Dr. Anna Lembke: Understanding & Treating Addiction

This episode I interview Dr. Anna Lembke, MD, Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Lembke is a psychiatrist expert in treating addictions of all kinds: drugs, alcohol, food, sex, video games, gambling, food, medication, etc. Dr. Lembke is also an expert in the opioid crisis, and the author of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence (amzn.to/3AHHGBp).
We discuss the biology and psychology of why people become addicted to certain substances and behaviors and the key role that our "dopamine balance" plays in creating addiction. We also discuss the science and practice of how to conquer addictions, why people relapse and how to avoid relapsing. Dr. Lembke also shares her expertise on topics closely related to addiction such as community, shame and lying and she explains why telling the truth-even about the most basic things in daily life, adjusts dopamine levels in our brain.
This episode is an important one for anyone struggling with addictions of any kind, for their friends and families and for health care professionals. It is also for anyone who has defeated addiction and is determined to stay clean. Last but not least, it helps explain why all humans do what we do, and how we can all maintain a healthy sense of pleasure seeking in life.
For an updated list of our current sponsors, please visit our website as previous sponsors mentioned in this podcast episode may no longer be affiliated with us: www. hubermanlab.com/sponsors
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Dr. Anna Lembke
Website: www.annalembke.com
Stanford Profile: profiles.stanford.edu/anna-le...
Dopamine Nation (new book): amzn.to/3Ra4qEa
Timestamps
00:00:00 Dr. Anna Lembke, Addiction Expert
00:02:25 Disclaimer & Sponsors: ROKA, InsideTracker, Headspace
00:07:00 Dopamine, Happiness & Impulsivity
00:15:56 What Is Pleasure?
00:18:20 Addiction, Boredom & Passion for Life
00:24:00 Pain-Pleasure Balance Controls Addiction
00:29:10 Dopamine Deficits, Anhedonia
00:30:47 Are All Addictions the Same?
00:35:38 Boredom & Anxiety Lead to Creativity
00:40:35 Finding Your Passion Starts with Boredom & Action Steps
00:50:05 How to Break an Addiction
00:55:25 Relapse, Craving & Triggers
01:07:40 Can People Get Addicted To “Sobriety”?
01:11:45 Are We All Wired for Addiction?
01:15:57 Bizarre Addiction
01:18:14 Recovered Addicts Are Heroes
01:20:10 Lying, Truth Telling, Guilt & Shame
01:30:40 Clinical Applications of: Ibogaine, Ayahuasca, Psilocybin & MDMA
01:40:20 Social Media Addiction
01:51:25 Narcissism
01:53:30 Goal Seeking, Success & Surprise
01:58:10 Reciprocity
02:01:15 Closing Comments, Resources
#HubermanLab #Addiction #Dopamine
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac - www.blabacphoto.com
Disclaimer: www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer

[@user-dg4bh1mm7t]

I got clean off meth 13 months ago had a relapse 7 months ago and have been clean since. Watching your podcast and Rhonda Patrick’s podcast changed my life. I reversed all the anxiety and depression symptoms with sleep, cruciferous vegetables, fish oil pills, turmeric, weight lifting, cardio, light exposure, getting on a circadian rhythm, sauna, cold exposure, and tart cherries. Things that may have helped as well were surfing, a will to get better, vitamin d, and fermented foods. I quit alcohol and cannabis a little over a month ago after watching Dr. Mathew Walker on the JRE to get better REM sleep and this is the first time in 16 years I have been anxiety free! I’m thankful I learned from my mistakes at 29 years old and I’m gonna go back to school for neuroscience and nutrition because I have a passion for learning now and a will to help others. I recently became a Buddhist and this has helped me learn to be okay being alone. I used to get high because of failed relationships and now I just work on myself and got very fit for my own benefit! Thank you Andrew Huberman! I love you for putting all that life changing information out there!

[@Felipe-fn7fp]

Thank you for sharing this. What do you find to be the easiest way to get the heat and cold exposure in?

[@TheZengerian]

Fantastic. Congrats!

[@nourhanzaghloul1246]

Can you please tell me where can I find this broadcast

[@holy6431]

You the best homie

[@jesseramirez9205]

Yasss! We're proud of you 🙂

[@AstoriaHeard]

I was deeply moved by the concept of not searching for your passion, but rather looking around you and doing the things which need to be done. I love that.

[@JonathanGonzalez-to5hd]

Well said 🙏♥️

[@RitaLynn444]

❤yes

[@MultiAsdasad]

This is it

[@ariekem8088]

Then I can spend my whole time on cleaning the house, instead of doinng other things...

[@muzikelektronik]

SAME HERE😊

[@ccppp6953]

“Stop looking for your passion. Look around right where you are. Look at the life you have right now. And do what needs to be done “❤ made me in tears

[@EvanBrazier]

I can tell 😢 your not a addict or in recovery

[@rubennitzschke8129]

Same thing for me and Id say i have a Highly Addictive personallity.

[@lisakenton2392]

Had anyone heard of AA?????? It's a major component.

[@patriciachellal9364]

This is why we create gratitude lists. I try to create one on a daily basis. It is the simple things that create pleasure like listening to the birds when I wake up.

[@BrownGeorge-pw2xo]

I started taking Crack since my teenage, spent my whole life fighting Crack addiction. Also suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until my mom recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. This is something that really need to be use globally to help people with related health challenges.

[@NicoleCtirad]

Amen God bless people. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without heroin, Crack, alcohol and cigarettes. And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc which can cause so much damage to health.

[@Bastianbishops]

Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Germany. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them.

[@DonnHowes]

YES very sure of Dr.alishrooms. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@SusanaGomez-mp8sk]

I'm really happy for you that your decided to help you...I hear about alot of family members or so called friends shutting an addict out of their life, which since most addicts do it to mask emotions to me is the worse thing someone can do to an addict.

[@Wimruther-hk4zn]

How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta

[@willowmacdonald7759]

10 years of homelessness and iv meth and heroin use 3 months clean. Thank you everyone for what you're doing. Best of luck to everyone don't give up 🥰

[@willfox9952]

congratulations!! Keep it up!

[@warriordx5520]

Good shit dude!

[@kimfroman2023]

@Willow MacDonald. I hope you are doing well. Thinking of you.

[@anitalucero65]

You are strong!

[@travisspivey8141]

Hey man! Same here. IV meth and herione use for 6 years. Clean 1 year!

