ABC Radio
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
How dopamine drives our addictions
How dopamine drives our addictions
How dopamine drives our addictions
Saturday 27th November 2021
Learn how dopamine fuels addiction and discover strategies to overcome it with Dr. Anna Lembke on 'All In The Mind'.
29 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Educational
Hopeful
Transformative
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ABC Radio
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Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Get the buttons here!Dopamine and Addiction: Understanding the Chemical Connection
Dopamine is the key to understanding why we become addicted to things, everything from our compulsion to scroll social media too often to more severe substance addictions.
Imagine you're scrolling through your social media feed, unable to put your phone down. Or perhaps you find yourself reaching for another drink, even though you know it's not good for you. What if these behaviors were all linked to a single chemical in your brain? In this episode of 'All In The Mind', Dr. Anna Lembke, a psychiatry professor at Stanford University and author of 'Dopamine Nation', breaks down the powerful role dopamine plays in our addictive behaviors.
She explains how this neurotransmitter can create a cycle that's tough to break, leading us to seek out more of what gives us that 'hit' of pleasure, whether it's substances or certain activities. Dr. Lembke also discusses the concept of a dopamine deficit state, where our brains crave more stimulation to feel normal. But there's hope. She shares practical strategies like fasting and mindfulness practices that can help restore balance and overcome addiction.
This episode isn't just about the science; it's about finding ways to take control in a world overflowing with temptations. Whether you're struggling with addiction yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights and real-world advice.