The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

Dr K (Bad Habit Addiction Doctor): The Truth About Dopamine, Addiction, Pornography & Masturbation

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Jul 7, 2025
Alok Kanojia, known as Dr. K, is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and founder of Healthy Gamer, specializing in helping young adults with mental health challenges. He reveals the alarming effects of modern pornography on emotional wellbeing and loneliness. Discussing dopamine burnout, he explains how social media alters our brain's reward system and affects relationships. Dr. K dives into the mating crisis impacting younger generations, addressing feelings of isolation and loss among men, while offering advice on reconnecting with purpose and overcoming addiction.
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The Hidden Neuroscience of Porn Addiction and Why It Feels Impossible to Quit

Pornography addiction roots deeply in brain function, where porn suppresses fear and anxiety by calming the amygdala, making it a powerful emotional coping mechanism rather than just pleasure.

Dr. K explains that orgasm triggers dopamine surges which not only feel good but create craving and motivation for future use, reinforcing addictive behaviors.

Pornography satisfies only the procreative drive physically but lacks the emotional connection and bonding found in real relationships, leading to feelings of regret and spiritual emptiness.

This partial satisfaction reduces motivation for real relationships, trapping users in addictive cycles without fulfilling their deeper emotional needs.

Understanding these neuroscience mechanisms is crucial to developing effective strategies for recovery and healthier emotional coping.

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Control Yourself First

  • You can only control your own internal state, not the external environment.
  • Mastering your internal world makes external challenges easier to manage.
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Diagnose Before Treating Addiction

  • Diagnose the root cause before treating pornography addiction.
  • Understand why addiction happens to target effective solutions.
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