[@alexismcdonell2192]

I listen to this conversation every time I feel the urge to indulge in my addiction. It is saving my life and my family. Thank you endlessly.

[@AlejandraBarrientosPardo]

Congrats!

[@barbaranorton2122]

I had never thought of using it that way, thank you, it is very informative and you do miss a lot of information if you only listen to it once.

[@toplobster5374]

making notes and revising them when the urge comes is also a way and less time consuming.

[@mcnallyaar]

🙏

[@JayRacer]

Thank you for sharing. I do the same with the Jocko Willink Discipline Equals Freedom. I just somehow discovered Dr. Huberman.

[@Danimal1965]

I'm 9 months sober in large part because of this episode and Dr. Lembke and Dr. Huberman. Thank you.

[@LovingLifeOnLess]

Wonderful ❤ Well done you Danimal.

[@johnvuetich9658]

Congratulations!!!

[@songlighting4227]

good job

[@MrLDiabolo]

nice dude!!!

[@jasonblack6142]

How's it going

[@imripeh]

I was 3 years sober from Alcohol and relapsed. I thought I was crazy but through this video I don’t feel alone. Now I’m back to day 1 and ready to be more aware of my triggers. Thank your Dr. Huberman for creating a safe space for such important important topics

[@syndicalistspeedsolver]

Stay strong broski I'm rooting for you

[@dr.coomer9750]

Same here, now you and I have the same sober date! 4 days strong we got this!

[@PickupsAreNotTrucks]

Get back on the wagon brother. I’m 3 years off the sauce except a slip up 2 summers ago. Cleaning up the second time was so much easier because I KNEW I could live without the booze. The first time getting off, I was convinced I could never live without alcohol. Don’t worry about the date. Just stay clean. Much love. ❤

[@psyentific]

Hi I just read your comment. It has been two months and I know what a stressful time this has been for you in the work you are investing in your sobriety. You may have given up today. It is my hope you are still trying even if tomorrow is Day 1 and that you are being kind to yourself when you get back up. I think every day one on your belt represents a lot of hard, painful work. I also am very appreciative of the respectful dialogue about this subject in the podcast. I do feel there is a bit of a bias against some of the digital conversations towards the end.

[@melladvs21ATgmail4Google]

💪❤

[@danyj24]

My life is being transformed due to the Huberman Podcast.

[@phantomopera5525]

Mine too. For sure the pandemic would have looked a lot different without Dr. Huberman, Dr. Sinclair, Dr. Patrick Shawn Stevenson, Max Lugavere and others!

[@yamani3882]

@@phantomopera5525 Thank you for mentioning the names of those doctors. Now I am listening to them.

[@daddishesnetwork8920]

Man foreal ! Best podcast out right now!

[@Mike-ig7cb]

@@phantomopera5525 and Lex Fridman

[@phantomopera5525]

@@Mike-ig7cb indeed

[@rushtonstablesla6615]

I love that I live in a world where I can have a favorite neuroscientist. Yay Dr. Huberman!!!

[@ggbrait7140]

I second your sentiment! I barely can wait to see a new episode each Monday. This podcast ( and Lex Fridman’s podcast) is the most rewarding addiction i will ever experience! Many, Many Blessings to Andrew Huberman and all his fans!🙏

[@michaelsdiscusandatticaqua9155]

Best comment 😊 it’s funny because it’s true 🤣😂🤣

[@TitusVI]

He has surpassed Sam Harris in my view. I mean i like listening more to him.

[@miriammandel1968]

Haha love it

[@DeadHandX]

So do i man haha

[@Creativeabandon]

I love this video! I have struggled with addiction since I was 13 and I'm 50. I've been addicted to meth, opiates benzos, and alcohol as well as behaviors and was on psych meds and then on Suboxone for 10 years. I now have 2 years off every single mind and emotion altering substances except nicotine (chee the gum but quit vaping a year ago and prior to vaping for a few years, I smoked cigarettes since I was 14), and caffeine. I just got 2 years! I threw myself into a 12 step program and I am amazed at how I feel getting connected with others, helping others, connected to my connection to God. Each addiction is falling away and being replaced with connection.

[@waldofaldo7267]

What drives people to be addicted to meth so much? I know a guy who had it all going for him and now his life revolves around meth and has for a while. I’m just interested to know what is the effect that people become addicted to?

[@rainkie2541]

Gabor Maté is also a very good read on addiction. He talks also a lot about how trauma and addiction are relation. His argument is that addiction is always a form of avoiding some trauma (in the broadest sense) related feelings. He states therefore that it is always important to look at the trauma as well as the addiction when becoming clean.

[@sethlinton60]

This is literal

[@TheTDSingh]

Dr. Maté also has a talk on the use of psychedelics for healing trauma related addictions, something that this talk also mentions as one of the positive outcome areas. Dr. Lembke and Dr. maté have a very similar philosophical approach, perhaps from working with people who will bring that out in you. Great stuff and loved that you mentioned Gabor Maté here.

[@mayamariebailey]

I agree with you I would co wider myself a clumper. I think splitting is detrimental to our spirit

[@rosinante1016]

Very true

[@brokenalgorithm]

that dude looks bugged out,like he smoked 1000 cigs a day and hasn't drank water

[@jasongravely2351]

Her love for addicts and pointing out their courage is beautiful

[@daysjours]

It is no different than an oncologist loving her patients for their courage -- mental suffering is no less real than physical. In fact it is probably worse.

[@zacw812]

@@daysjours *way worse

[@daysjours]

@@zacw812 I think most people would agree with you.

[@Pazaluz]

@@daysjours One of the things that makes it worse is that too many people think the opposite way about addiction or mental health issues. They don't see courage, they see weak people with no willpower, and look down on them. This leads to allot of never-ending misunderstandings and discussions. It's already bad enough having serious mental health issues, but these ignorant mindsets toward mental health make it even more difficult for these people to get better. Imagine if people would act the same way about migraines, herniated discs, cancers, etc. It's unthinkable. But people who suffer from mental health conditions have to deal with this more than they should be.

[@iche9373]

It’s called solidarity

[@kingakorska]

the podcast where taking the trash out is called 'functional and adaptive action step'. Loving it.

[@kylesimington9166]

Dr. Lembke's book was so helpful during my recovery. I quit drinking and smoking (weed) 8 months ago. The examples in the book (both extreme and relatable) helped me through the darkest times of withdraws. One idea that became abundantly true for me is that what once was mundane in life (made "better" by drinking/smoking) becomes SO much more enjoyable without and is something I now look forward to: Working out, Cooking, Connecting more meaningfully with friends and significant others, and more engaged at work. Only once you take a step back from your habits can you really see how much life was passing you by. I wish anyone reading this the courage to try wrestle down their addictions and being to enjoy life again.

