The Habit Cycle: Dr. Jason Giles on Addiction and Change
The feeling of control feels so good, right, it provides so much pleasure or, the flip side, so much freedom from pain in the short run, that if there is something that is addictive in itself, it's, I think, the habit of managing your feelings all right.
Why is breaking a habit so tough? Dr. Jason Giles, an addiction specialist with personal experience in overcoming addiction, dives into this question in his latest episode. He breaks down his model of addiction, explaining how our brains learn and reinforce habits, making them difficult to change. Dr. Giles discusses the benefits and drawbacks of control and how anticipation plays a role in addiction.
He also covers the complex nature of addiction, including mortality rates and the costs associated with changing habits. According to Dr. Giles, addiction often boils down to the habit of managing our feelings, with the feeling of control being one of the most addictive aspects of life. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and acceptance in overcoming these deeply ingrained behaviors.
If you're curious about the science behind addiction and practical steps to change your habits, this episode offers valuable insights.