Dr Anna Lembke Understanding Treating Addiction

At a Glance

• Generosity and reciprocity - “When we give away to other people, we get back so much more…” This highlights Dr. Lemke’s perspective on the importance of generosity and reciprocity in achieving long-term benefits.

• The myth of selfishness - "…I think I just… this, or got drilled into me that the more, the more you give, the better your immediate life is." This shows how societal expectations can shape our perceptions about giving and receiving.

• Dopamine addiction - “Pleasure and pain were orchestrated the way that they are… it’s changed the number of my behaviors.” Dr. Lemke shares her personal experience with understanding dopamine addiction and its impact on her life.

• Social media abstinence - "…I wouldn’t be able to control myself. People are my drug…" This reveals Dr. Lemke’s choice to avoid social media as a means of maintaining self-control and avoiding the potential for addiction.

What to Do

• “Embracing Reciprocity and Long-term Vision” - Dr. Lemke mentions that she was taught by good advisors to think about reciprocity, but didn’t have a long-term vision in her own life. She emphasizes the importance of considering how our actions today will impact us in the future.

• “Being Mindful of One’s Behaviors and Limiting Distractions” - Dr. Lemke shares that she has become more mindful of her behaviors, particularly in terms of her use of social media. She advises being aware of how our actions can impact us and taking steps to limit distractions.

• “Focusing on the Greater Good” - Dr. Lemke talks about the importance of thinking about how we can contribute positively to others, rather than just focusing on personal gain. She encourages listeners to consider the greater good in their own lives.

What to Get

• Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence Dr. Anna Lembke - Amazon

Summary

In this engaging podcast episode, Dr. Anna Lemke shares her insights on dopamine and its role in human behavior, particularly when it comes to addiction. She begins by discussing how people often perceive giving as losing something valuable, which is actually the opposite of how the world works. By giving away to others, we receive so much more, but this reciprocity takes time. Dr. Lemke emphasizes that her approach to life was shaped by good advisors and she has come to understand that the more you give, the better your immediate life is.

One of the most interesting points discussed in the episode is how our understanding of pleasure and pain can be orchestrated in a way that affects our behaviors. Dr. Lemke shares her personal experience of growing up in neuroscience and not fully grasping this concept until later in life. She also talks about how her newfound understanding has changed her behaviors and encourages people to have a long-term vision.

Dr. Lemke’s book, “Dopamine Nation,” explores the complexities of dopamine and its role in addiction. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding that pleasure and pain are orchestrated, which is crucial for making informed decisions about our behaviors. Dr. Lemke mentions that she has been able to manage her relationships and interactions by not being on social media, as it would be too overwhelming.

The episode concludes with Dr. Lemke encouraging people to check out her book, “Dopamine Nation,” which provides a fascinating look at addiction and dopamine. She emphasizes the importance of having a long-term vision and encourages listeners to consider how their behaviors can impact their lives in the short term and beyond. The conversation is filled with insightful ideas and perspectives that will leave listeners thinking about their own relationships with pleasure, pain, and dopamine.