Pleasure, pain, dopamine and the brainPleasure, pain, dopamine and the brain
All In The Mind
Addiction has long been a problem for humans, but smart phones and the internet have changed the game. So how can we find balance in a dopamine overloaded world?
30:00•10 Sept 2022
Balancing Pleasure and Pain: Understanding Dopamine's Role in Addiction
“We've essentially changed our hedonic or joy set point for experiencing pleasure and pain such that we're walking around with a balance weighted to the side of pain so that we need more of our drug and more potent forms not to get high but just to level the balance and feel normal.”
Imagine a world where your smartphone feels as addictive as a drug. That's the reality many face today, and it's the focus of this episode of 'All In The Mind'. Host Lynne Malcolm dives into the science behind addiction, pleasure, and pain, shedding light on how our brains react to dopamine, the neurotransmitter that fuels our desire for rewards.
With technology and the internet constantly at our fingertips, dopamine overload has become a significant issue, making it crucial to find balance in our lives. The episode explores how addiction isn't just about substances like alcohol or drugs but also behaviors such as gambling, gaming, and even social media. These activities tap into the same brain circuits, making them equally challenging to manage.
You'll hear discussions on how technology affects our ability to cope with frustration and the importance of patience in a fast-paced world. Practical tips are shared on preventing and treating addiction, emphasizing the need to understand our brain's workings to achieve a balanced life. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that could change how you view your daily habits and interactions with technology.
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