Florence Christophers

The Kick Sugar Coach Podcast

Dr. Anna Lembke

  • Dr. Anna Lembke: Dopamine and the Science of Addiction

Dr. Anna Lembke: Dopamine and the Science of Addiction

Monday 28th August 2023

Dr. Anna Lembke unpacks dopamine's role in addiction and recovery, highlighting the impact of sugar and processed foods on our brains.
55 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Hopeful
Transformative
Healing

About this podcast

The Kick Sugar Coach Podcast
Author:
Florence Christophers
Overview:
Categories:
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Creative Recovery Journeys
Links:
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Episodes:
85 (View all)
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Dr. Anna Lembke on Dopamine: Balancing Pleasure and Pain in Addiction Recovery

Episode Overview

  • Dr. Anna Lembke sheds light on the neuroscience of addiction and the impact of overstimulated dopamine.
  • She discusses the challenges of breaking free from addictive substances and the process of resetting dopamine homeostasis.
  • Dr. Lembke provides valuable perspectives on addiction recovery, emphasizing the importance of ongoing effort and resilience.
  • She delves into the intricate journey of creating new neural networks and the potential for long-term healing.
  • The conversation unveils the transformative insights into addiction recovery, offering hope and empowering strategies.
It is not bad or good. It is a chemical that our brains make that are essential to our survival because dopamine is the molecule that tells us whether or not this is something that we should approach or try to get more of.
Ever wondered why it's so hard to resist that extra cookie or why you can't seem to stop binge-watching your favorite series? In this episode of 'The Kick Sugar Coach Podcast', Dr. Anna Lembke, a leading expert in psychiatry and addiction medicine, breaks down the science behind our cravings. Dr. Lembke, who heads the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic, dives into her bestselling book, 'Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence'.
She explains how our brain's dopamine system, originally designed to help us survive, has been hijacked by modern indulgences, leading to overconsumption and addiction. Dr. Lembke takes us on a journey through the intricate workings of the brain, explaining how dopamine influences our pleasure and pain balance. You'll learn how sugar and processed foods can wreak havoc on this delicate system, pushing us into a vicious cycle of cravings and guilt. But it's not all doom and gloom. Dr.
Lembke shares practical strategies for resetting our dopamine levels and creating healthier neural pathways. She emphasizes the power of discomfort as a transformative tool in recovery, encouraging listeners to embrace the challenges of abstaining from addictive substances. Whether you're struggling with sugar addiction or curious about the broader implications of dopamine on our behaviors, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Dr.
Lembke's expertise and compassionate approach provide a roadmap for anyone looking to understand and overcome their addictive tendencies. Tune in to discover how you can find balance in a world that constantly tempts us to overindulge.