clonazepam (Klonopin) for 12 years as prescribed, D E Foster found himself facing debilitating symptoms from what is now called Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND), a condition he later co-identified in groundbreaking research. He shares his personal journey of loss, recovery, and advocacy, as well as his ongoing work to educate medical professionals and support thousands of individuals affected by benzodiazepine dependence.

Together, John, Rachel, and D E discuss:

• The difference between physical dependence and addiction, and why it matters.
• The signs, symptoms, and realities of BIND and it's neurological effects.
• Why benzodiazepines remain a “hidden epidemic” in addiction and behavioral health.
• How stigma, misunderstanding, and a lack of education impact patient care.
• Strategies for safer tapering, support, and community-based recovery.
• What families, friends, and caregivers can do to believe, support, and empower their loved ones.

This episode is a must-listen for clinicians, family members, and anyone interested in understanding the complex world of benzodiazepines and the hope of healing from long-term use.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about D.E. Foster’s work at UnevenLife.com
• Check out the Benzo Free Podcast and Uneven Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
• Read D.E.’s book: Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal

To learn more about Hanley's programs, visit HanleyCenter.org or call 844-502-4673.

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal explore one of the most pressing and complex issues in addiction medicine today: the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and the role of medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Fresh from a conference focused on OUD, Dr. Dyben shares insights that sparked a deeper dialogue around the medical, ethical, and systemic challenges of treating opioid addiction, particularly the “medication-first” model, which often begins patients on opioid agonists or partial agonists, even if they’ve been sober for extended periods.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The “Why” Behind MAT: A nuanced breakdown of why MAT has become the standard for many, and why it may be necessary in a system where access to quality residential care is limited.
• Agonists, Antagonists, and Partial Agonists Explained: Understand the science behind commonly used medications like Suboxone and Vivitrol, and how they interact with the brain’s opioid receptors.
• Addiction vs. Dependence: Clarifying a critical distinction: being physiologically dependent on a medication doesn’t always equate to being addicted.
• Hanley’s Individualized Approach: Learn how Hanley Center integrates MAT into detox and residential treatment, always prioritizing patient dignity, preference, and long-term recovery outcomes.
• The Importance of Patient Choice: Why patient education, not fear, should guide decisions around medication.
• Systemic Gaps in Care: Why insurance restrictions, treatment hierarchies, and stigmatizing language are all part of the problem, and how Hanley is working to offer a different path.
• Treating Addiction Like the Chronic Disease It Is: Dr. Dyben compares addiction recovery to physical trauma recovery, reminding us that intensive support should be the default, not the last resort.

The episode offers an honest reflection on Hanley’s decades-long philosophy of treating the whole person — body, mind, and spirit — and why comprehensive residential care makes all the difference. From flexible detox to long-term tapering protocols and scholarship-based support, Hanley’s commitment to dignity and personalized treatment shines through.

Learn more about Hanley Center’s Treatment programs at: hanleycenter.org

Call for more information: 844-502-HOPE (4673)