Keep Talking Episode 35: Anna Lembke - Modern Addictions
Anna Lembke is a psychiatrist, Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic, and the author of "Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence." During our conversation, Anna talks about her journey to studying addiction, the downsides to dopamine surplus, modern addictions to devices and social media, what we can learn from drug addicts, the role of struggle in a healthy life, and how individuals might live wisely in our modern technological world.
I think Anna is one of the most important figures in our society. Among other things, she provides us with what a good friend does: a mirror to ourselves, our habits, and what we are becoming.
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(00:00) Intro
(00:59) Get to know Anna Lembke
(02:00) Anna Lembke’s interest in studying addiction
(05:37) The "gremlin" theory of addiction and how it applies to the modern world
(16:35) The characteristics of a modern addict
(25:04) The stigma around addictions
(28:02) Characteristics of a healthy person living today
(35:06) The importance and role of struggle in a good life
(42:20) The impact of addictions on human interactions
(48:10) The importance of intentional inconvenience to maintain balance
(53:27) The pernicious pace of addictions and their unconscious build-up
(01:00:01) The effective and ethical way to address addiction
(01:08:41) Workaholism as an addiction
(01:21:29) The connection between shame and a “never enough” attitude towards work