

How Your Phone Controls You
93 snips Sep 1, 2025
Dr. K delves into why dopamine detoxes are ineffective and only offer a temporary pause in addiction. He discusses how social media and video games prey on our brain's reward systems, mimicking real survival needs. Instead of quick fixes, he advocates for creating sustainable, real-world rewards. The conversation also includes practical tips on managing morning dopamine and shifting cravings towards healthier activities, offering insights into reclaiming control over technology's grip.
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Detox Alone Isn’t A Solution
- Do not treat short social media or dopamine 'detoxes' as a cure unless you change underlying habits.
- Use breaks to heal withdrawal and then implement sustainable behavior changes.
Addiction Psychiatry Example
- Dr. K draws on addiction psychiatry: detox aims to treat withdrawal so patients can form new habits.
- He contrasts detox as medical stabilization with the false idea of temporary social media breaks.
You Can’t Detox From Dopamine
- Dopamine is a basic neurotransmitter you cannot 'detox' from like a substance.
- The brain builds tolerance and withdrawal when dependent on repeated activations.