Why do we become "addicted"?

Have you ever found yourself unable to stop scrolling through your phone, binge-watching shows late into the night, overeating, or going on a shopping spree? These behaviors may seem like a quick escape from stress, but they come at a significant cost. Today, I want to introduce a book that explains the reasons behind addiction from a scientific and medical perspective and offers solutions.

Book Overview

Dopamine Nation is written by Dr. Anna Lembke, a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and the chief of the Addiction Medicine Clinic. This book aims to help us understand the physiological mechanisms of addiction and explore how to find balance between pleasure and pain.

Dr. Lembke uses an engaging narrative style to bring her research on addiction to life for readers. She candidly shares her own experiences, making the scientific content of the book more relatable and accessible.

The Role of Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that regulates the brain's reward system. When we engage in activities that bring us pleasure, dopamine is released, creating a feeling of happiness. However, over time, the brain gradually adapts to this stimulation, pushing us to seek more intense experiences to achieve the same level of pleasure.

Scientists have discovered through experiments that organisms lacking dopamine, even when food is placed right in front of them, won't eat and ultimately die due to a lack of motivation. This demonstrates the crucial role dopamine plays in driving behavior.

The Mechanism of Addiction

Addiction hinges on the brain's balance mechanism. When we overstimulate the brain and trigger a large release of dopamine, the feeling of pleasure temporarily increases. But the brain will activate its self-regulation mechanism to restore balance, leading to an increase in feelings of discomfort. Over time, we find that we need stronger stimuli to feel happy, while the sense of discomfort intensifies.

Finding Balance

The book offers an important insight: moderate discomfort can lead to more lasting pleasure. For instance, the sense of satisfaction after exercise or the comfort felt after soaking in the cold are results of the brain balancing pain and pleasure by regulating dopamine levels.

Dr. Lembke also emphasizes that modern society’s pursuit of instant gratification has led to a loss of patience and the ability to think independently. Moderate stress and delayed gratification, on the other hand, can actually enhance our sense of well-being.

Facing Addiction

One effective method mentioned in the book for dealing with addiction is to temporarily abstain from behaviors that trigger dopamine release, giving the brain time to restore balance. While this transition period may be uncomfortable, it helps us regain control over our lives in the long run.

The Modern Fear of Boredom

People today are increasingly afraid of boredom because we’ve grown accustomed to instant gratification. Neuroscience research shows that delaying rewards activates the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for planning and abstract thinking.

For example, when waiting for food, we often feel restless and reach for our phones to pass the time. This reflects our fear of boredom, as boredom can prompt us to think and create.

The book includes a case where a student sought treatment for depression and anxiety. Dr. Lembke advised him to put away his electronic devices during his commute and start observing his surroundings. Initially, he found it difficult, but eventually, he discovered that this practice helped him relax and enjoy the present moment more fully.

Addiction as an Escape

Based on years of observation, Dr. Lembke notes that the way a person tells their story can reveal their mental health status. Those who frequently complain and see themselves as victims often struggle to improve their situation. They are preoccupied with blaming others and avoiding pain, which makes them more susceptible to addictive behaviors.

If you’ve noticed addictive behaviors in yourself, consider abstaining from sources of dopamine for a while to allow your brain to regain balance. This process takes time, but it can help you regain control over your life.

Conclusion

Dopamine Nation is a book that modern readers should consider picking up. It helps us understand the physiological mechanisms behind addiction and provides practical advice for balancing pleasure and pain. Even if you don’t currently exhibit obvious addictive behaviors, the insights from this book can offer you new perspectives and understanding.

Understanding the nature of addiction allows us to better manage our lives. I hope this book helps you find true balance and happiness in a world full of temptations.