Dr. Mark Sherwood’s journey from SWAT officer to naturopathic doctor reveals why addiction, trauma, and chronic stress must be treated as whole‑person conditions. After witnessing tragedy on the job and losing his mother to prescription pill misuse, Dr. Sherwood dedicated his life to understanding how trauma rewires the brain—and how people can rebuild their biology, identity, and purpose.
Today, he and his wife, Dr. Michele Neil‑Sherwood, run the Functional Medical Institute, where they help individuals and families heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Their approach focuses on dopamine regulation, inflammation, nutrition, hormone balance, sleep repair, mitochondrial health, and the restoration of meaning and connection.
In This Episode:
Dr. Sherwood’s SWAT career and firsthand experience with trauma.
Why PTSD drives addiction and emotional numbing
How dopamine, nutrition, and inflammation shape addictive behavior
The difference between symptom management and true healing
Whole‑person recovery: physical, emotional, spiritual integration
ADHD, dopamine deficiency, and metabolic dysfunction
Why benzos and cold‑turkey withdrawal are dangerous
How families can support loved ones in addiction
The Functional Medical Institute’s approach to rebuilding health
Dr. Sherwood’s books, films, and upcoming Authentic Longevity program
Connect with Dr. Mark Sherwood:
Website: https://drmarksherwood.com
Functional Medical Institute: https://functionaldoctor.com
Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn: Dr. Mark Sherwood
YouTube: Living Your Wellness Life
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