[@jtyler203]

It's so rare for me to find other people out there who admit to their weed addictions, but we exist! Going on 112 days over here (and 646 off of alcohol). 8 months is a huge accomplishment. Great work!

[@kylesimington9166]

@@jtyler203 For me, ever since it was legalized in CA, I assumed it was safe to use regularly or recreationally. It was an 15 year habit for me. I still accomplished many life's milestones, but looking back at it, at only partial conscious capacity. The last 8 months felt like I've been in a productivity hyper drive. Like I mentioned earlier, all the little moments are vivid. Thank you for the kind words and for sharing your story. Congrats on your decision to exit the alcohol and weed train. My wife asked me last night if I'd ever have another drink. I told her I don't believe that that ones meaning of life is to be experienced through a foggy lens. Best of luck to you, John.

[@TheMogd0r]

When Anna says she can't relate to people without regret... I related to that very hard!!!!! I've spent decades in a living nightmare of guilt, shame, and regret. Doing way better now, and continuing to get better every day. You can do it, y'all

[@Goldenmaskduets]

This lady just described me. She said “your brain is not made for this world” and I understood this. She said people with mental problems actually “might need more friction in their life.” And I was thinking maybe I need more friction, and challenges. I found that I was more happy in the past when I had challenge.

[@daisy92204]

Just want to say Hi 💜, to you as I assume, my family tribe member 🙂 Hardknock life, yet still hanging on 💜🦋 Warm greetings 💜🦋💜

[@spectralhorizon8618]

Literally god goosebumps the moment she said that. I relate, my man.

[@samness5798]

I hope you can find the challenges you want to solve

[@roxannasmith5640]

I can relate too!

[@nino_ugrina_tg]

Same for me

[@S4Leagueism]

As a podcast addict, I can truly say that this was one of the most life changing podcasts I've ever listened to.

[@danielj1063]

😅

[@Somebodysomewheresometime]

Is it bad if it’s good lol?:)

[@marym3355]

Podcast addict here 😅

[@manueloom163]

great! what are the others btw?

[@BananaInDaHouse]

Same🥹

[@drpablovazquez]

My profund respects to Dr. Anna Lembke for sharing that she doesn't use social media due to her conviction that she wouldn't be able to moderate it, because people and intimacy is her drug. Such humble and scathing congruence between her personal life and her profession as a psychiatrist most give hope, strenght, and enthusiasm to all of us addicts and mental health professional. Thank you Andrew for having her in your podcast. Greetings.

[@rarebird_82]

PS - It's wonderful to watch an esteemed Neuroscientist actually LEARN something new and change his perspective with an open, modest and self relfective mind. Not everyone is blessed with a socially rewarded addiction ✌🏻

[@mariaragen]

Dr. Lembkes acknowledgment of Hubermans generosity was so genuine and heartening.

[@redlipmarketing]

Yes! And a slap in the face... I thought academics had enough wisdom or at least awareness as not to fall into the pits of hierarchical competition.. judging for what was implied, I'm afraid they're not inmune to that. Now, hopefully they'll have more sense and won't let psychopathic traits be the ones climbing to the top as in other systems. Hey, now that I think about it, it could be a good theme to discuss: the neurobiology of hierarchies.

[@lana_blue]

I loved that acknowledgment too.

[@dianevancleave6484]

Agreed. I think perhaps they are both genuinely kind people.

[@daysjours]

@@redlipmarketing I worked at one of the top strategic communications agencies in the world (counseled billionaires and states men). The business was professional prevarication to buff the reputations of kleptocratic creeps. My mentor there was a former professor, had a PhD. from Yale in history -- ¨You think that THIS business is corrupt and sleeze¨, he once said after a particularly moral compass spinning day ¨ ask anyone in academia and they will tell you how there is no more slimy, back-stabbing and petty people/environment than the ivory tower and especially at the most élite ones." So I was not at ALL surprised by her comment.

[@JohnnaJohnson]

The acknowledgement of Dr. Huberman’s generosity was my favorite part! Dr. Lumbke’s heart was beautiful and her knowledge impressive. I loved loved loved this episode. So valuable and impacts us all! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@Bogusuap]

I quit alcohol 5 years ago. This was the best dection of my life. I have had the best and most productive last sober 5 years. Thank you for this episode Dr.Huberman.

[@imogensharma]

You did something amazing, congratulations :)

[@winbalingit8502]

You are so awesome!!! Your resilience is amazing!!!😁👍🏽❤️

[@Channysupreme]

nice daniel

[@the.bonsai.samurai]

Well done sir!! Much respect!! 💪

[@thebeckyrenee]

Well done

[@rarebird_82]

This podcast is a priceless gift 🙏🏻 THANK YOU ALL. Edit - when she spoke about the hard earned "wisdom of recovery" I shed an actual tear. As a recovered addict of 10 years, I have never heard a single encouraging word in the public sphere of anything equating to a modicum of acknowledgement, respect or credit for the absolute hellscape we've clawed ourselves through or indeed the fact we made it out the other side stronger, wiser and more grateful to still be here than most; and that we have a valid lived experience and perspective to bring to the world that hopefully helps others who are still in that hellscape, or better still, protects and prevents others from ever stepping foot in there. Instead we're dismissed, written off as failures, weak, jaded, damaged goods - regardless of the drug/behaviour. Oh and I am one of those people with a socalled silent addiction (OTC opiates), I have a family, a home, a mortgage, a job, my "sh¡t together" so to speak, and a quote unquote "life". No addict EVER thinks I'm a fellow patient at the rehab clinic, they look at me smartly dressed and hear me speak eloquently and assume I'm staff. Addiction doesn't care who you are. Thank you Dr Lembke, sincerely 🤝🏻

[@AstoriaHeard]

Silent addiction- love that. And same. We have that in common, I subscribed to you just now… 🥰

[@Nyumc99]

Don’t hide the truth. Let them know you are not staff. They know anyway. You will feel accepted. If you don’t feel accepted when you do that, then you’re in the wrong group. Thankfully there are other groups. And there is self love also . 😊 x

[@mordie31]

Absolutely. It’s also very true about our brains not being suited for this world a little, that’s how I felt growing up. It’s like I have all these abilities and talents and none are used. Instead just memorizing and writing; completely controlled and done on purpose by the puppet masters!! 😊

[@risecopeman5409]

​@@mordie31 Loving, involved parents, but not helicopter, creatively homeschooling children while also participating in community, along with a Christ centered home, help the child you were. Now you can re parent yourself, learn and do interesting, important things, and can also now make difference for your children, grandchildren, legacy, community, church .... Bless you. The child you were deserved all that love and investment.

