In this episode of the Sober Head podcast, Dr. Esra Çavuşoğlu, PhD welcomes Dr. Anna Lembke, MD; Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine and Dual Diagnosis Clinic at Stanford University School of Medicine. Best known for her book “Dopamine Nation” and her appearance in “The Social Dilemma”, Dr. Lembke shares how she initially resisted working with addicted patients but eventually discovered a deep passion for helping them recover. She explains why Twelve Step programs are backed by scientific evidence, illustrates how the brain’s pleasure and pain systems are interconnected, and discusses the nuances of behavioral vs. chemical addictions.
In this Episode of Ayık Kafa
Her personal struggles with compulsive reading and the story of a patient’s sex addiction highlight that addictive behaviors can manifest in many forms, often stemming from the same underlying brain processes.
You will learn practical strategies to break free from addictive habits, starting with “dopamine fasts” and establishing healthier routines. Dr. Lembke describes how giving the brain a break from high-reward triggers whether it’s a substance, a smartphone app, or a bag of candy helps restore balance and decrease cravings.
The conversation also covers the importance of destigmatizing addiction worldwide.
Ultimately, Dr. Lembke leaves us with a message of compassion and hope: understanding how the brain responds to pleasure and pain can guide us toward more balanced, fulfilling lives.
00:00-5:56 Introduction of Dr. Anna Lembke, MD.
5:56-08.04 Twelve Step Programs & evidence-based success.
8:04-11:13 The story behind Dopamine Nation. Modern culture and its endless supply of dopamine triggers.
11:13-13:49 Understanding dopamine. Neurotransmitters, reward pathways, and why the brain craves more.
13:49-19:50 The landscape of the brain & addiction.
19:50-21:11 The criteria between people who can do a home detox vs. a higher level of care.
21:11-26:19 Pleasure-pain balance.
26:19-29:37 Diagnosing addiction and The Four C’s.
29:37-31:44 Shame, stigma & the path to hope.
31:44-35:10 Distinguishing Chemical vs. Behavioral Addictions.
35:10-38:15 Tools for self measurement of excessive use.
38:15-42:04 The 30-Day “Dopamine Fast” Approach.
42:04-42:56 Dr. Lembke’s message about self-compassion.
42:56-44:06 Conclusion.
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