Marshall Poe

New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery

Marshall Poe

  • David Linen, “The Compass of Pleasure: How Our Brains Make Fatty Foods, Orgasm, Exercise, Marijuana, Generosity, Vodka, Learning, and Gambling Feel So Good” (Viking, 2011)

David Linen, “The Compass of Pleasure: How Our Brains Make Fatty Foods, Orgasm, Exercise, Marijuana, Generosity, Vodka, Learning, and Gambling Feel So Good” (Viking, 2011)

Tuesday 26th June 2012

David Linden explains how our brains get hooked on pleasure and addiction, covering everything from food to gambling in 'The Compass of Pleasure'.
37 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Engaging
Educational
Entertaining

About this podcast

New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery
Author:
Marshall Poe
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
Relationships & Community
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The Pleasure Circuit: How Our Brains Hook Us on Everything from Food to Gambling

Feeling horny and feeling newly madly, deeply in love overlap, but they are nonetheless distinct as well.
Ever wondered why that slice of pizza or a winning hand at poker feels so darn good? Neuroscientist David Linden breaks it all down in his book, 'The Compass of Pleasure'. In this episode, he chats with Marshall Poe about how our brains are wired to seek pleasure and how this can lead to addiction. From the science behind runner's high to the genetics that might make you more prone to addictive behaviors, Linden covers it all.
He explains that our brain's pleasure circuit, the medial forebrain, lights up with all sorts of activities—eating, drinking, exercising, even acts of generosity. But there's a catch: overstimulation of this circuit can lead to addiction. It's not just about drugs or alcohol; everyday habits like overeating or smoking can be addictive too. Linden also dives into the role of dopamine receptors and how they influence our likelihood of getting hooked.
Plus, he touches on current treatments for addiction and why understanding the science of pleasure is crucial for recovery. If you're curious about what makes us tick and why we can't resist certain temptations, this episode is a must-listen.