[@johnvuetich9658]

❤️

[@aurun5011]

As a current porn/masterbation addict, in this era it is hard and people telling me that it’s normal also doesn’t help. My dopamine baseline is ducked up and listening to this helps a lot.

[@cooperbrezoff7791]

It’s hard man

[@rmd4379]

How u give up

[@robertobenedit]

This talk is a big, huge, enormous, almost unbelievable mountain of gold. This knowledge is what all my life wished to know, "WHY I DO WHAT I DO!" Not enough words to say my levels of dopamine running inside my.

[@isaacchassman6453]

Did u read the molecule of more? This guy recommended it as like the complete resource on dopamine, it was amazing too as well as this episode

[@alaalfa8839]

Well, then you probably didn't watch Dr. Joe Dispenza.. He explains many things about mediation.

[@hotvodka7641]

@@isaacchassman6453 molecule of more was amazing but I'm a little bit into her book and it's a little disappointing in my opinion

[@brucecase2885]

She is so right about impulsiveness being good in some situations and not in other for instance it saved my life so many times in Afghanistan but now that I'm out of the Army it makes it so hard to control my finances. There are so many times I crave the chaos of war just because it made me feel normal

[@pgh412east]

First thank you for you service. Second. Have you looked into high anxiety giving activities. Flying, escape rooms, i dont know, something that can kinda replace those feelings? Best of luck. And thank you again.

[@dp26385]

You can change your brain through Neuroplasticity. Dr. Huberman discusses this extensively in previous podcasts. Thank you for your service ❤️

[@I-QUAN]

This part was interesting to me also. I am sure that repeated daily behaviours which are directed to ultra short term success engage, favour and perhaps strengthen the impulsive parts of the brain. I know that my occupation perhaps bears little resemblance to yours in most regards and is certainly less dangerous, but as a chef for almost 20 years, I am acutely aware of the 'reward' (on a neurochemical, interpersonal as well as an occupational level) of well aimed & executed ultra short term/impulsive behaviour. It's the neurochemical reward which can lead to problems outside of the kitchen, as I have observed. Alcohol & drug abuse, etc. All the best in managing this part of yourself which served well on the battlefield but perhaps is a battlefield itself on civvy street.

[@tammyp.2656]

Thank you for your service.

[@Aceboggy3223]

Caps and stems can be an aid to you brother it’s brings you into moment slows things down so you can appreciate it .

[@siddharthdwivedi5309]

"You need to stop looking for your passion and instead focus on the surroundings for the work that needs to be done." This gem of a podcast is full of wisdom and scientific knowledge to be used in daily life. Thanks for making this. ❤

[@hashirqureshi7507]

What this video reminded me of and make me work on : 1) focus on making your current day better, 2) doing good things in your immediate reach and circle of influence 3) first remove addiction- then you will find the things u were doing more interesting 4) “Stop looking for your passion. Look around right where you are. Look at the life you have right now. And do what needs to be done “ 5) Be consciously protecting yourself from addiction all the time 6) Talk to someone about the truth of details of your life- i will probably find someone professional to talk to now 7) Do not lie

[@gandalfontech9327]

Having smoked pot for 2 years I just binned all my weed stuff after listening to this. Realised i was in total denial about how unhappy and unmotivated it was making me. The point about the tonic level got me thinking about how happy and productive i used to be when i was sober. Thanks you two ❤️🙏

[@Somebodysomewheresometime]

I quit after 20plus years. It’s not easy, you have to stay busy and remember your why (I’d tried soooooo many times). I actually moved to Fla because it’s not legal here 🤣🤣 worked lol 🤷🏻‍♀️ you will probably have extremely vivid dreams - mine were quite gruesome. I’m about 8 months completely sober and it’s worth it- now to rebuild the damage done - Good luck 🤗

[@iche9373]

You'll make it I swear!

[@anuradhasharma9514]

What is the point about tonic level. Could you mention it here please

[@anuradhasharma9514]

@@gandalfontech9327 thank you. This is very helpful explanation along with what has been mentioned in the talk. The whole thirty day point is what needs to be reminded in times of anxiety. I also have a further question. How can someone who's very much used to slow down.? Obviously, the whole thirty day point if full of will power and self control , and I strongly would prefer taking that route. Can someone help the baseline get better by slowing gradually?

[@gandalfontech9327]

@@anuradhasharma9514 @Anuradha Sharma in my experience slowing down is actually harder. It depends on your level of intake and what drug or thing you're using. But if you aren't decisive and simply slow down then there's always going to be temptation and when you're high you're more likley to make poor decisions and keep getting high. If you're decisive then that removes the debate and conflict in your mind over how much and when you should use and you can put all that energy into other things. Two other points that helped me though: 1- the first few days are the hardest, after that it gets easier. 2- understand you're taking the drug for a reason. It's serving you positively in some way even if on the surface it seems destructive. For me it was a way to escape my reality and remove the feeling of lack and dissatisfaction with my life, job and where i live. It also helped me feel inspired again and feel less anxious. So discover what the benefits of using are for you, why you use, and then make a list of other ways you can serve that need within yourself. For me it was going out to the park, walking in the woods, writing, reading, going to the cinema, even less destructive addictions like watching KZbin videos or snacking on junk food. All these things help me feel free, satisfied with life and less anxious. I'd like to cut out junk food but i know having a bag of crisps doesn't stop me working on my business in the day. Whereas weed would paralyse me to binging movies all day for weeks and feeling rubbish. So introspect, journal, meditate, whatever you need to do to understand that need and find other ways to satisfy it. Then when you get a craving go to your list and do one of the activities there. Even if it means binning off the gym or work for the time. You have to learn to honour those needs in yourself. They can't be ignored or soon they will return. For me it's about every two weeks I get a craving and i basically stop everything to go satisfy it in a healthy way before it takes over. I've noticed over time it gets weaker and my methods of satisfying the need get healthier. Teal swan has some good videos on this she calls parts work. Peace and love to you, friend 🙏

[@indylockheart3082]

18 days clean today and this podcast without a doubt played a role in that. Eternally grateful to you both. Merry Xmas

[@ojivii9879]

Well done keep it up

[@e_8074]

Don't quit!

