Hayden Panettiere’s memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, is out now. Inside, she describes a postpartum crisis that millions of mothers experience — but almost no one talks about how it’s connected to addiction. In this episode, addiction scientist and clinical psychologist Dr. Suzette Glasner unpacks what postpartum depression actually is, why it co-occurs with alcohol and substance use so often (and at such high rates), who is most at risk, and what we now know works to prevent and treat both.
Featuring clips from Hayden Panettiere on Good Morning America and On Purpose with Jay Shetty — plus context from Brooke Shields, Drew Barrymore, Adele, and Serena Williams.
You can watch the full episode here:
🎯 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
* What postpartum depression (PPD) actually is (and what it isn’t)
* Why women with substance use during pregnancy have nearly 2x the PPD rate of the general population
* Why women with PPD have 3–4x higher binge drinking rates
* How birth trauma multiplies postpartum mental health risk
* The science behind brexanolone, zuranolone, and integrated treatment for co-occurring PPD + SUD
🆘 IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS STRUGGLING
* Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773 (call or text), 24/7
* 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text)
* SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free and confidential
👋 ABOUT DR. SUZETTE GLASNER Dr. Suzette Glasner is an addiction scientist and clinical psychologist. The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast brings evidence-based conversations on addiction, recovery, and mental health to people who want the science alongside the story.
📩 Questions or topic suggestions: AskDrGlasner@gmail.com
🔔 Subscribe for evidence-based mental health and addiction content.
