Breaking the Cycle: Ray Lozano’s Fight Against Addiction

Addiction doesn’t just affect individuals—it ripples through families and entire communities. In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, we sit down with Ray Lozano, a nationally recognized drug prevention expert, to uncover the realities of addiction, its impact on families, and how we can effectively talk to youth about substance abuse. Ray shares his deeply personal story, offers insights on addiction science, and reveals communication strategies that actually work when helping someone in need.

The Emotional Toll of Addiction on Families

Addiction is never an isolated struggle—it entangles families in its grip, often creating cycles of trauma and heartbreak. Ray knows this firsthand. As a child, he watched his older brother get arrested for drug smuggling and later witnessed the devastating effects of addiction on other family members. These experiences shaped his mission to educate others.

"I never saw the good side of drugs," Ray recalls. "I always saw the bad side—the fights, the arrests, the pain it caused my family."

His firsthand experience with addiction’s impact gave him a unique perspective. Instead of following the same path, he dedicated his life to prevention—helping parents, educators, and students recognize the warning signs and break the cycle. His message is clear: addiction is not just about substances; it’s about the emotional and psychological scars that come with it.

Why Teens Are More Susceptible to Addiction

One of the biggest takeaways from Ray’s work is that addiction isn’t just a matter of willpower—it’s science. The teenage brain is wired for reward-seeking behavior, making young people particularly vulnerable to substance abuse. Unlike adults, teens process risk and reward differently, making them more likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol despite knowing the dangers.

"We all hunt for rewards," Ray explains. "But for kids, their reward system is still developing, making them more susceptible to addiction."

Ray highlights how substances like nicotine in vaping products and opioids like fentanyl hijack the brain’s natural reward system, reinforcing compulsive use. The key to prevention? Education, not fear tactics. Rather than just telling kids to “say no,” Ray believes in explaining the science of addiction in a relatable way—so they understand not just what happens but why it happens.

How to Talk to Someone Struggling with Addiction

One of the most eye-opening parts of this conversation was Ray’s breakdown of how we communicate with people battling addiction. He points out that many families unknowingly speak the wrong language—using logic and statistics, while someone struggling with addiction responds to emotion.

"If your best friend loses a pet, you don’t show them a PowerPoint on dog lifespans—you give them a hug," Ray says. "That’s how we need to approach addiction conversations."

Instead of telling someone why they should stop using drugs, Ray suggests listening first and meeting them at an emotional level. For parents, this means building trust with their kids before problems arise. If a child feels heard and supported, they are far more likely to open up about their struggles rather than turn to substances as a coping mechanism.

Conclusion

Ray Lozano’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of addiction—but also the power of prevention and education. By understanding the emotional toll of addiction, the science behind substance abuse, and the right way to communicate, we can better support those who are struggling and create healthier communities.

For parents, educators, and anyone with a loved one affected by addiction, the key takeaway is clear: Compassion and education go further than judgment and fear. If you want to learn more, check out Ray’s book Addicted to Learning or visit RayLozano.com for resources on drug prevention.