[@dontknow1598]

Hey keep that momentum

[@chrisgreen2299]

I know you posted awhile ago, but did you survive the depression?

[@indylockheart3082]

@@chrisgreen2299 3 months in and things are literally better than they've been in a long time. Good paying job that I don't hate and learning to fill my spare time with things that aren't destructive. Depression and anxiety still rears its head from time to time but I manage to get thru

[@waynevarn4415]

I've learned so much from this video. I watch this regularly because I'm fascinated by how the brain works in relation to addiction. One thing that has stuck with me for months after first watching this video is the way Dr. Anna Lembke describes the "teeter totter" between pain and pleasure in our brain. She says, "once you tune into it, you can see it a lot. It gives people a way to imagine what they're experiencing on a neurobiological level, and understand it. And in that understanding gain some mastery over it." The way she explains this is exceptional. Those who are familiar and involved with addiction likely resonate with this. Awareness of the neurological and psychological effect of addiction on our behavior, is the most powerful resource in resolving the issue. If an addict understands their addiction and how addiction is biologically possible, they recognize the problem earlier with a better chance to recover sooner. Understanding your addiction is so beneficial in recovering and "gaining mastery" over it.

[@ben_kaiser]

I keep coming back to this episode because Dr. Lembke is absolutely brilliant. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard someone so knowledgeable speak on this topic, and there’s an emotional/social aspect to her delivery of information too that makes it consumable by laypeople. She has so much raw expertise but also knows how to *get through*.

[@beto5720]

"Yes you are a true addict!" Andrew: "Thank you!"

[@ihavenoname1712]

What a legend

[@stevenbolding7326]

Dr Huberman i love you. What you are doing with your podcast and social media is literally saving lives. I can not consume enough of your content. The information you share is absolutely priceless. You have been instrumental in bringing me from rock bottom to a place where im not only happy to be alive again im living the life I was born to live. I hope one day to meet you and thank you personally, its a bit of a trip from Australia, until then keep up the good work mate

[@narelleschulze3959]

I’m Aussie to and so proud of you xxx

[@leena9040]

This is such an eye-opening episode, much like most episodes, but this one is different as it speaks to the core state of being and behaviour for humans. Dr Lembke is also a wonderful speaker - clear, concise, focused - I'm always looking for native speakers of English for my English lessons. 😉 I've ordered her latest book and can't wait to read it! Thank you both for this episode! And to all those who have left comments who are struggling, living with addiction, my heartfelt wishes for each and every one of you.

[@AB-nj4ex]

It’s not scary doing everything you need to do and having true boredom is gratifying and time for ACTUAL relaxation. “Boredom” for addicts is avoiding the tasks then creating anxiety from the stress of not completing what we kno we need to do. Great conversation I learned a lot.

[@justinkoontz3727]

Absolutely remarkable piece. I've been exposing my AP Biology students to your content, as a supplementary source set for over a year, now. I'll occasionally play short clips to initiate a lecture, or close. Your content has been a priceless educational tool for my students, myself, and so many others. This is the first KZbin comment I've ever left, but couldn't fail to express my most sincere gratitude. Thank you!

[@joeyc1725]

Wish I was your student back when I was in school. I had some gem teachers others weren't built to teach

[@dpelpal]

The non AP students just get the regular stuff.😅

[@its.moonjc]

The kind of teachers we need.

[@donnieparker7535]

🙏🏼 Cool teacher.

[@suzannesloat9088]

Llll L L Lo. P.

[@sarah-anneperry6932]

Love the part about honesty! "Honesty is the liberator of shame, vulnerability is the liberator of sorrow." -Matt Kahn

[@thereseanderson4077]

me too! thought it was incredibly poignant

[@douglasgaunt537]

Can you explain this quote please

[@deanduplessis433]

@@douglasgaunt537 When you are honest about the thing you are ashamed of, the shame disappears, when you are vulnerable and face your sorrow, it will melt off you, and you no longer need to bear it. When helping someone with addiction, help them be honest, help them be vulnerable, this is the way out of it.

[@douglasgaunt537]

@@deanduplessis433 What does being vulnerable and 'facing your sorrow' mean? And how do you help them be honest and vulnerable? And I am honest about my shame but don't feel any different.

[@thelittlelenora]

douglas gaunt I’d like to know the answer to these questions as well. I guess I don’t understand what is meant by being vulnerable with sorrow. My sorrow has me crying so much as soon as I start to speak about it, every time I attempt to speak about it, to the point that I can’t even really speak, so certainly in such a state communicating my emotions accurately is out of the question. Im vulnerable, I feel so so vulnerable but my sorrow doesn’t seem to budge. Please, please what am I missing?

[@josephrawson6601]

15 years sober and still learning why my brain functions and thinks the way it does. This was an absolute pleasure to listen and learn. This clears up so many things and points me in the right direction to keep figuring out life with this disease. Thank you @hubermanlab.

[@tommac21]

It clears nothing up. This video does nothing. Unless you want to get clean there isn't a single word anyone can say that will help you. Been there I listened to every speech imaginable did absolutely nothing. Then one day ai figured I have to do this myself and want it bad enough. So I did. I've been sober 10 years

[@josephrawson6601]

@@tommac21good for you. Keep working on yourself and Good Luck.

[@srsr-eq7sp]

This IS the most profound, the most insightful, the best podcast I’ve listened to & watched. I’ve taken notes, and I’m ordering her book. So thankful to Andrew Huberman for making this available to all of us. We have such a long way to go, yet there is hope as we evolve to becoming a community of people restored from our addictions, and we ALL have addictions (alcohol, drugs, social media, etc), don’t we? I’ve learned so much from this podcast. Thank you!

[@jessicalm8680]

Can we just pause and take notice of how brilliant and humble this woman is. Jesus. She probably doesn’t think she deserves it, but I’d follow you to the end ❤️

[@dlppl3407]

Love your comment

[@carriejudy1]

While it seems she may help some ppl w/addx, she’s hurt those with physical disabilities with her severe scope-creep. She believes ppl w/intractable pain should not have access to opioids and has attacked a MD that sought to study suicide in pts that had lost access to pain relief. Extremism is appealing as ppl seek definitive steps and answers, but life is not so simple and ppl end up getting hurt when those in the psych field decide to disregard their input and decide they know better than them.

