Dopamine Nation

DOPAMINE NATION: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence

by Anna Lembke

Today, more people are struggling with addictions—not just to substances like drugs and alcohol, but also to activities like gaming, social media, sex, and overeating. In this book, psychiatrist Dr. Anna Lembke explains the neurological and biological processes behind addictive behaviors and conditions, especially the role of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Using a mix of scientific research and real-life stories from her clinical practice, she shows how overconsumption of high-dopamine substances and activities can overload our brain’s reward systems.

In this summary, you’ll learn:

• How the brain’s reward system works, and what is the “pleasure-pain balance.” Uncover why extreme pleasure can lead to after-effects of extreme pain.

• Facts and figures about the current crisis of addiction in many countries, and find out why an abundance of pleasure and the desire to avoid pain can lead us down the slippery path of addiction.

• The specific strategies and tips to overcome and prevent addictive behaviors, restore a healthy balance, build resilience to pain, and increase your capacity for pleasure.  

Who should read this:
• Mental health professionals including: psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counsellors
• Parents, educators and people developers
• Anyone struggling with addiction, or who wants to learn more about neuroscience, psychology and mental well-being