Try This How to reset your brain’s reward system
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Mar 25, 2025 
Anna Lembke, a psychiatrist and addiction expert, discusses the consequences of our brains being trapped in a cycle of instant gratification. She highlights the importance of a 30-day abstinence trial to reset our dopamine levels and overcome compulsive behaviors. Anna shares effective self-binding techniques to manage cravings and urges, while reflecting on her own unexpected addiction. She emphasizes the need for healthier habits and the power of engagement with the world to rediscover joy, urging listeners to explore moderation in their digital consumption.
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Dopamine Reset
- Reset your brain's reward system by doing a 30-day "abstinence trial" to break free from compulsive habits.
- This helps recalibrate your dopamine levels and bring them back to homeostasis.
Withdrawal Symptoms
- Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and insomnia are common when breaking an addiction.
- These are temporary and indicate the brain recalibrating, often caused by the addiction itself.
Romance Novel Addiction
- Anna Lembke developed an addiction to romance novels, exacerbated by her Kindle, leading to increased anxiety and insomnia.
- Quitting was difficult, but after two weeks, she felt better; after four, she felt "good to go."