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Dopamine Nation

Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence

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Dopamine Nation

Written by: Dr. Anna Lembke
Narrated by: Dr. Anna Lembke
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About this listen

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES and LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER

“Brilliant . . . riveting, scary, cogent, and cleverly argued.”—Beth Macy, author of Dopesick, as heard on Fresh Air

This book is about pleasure. It’s also about pain. Most important, it’s about how to find the delicate balance between the two, and why now more than ever finding balance is essential. We’re living in a time of unprecedented access to high-reward, high-dopamine stimuli: drugs, food, news, gambling, shopping, gaming, texting, sexting, Facebooking, Instagramming, YouTubing, tweeting . . . The increased numbers, variety, and potency is staggering. The smartphone is the modern-day hypodermic needle, delivering digital dopamine 24/7 for a wired generation. As such we’ve all become vulnerable to compulsive overconsumption.

In Dopamine Nation, Dr. Anna Lembke, psychiatrist and author, explores the exciting new scientific discoveries that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain . . . and what to do about it. Condensing complex neuroscience into easy-to-understand metaphors, Lembke illustrates how finding contentment and connectedness means keeping dopamine in check. The lived experiences of her patients are the gripping fabric of her narrative. Their riveting stories of suffering and redemption give us all hope for managing our consumption and transforming our lives. In essence, Dopamine Nation shows that the secret to finding balance is combining the science of desire with the wisdom of recovery.

©2021 Dr. Anna Lembke (P)2021 Penguin Audio
Biological Sciences Psychology Mental Health Physical Exercise Human Brain Inspiring Social Media Addiction Addiction Science
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What the critics say

"Anna Lembke deeply understands an experience I hear about often in the therapy room at the nexus between our modern addictions and our primal brains. Her stories of guiding people to find a healthy balance between pleasure and pain have the power to transform your life.” (Lori Gottlieb, “Dear Therapist” columnist at The Atlantic, New York Times best-selling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone)

“Just when you thought you knew all you needed to know about the addiction crisis, along comes Dr. Anna Lembke with her second brilliant book on the topic—this one not about a drug but about the most powerful chemical of all: the dopamine that rules the pain and pleasure centers of our minds. In an era of overconsumption and instant gratification, Dopamine Nation explains the personal and societal price of being ruled by the next fix—and how to manage it. No matter what you might find yourself over-indulging in—from the internet to food to work to sex—you’ll find this book riveting, scary, cogent, and cleverly argued. Lembke weaves patient stories with research, in a voice that’s as empathetic as it is clear-eyed.” (Beth Macy, author of Washington Post Best Book of the Year, New York Times Notable Book of 2018, and best seller Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company That Addicted America)

“We all desire a break from our routines and those parts of life that upset us. What if, instead of trying to escape these things, we learn to turn toward them, to reach a peaceful harmony with our selves and the people we share our lives with? Lembke has written a book that radically changes the way we think about mental illness, pleasure, pain, reward, and stress. Turn toward it. You’ll be happy you did.” (Daniel Levitin, New York Times best-selling author of The Organized Mind and Successful Aging)

"Explore[s] the dichotomy between seeking a readily accessible hit of dopamine—from our phones, gambling, or a bag of Fritos—and maintaining healthy, productive, stable lives.” (The New York Times, Inside the Best-Seller List)

What listeners say about Dopamine Nation

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everyone should read this

I've learned so much! I didn't know so many things qualify as addiction, I'm going to change some things in my life for sure!

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Wonderful

Dr. Lembke has put together an amazing book! Incredibly engaging throughout and I’m glad she voices the book.

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this really got the message through to me

listened to a podcast with the author and immediately purchased the audiobook. loved the content, very useful. my only criticism is starting with the sex addict and narrating in a (Chinese?!) accent that was completely unnecessary. it almost turned me off but I kept listening and im glad to have finished the book. I'm about to do my first cold plunge, 2nd day of abstinence (after nearly 20 years of daily use) woohoo! this book motivates, empowers and it may have just changed the course of my life. so thank you!

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Clarity starts with abstinence

Great listen. Recommend to anymore yo-yoing through life from one drug of choice to the next. Enjoyed the narration.

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I wish I read this book instead of getting it on Audible.

The narration provided by Lembke is off-putting. I had a hard time getting over her attempting to speak with her clients accent.

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Great book

I highly recommend this book to all. Will be buying the hard copy as well.

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A must read

This book is so helpful in explaining so much of the human experience. If you or someone know struggles with any form of addiction (substance, cutting, sexual etc), this helps give a solid understanding of what’s happening in someone’s brain. I like the individuals stories Anna talks about, it gives perspective on all the different things people are dealing with that you may never know about.

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must listen/read

eye opening
a must listen/read for anyone dealing with comfort vs unhealthy behavior
I'll be sharing this with those I know and love

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Breaking down the stigma of addiction

For anyone one who suffers with addiction, has someone in their lives who struggles with addiction or anyone who can't seem to comprehend why addiction exists. This is the book for you. We all have unhealthy relationships with something in our lives and this book helps explain the why and how of it all.

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Change perception on overindulgence,pain,pleasure

A good read if you're are looking to change your view on a day to day addiction...even if that addiction is a social norm

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