[@briank.7686]

@@carriejudy1 Glad you brought up some things against the grain

[@davidkruse4030]

@@carriejudy1 plus she needs some make up

[@darlenemendenhall3017]

I totally agree 👍

[@joankerrigan7337]

I remember I was in a meeting and I had about 2 years clean and sober and all of a sudden I felt very uncomfortable and I turned to my sponsor and I said " something's wrong because nothing's wrong." I was so used to living in chaos that living in a normal environment was very uncomfortable and it took me a while to get over that.

[@Goldenmaskduets]

Yeah I think that’s what I’m struggling…. Because I’m so impulsive but also I feel like there is something wrong because I’m not used to Norma

[@user-uh5qu9ee5f]

Спасибо, Эндрю Хуберману! Спасибо за просвещение и ценнейшую информацию.

[@user-md2mj8ey4r]

Omg she is great! Her knowledge is wisdom. ♥️🙏

[@Fanofthesky]

Go with out drinking fluids or breathing for a period of time. Imagine the stress that builds.. Thats pretty much what the addict feels when their substances of choice is ripped from their body. It’s not simply a matter of wanting, it quite literally death waiting for you to give up.. Addiction is a miserable, exhausting life you want no part of. Love these videos. Learning about addiction is a powerful tool in overcoming it.

[@DyanneGavin]

Wow, what an incredible picture you painted for me when you said, “It’s not simply a matter of wanting, it’s quite literally death waiting for you to give up…”. The picture I’m referring to is my son deciding to commit suicide on September 21, 2021. He struggled with addiction since he was a teenager. Having had long periods of being clean and sober throughout his life of 35 years during which he had many accomplishments, financially, socially, and most of all spiritually. He was clean when he died, but suffered from hearing horrific voices telling him he was a complete failure, that he didn’t deserve to eat (no matter how I implored him to enjoy a beautiful meal with me) and he lost 60 pounds the last 2 months of his life. I, his mother Dyanne, miss him tremendously. He was not just my only child, he was a mentor and my best friend. Thank you Carson for your deeply moving comment, Dyanne

[@Fanofthesky]

​@@DyanneGavin I'm incredibly sorry for the loss of your son. I've lost dozens of friends to this monster but not a child of my own so I could only imagine. I don't have kids my self, but I am one to a mother who spent what I can only assume was hundreds of hours praying that I was not lost to this stuff. I'm 32 now and also started as teenager and have had metal struggles since quitting the street drugs in 2017. It's been hard to get back into normal life even almost 6 years later, and why I watch videos like this to learn all I can about addiction, recovery, and how the brain works and can heal (I'm hoping). Life can feel miserable while on the drugs but also off them, and at least when your on them, you have some semblance of control over your feelings and a reason to get out of bed, even if it's just to make the pain go away for a time being. No way to live but I fully understand how my self and others so often end up there. So very sorry to hear about your son. God bless.

[@PlayshotKalo]

Yeah. I was using kratom heavy for 5 years, eating junk, sleeping like trash. Had no motivation to better my life at all. It was a habit that gave me anxiety like I was going to die without it. It eventually gave me serotonin syndrome and seizures, it was terrible but I’m lucky it happened to me because that was the only thing that scared me enough to quit cold turkey. The first week of recovery was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through.

[@Chevalier_de_Pas]

Is it helpful though? It only makes me feel more miserable. The mechanistic process of dopamine regulation doesn't help me in the least quitting addiction. The only advice is: just quit it cold turkey for x days. If it was that simple everyone would quit addiction. She barely invests any effort in laying out specific strategies addicts can use to identify and change problematic, addictive behaviors. No psychology whatsoever, just a reductionistic, mechanical approach. So we realize we're screwed, we have a terrible brain disease (from behavioral addictions like porn to substance addictions like heroin), we will never be able to feel joy, concentrate, be motivated, unless we completely quit our addictive behaviors for x days (so we have to wait for quitting the addiction in order to be able to improve our life in other domains), yet we end up without knowing how to quit addiction. Willpower alone is not enough. One has to work on beliefs, mindsets, emotions, etc., but se doesn't address any of that; her only solution is: quit for x days. She's like the Nike for addiction: "Just do it", although at the same time acknowledging that addiction is a terrible brain disease that makes you powerless.

[@moacirbarbosacastro8923]

@@Chevalier_de_Pas She talks about addiction from her field of study perception. It's like a tool that can be used, the milestones can give some hope that things will get better and the brain will rewire and get functional with time. But she isn't an addiction expert. I've read a book that has all which you say and helped me tremendously. "Healing the addicted brain by Harold Urschel. It uses the neuroscience perspective but includes all the major effect tools to tackle the problem from all directions. I'm 3 months into recovery after several attemptts, I always wanted to quit but couldn't stay quit for more than 1 month, but I ultimately found a strong reason to stay clean and the pieces fell into place.

[@Boogerdick69]

I love how Anna’s describing the rewarding feeling from deep conversations… man before I did drugs so prior to turning 14, I remember getting “high” off fun conversations with friends. Like it was weird and I would just wanna talk, once I started to smoke and do much harder drugs it’s gone away. At 26 I’m a depressed/anxious maniac now that can’t control his anxiety. Oddly enough especially when talking too people, I’ve quit the hard drugs but weed has been hard. I’m 12 days sober and planning on going much longer

[@davidkruse4030]

One day at a time. Good job

[@kex6799]

I am struggling with my addiction too, it is a different one though. I wish you strength mate. Youre gonna succeed if you enable yourself to do so.

[@mamabear3610]

I get high off fun conversation too.

[@AvagyanMartun]

ՉՉչչչջտչչչչ չչչչ էլ չչ չչչջջջջ ջաան չչչճջչչջչչչեչչչ ջչչ Ձձոր ես ջջջջջջժճջջչջձջջջջջջ Ջաան ջեչչ րմ ե որջջջ ջ Չչ չչ չչչչ չէրչչչժ ջչչչչչչչԺտեչչչչջչչչչեչչեչչ չչջջչչչձ որչչչ չչչչտչջ ՉՉչչչջտչչչչչչչէջչչճրչչչջչչչչչչչձչեջչջոջջրջ չչչչ որ ջլերչչչչեչչչ չ

[@gingerbroadway]

@lilmeat it's been 2 weeks since you posted your comment - how are you doing with your sobriety?

