Recovery Discovery | Breaking the Cycle: How Genetic Testing and Behavior Can Prevent Addiction
Wed Jan 21 2026
In this episode, hosts DeAnn Knighton and Craig Knighton sit down with James Piacentino co-founder and CEO of Thrive Genetics, to explore how science, genetics, and behavior intersect in addiction risk and prevention. James shares his personal lived experience with intergenerational addiction alongside decades of research and innovation that led to the creation of the Comprehensive Addiction Risk Evaluation System (CARES).
The conversation breaks down how addiction risk is not determined by a single gene, but by a complex interaction between genetic predisposition, behavioral patterns, and environmental factors. James explains how CARES combines genome-wide analysis with a sophisticated behavioral questionnaire to create a more complete, clinically meaningful addiction risk profile.
Together, the hosts and guest discuss real-world applications of addiction risk testing—particularly in medical settings where opioid prescriptions, pain management, and surgery can unintentionally trigger substance use disorder. The episode also explores ethical considerations, trauma-informed prevention, intergenerational healing, and how early knowledge can empower individuals, families, and healthcare providers to make safer, more informed decisions.
This episode offers a hopeful, evidence-based look at how addiction science and responsible innovation can help reduce harm, close gaps in care, and reshape the future of addiction prevention and recovery.
If you have questions or comments or would like to be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast, send an email to:
info@showupandstay.org
More information about our project is available at:
https://www.showupandstay.org/
https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/
For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/
Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare.
https://www.hare.works
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In this episode, hosts DeAnn Knighton and Craig Knighton sit down with James Piacentino co-founder and CEO of Thrive Genetics, to explore how science, genetics, and behavior intersect in addiction risk and prevention. James shares his personal lived experience with intergenerational addiction alongside decades of research and innovation that led to the creation of the Comprehensive Addiction Risk Evaluation System (CARES). The conversation breaks down how addiction risk is not determined by a single gene, but by a complex interaction between genetic predisposition, behavioral patterns, and environmental factors. James explains how CARES combines genome-wide analysis with a sophisticated behavioral questionnaire to create a more complete, clinically meaningful addiction risk profile. Together, the hosts and guest discuss real-world applications of addiction risk testing—particularly in medical settings where opioid prescriptions, pain management, and surgery can unintentionally trigger substance use disorder. The episode also explores ethical considerations, trauma-informed prevention, intergenerational healing, and how early knowledge can empower individuals, families, and healthcare providers to make safer, more informed decisions. This episode offers a hopeful, evidence-based look at how addiction science and responsible innovation can help reduce harm, close gaps in care, and reshape the future of addiction prevention and recovery. If you have questions or comments or would like to be a guest on the Recovery Discovery Podcast, send an email to: info@showupandstay.org More information about our project is available at: https://www.showupandstay.org/ https://www.soberpositiveworkplace.org/ For podcast updates, follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupandstayorg/ Music and Audio Production by Katie Hare. https://www.hare.works