

951: Anna Lembke | Finding Dopamine Balance in the Age of Indulgence
29 snips Feb 13, 2024
Anna Lembke, a Stanford psychiatrist and author of 'Dopamine Nation,' dives into the intricacies of addiction and the pervasive influence of dopamine. She discusses how modern society's endless pursuit of pleasure can lead to compulsive behaviors, from gambling to social media addiction. The conversation also touches on psychedelics, the quest for a pain-free life, and the impact of mental health medications. Lembke emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying conditions for effective treatment and highlights the delicate balance we must find in an indulgent world.
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Romance Novel Addiction
- Dr. Anna Lembke discusses her addiction to romance novels, which escalated with the Kindle.
- This personal experience led to insights about addiction, even as an expert.
Addiction as a Spectrum
- Addiction is a spectrum disorder, not solely defined by physical withdrawal.
- It involves compulsive use despite negative consequences, impacting control and behavior.
The Biology of Addiction
- Addiction is a biological process that changes the brain with repeated exposure.
- Despite no specific diagnostic test, neuroscience provides growing evidence of these changes.