[@Jessica_PMHNP]

As a women in recovery this is seriously my favorite podcast episode on KZbin! I appreciate the insight, understanding, and knowledge on this topic! My life has been touched by this disease tremendously! I lost my mom when I was 17 to an accidental overdose, and me and my sister found her dead. I’ve also lost a cousin and an Uncle to this disease!! I have been clean and free from active addiction since 12/24/2011! That was the last time I ever had to buy drugs for my addiction to Xanax, amongst other substances! The only reason I was able to get clean was because I was arrested and lost my nursing career temporarily! I went into a court ordered drug rehab program, and into the intervention program for nurses here in Tampa, Fl. It not only saved my life, but it gave me my life back! Since first coming into recovery, I have had multiple relapses with alcohol. My last relapse was in 2020 when my amazing husband and I got married! I had just graduated the intervention program for Nurses, and I was feeling so high on life! As the story always goes, I stopped working a recovery program, and I wasn’t going to meetings. I convinced myself that it was a good idea to drink alcohol at my wedding… I’ve then started binge drinking on and off in 2021. The last time I drank was December 27, 2021 which is now my new sober date! I am back in a recovery program and I have connected to a nurse support group again as well! Being in recovery is a lifelong journey! You never stop needing recovery support! I am just grateful that I made it back from my last relapse! Many addicts and alcoholics die from this disease! For anyone that is still struggling with this disease, I want to tell you, that you are not alone, you are worthy of Recovery, if I can do it anyone can, and please reach out for help! It’s the best thing you will ever do for yourself! For me, getting arrested was the only way that I could find recovery, I don’t recommend it!

[@johnvuetich9658]

👍💜

[@zeehuss7275]

Sometimes it just takes out worst to get out of addiction or we won't stop. Being religious, I'd say addiction is Satan's favourite tool and it will do everything to stop you. It was a whisper from satan to drink on your wedding day. Don't ever entertain these thoughts again.

[@Jessica_PMHNP]

@@zeehuss7275 thank you so much!

[@fahadalnabi]

Today I learnt that whenever your brain says "One more!" You just shut it off.

[@TonyEdwards1010]

Amen

[@billycrunches8117]

When you guys talked about becoming addicted to sobriety it reminded of the concept of being addicted to self-help books etc

[@tortoiseperson]

I thought of Russell Brand- who is very zealous now.

[@joshchapman4753]

@@tortoiseperson yeah that guy is a nutter

[@movement2contact]

@@joshchapman4753 I thought he curbed his nutting too... 🤔 ✌️😁

[@joshchapman4753]

@@movement2contact lol. So did Theo Von. He hasn’t watched porn in 11 hours now and counting

[@jonysingh6272]

How?

[@Slaman5150]

Thank you. I am a Veteran that has been in recovery since 2019 and currently 77 days clean. I appreciate this discussion and am relieved to know serious people are out there working hard on figuring out complicated problems like addiction and helping me understand it. I am very grateful.🙂

[@georgiabessie]

You’re amazing! Thank you for your service. I’m a sober woman.

[@Slaman5150]

@@georgiabessie How did you do it? I have 5 months now! But I started my first time in 2019.

[@georgiabessie]

@@Slaman5150 I started in 2001. I’ve drank again thinking I was ok. It’s real surrender this time after consequences. I found Dr. Lembke and it’s all making sense. It’s a brain disease. Good luck to you! One day at a time. 🙏🏻👩🏼‍💻♥️

[@Slaman5150]

@@georgiabessie finding something, anything that gives pleasure on the other side of the suffering from exertion of your energy is working for me from running and yoga! I feel like reading and writing also works some but going forward I think that continued effort might be the key! How to sustain that effort is what keeps me up at night!?

[@georgiabessie]

@@Slaman5150 When you put down the drink/drug the world opens up. I picked up hobbies I used to love. Most important, my kids talk to me. And I’m back in school now. I think your physical activity is awesome. The natural endorphins are released. Please be gentle with yourself. You’re amazing! ☄️💫✨

[@Nyumc99]

“Meta Cognitive Barriers “ . Wonderful. ! Two remarkable professionals , having a chat, whilst adding value to the world. Thank you guys x

[@queenukpo7748]

Currently reading her book Dopamine Nation and it's so insightful. Thank you Dr. Huberman for the quality of guests that you feature.

[@koiulm84]

I’m with Dr Lembke when it comes to intense, meaningful human connection vs shallow relationships.

[@grantsanders4211]

Absolutely!

[@disha2932]

How do we find such friends/relationships? 😟

[@gustavolealgomes5448]

working hard and being very patient

[@anibalandrade]

@@disha2932 by making them

[@kylelanglois9966]

In the context she was speaking was to the contection we share with others when they share deeper intimate parts of themselves that we can relate to. What you said about shallow relationships makes me think a bit on how I view relationships at times. What I found is what I might have found as shallow or what I preceived a relationship as being more as aquantences is actually very self absorbed on my part but even more so cyanical. I found the more I view the relationships for what they are and look for the good aspects in every relationship the more I view them in a postive manner. I just find this to be very true in my connection with aa and work. I connect deeply to these people through their shares and often times in conversation but many times feel as just they are shallow. I hope I didn't offend if thats not what you meant by it. It just made me thing of this.

[@learninghistory4397]

My take-away from this, mixed with my own experience: if you get your dopamine from activities that don't require any effort or don't add anything meaningful to your life, you'll be miserable and remorseful, because you won't find the will to pursue anything meaningful, and you'll feel guilty for not doing anything useful with your life, which will take you into a vicious cycle of indulgence. But if you manage to get your dopamine from activities that add something to your life, you'll build towards something while also enjoying life. This way you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are building towards something instead of wasting your life away. Btw, I thought I was addicted to the Internet once, but I wasn't, because there weren't any withdrawal symptoms if I went camping for example, but the thing was that I couldn't spend a single minute away from the Internet when at home, because deep down I knew I wasn't doing what I should be doing with my life, and I couldn't be in silence by my self for 10 minutes straight because that would face me with my inner thoughts, the ones that I kept shutting down with my Internet-binging. We are like lab rats nowadays, they keep feeding us this junk-dopamine, and we walk around lacking any sort of motivation to do anything at all with our lives, it's super sad, specially because many people don't have the slightest idea of why this is happening to them, so they are lost and helpless.

[@husen6802]

Holy shit dude. You just single handedly described my whole miserable phase that started from around 16-17 till now days. (I am 24 by the way). Like, how did I not know about this??? I just watched the whole podcast, and got the exact same view as you did right here, sir. My biggest addiction is not alcohol, or smoking og taking any other harmful drugs, but mainly using/ wasting my time using social media. And I have come to realize, that I did not spend my life surfing on the internet purposely because i enjoy it, but to avoid the confrontation with my mind if nothing distracts me for minutes. I am slowly wasting my life ffs :(

[@joycefitzgerel1632]

Thank you so much for your comment. What you wrote has helped me. I want to keep this video handy to go to and read often. The part you spoke about not finding the will is so true. In 2005 I came down with mono turning into a chronic condition. Constant pain, fatigue and depression. I’ve got to find meaning as you spoke of. Thanks again. I just really want you to know I’m inspired to find that meaning.

[@triciacarl5412]

Excellent comment! TY!

[@triciacarl5412]

To Learning History 👊💥

[@yashasviraj596]

Y'all are literally saving lives. Andrew is no less messiah to us. I'm stunned to find EXACTLY what i required. I cannot thank you enough Andrew...

[@jericconcepcion959]

@40:33 everything was said perfectly....as someone who is currently struggling.... your words are a wake up call... thank you for this!😇

[@AlejandraBarrientosPardo]

What a wonderful woman, totally down to earth! And what a therapy session....very interesting

[@josephclimer359]

Therapy session for all of us man.

[@mnmillard]

My favorite interview this far. It was extremely engaging and it seemed to be a more personal conversation than an interview and I love that! Really enjoyed the questions Dr. Huberman asked. More interviews and conversations along this area of a human’s need for acceptance and self-love and the unfortunate substitution of addiction in its place would go along way for all of us.

[@Q_QQ_Q]

Me too

[@DS384]

@@Q_QQ_Q 100% agree. Best interview by far!

[@Q_QQ_Q]

@@DS384 yeah . indeed

[@greentea6394]

Yes i could totally sense the energy from doc ... had to drop spotify for utube

[@Slaman5150]

I agree. It is so important to have this discussion.

[@aquarianess]

Dr. Anna Lembke has such a fascinating, insightful, and graceful presence that it's addictive to watch.

[@linedpaper5374]

well said

[@user-qf6rv1ch6d]

As someone who struggles with several addictions this interview is everything. . As someone who struggles with several addictions this interview is everything. .

[@yousifchuck123]

when Dr. Anna started talking about relapse, it took me back about 6 years ago when i quit drinking, and i cannot count how many times i hade dreams that I'm getting drunk within the first year. it was very annoying to me, it made me feel that i lost the challenge. anyway this podcast is gold, it helped me a lot. im going to quit cigarettes in 4 days, wish me self control.

[@jJust_NO_]

man.... im having sexual dreams lol.. maybe because secretly, im longing for a partner and theres none atm so.... i get orgasmic dreams as well ..

[@yousifchuck123]

@@esadmazi Yes Dreams did stop after the first year, actually not even a year, You know it comes and goes. I would say the first 3 months is the most, ones or twice a week, And then it will start to fade out. But will revisit randomly. I think the best way to quit in my opinion. Is to fist acknowledge that You want to quit, then use your anger, hardmindness and be unsentimental towards it. Every time you get over your cravings allow yourself to be and feel proud. (Very important) Stay away from social pressure and anything that bring your self esteem down. And last, don't fight or argue with the "divel" or your negative thoughts, ignore it. I wish you the best.

[@shivanitripathi6331]

You might want to try Alcoholic anonymous or nicotine anonymous

[@MrBUGS713]

You got this

[@iche9373]

Just dont buy cigarettes

[@Vurtcone]

I feel like each of these videos is like taking a condensed university course. Even the time stamps read like the syllabus for that course, each one is a new day/new lecture. We're so spoiled.

[@n8works]

Yes! As I was watching this I thought People pay hundreds on thousands of dollars to learn from these amazing minds! Thanks to Dr. Huberman we learn for free!!!

[@billytheweasel]

@@n8works Exactly. I've been saying that since 2013. I was told to go on statins and insulin. Studied guys like this and didn't have to.

[@winbalingit8502]

Nate, that is amazing!!😲 You are awesome!!!😁👍🏽

[@martinmcsweeney732]

Exactly! It is dense! Chalk full of great info. I regret every time I watch these and I don’t stop what I’m doing to take copious notes!!

[@simpleman7203]

Wow, was really nice to comeback to this podcast. Chemistry between them is amazing. Loved every minute and it was pretty insightful

[@nicoleb8579]

Iv been clean and sober for 3.5 years. I still feel like I’m so low on dopamine and I struggle still with cravings. Damn it’s hard. But living in active addiction is harder. I have to keep telling myself this. Everyday is just for today

[@linzgudmunsen4949]

My husband has been sober for 1 year now. Yay! Listening to this was basically like watching him when he was drinking. It was even hard after he got sober because it took probably 3 months for him to start to find a homeostasis. So if it takes you longer than 3 to 4 weeks hang in there!!! Recovery is such a long road but it's worth it! For those of you struggling hang in there. Life will get better.

[@ShadaeMastersAstrology]

Congratulations to your family, recovery is a family journey which everyone involved, the recovering addict and their support system heals in many ways.

[@skitzcunt2351]

lovely for sticking with him and supporting him. I hope it’s still going well

[@adnanelamrani8845]

"What I've come to believe after 25 years of practicing psychiatry is that what we now conceptualize as mental illness in our current ecosystem are actually traits that in another ecosystem might be very advantageous, they're just not advantageous anymore because of the world that we live in." -Anna Lembke

[@squeaky_buddha]

As someone who's dealt with addiction my entire life - I'm adding this read to my library. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@user-kh2wx9tj2u]

I just turned 19 last month. I am currently struggling with several addictions (although it’s not drugs/alcohol thankfully) and had multiple periods of “fasting” and relapsing. Sometimes I just want to give it up completely. I always think about how ambitious, inspired and creative I was in my childhood (and I am now to some extent) and I think about my parents and friends which gives me some power to not give up. If I didn’t have them I think I would’ve taken my life a couple of years ago. Ngl I can’t believe I started tearing up writing this right now. I feel like I’m in this never ending loop of trying to get of this place and yet indulging in this behavior again and again and sometimes quite massively I would say. I am infinitely grateful to both of you for this podcast. Your work is incredible and inspiring. I hope there would be more adults like you when I myself turn 45. I hope I will do better in the future using what you talked about. And I will try to buy and read the book. Thank you truly

[@waly4564]

Your comment struck a cord with me. I took notes, sharing them at the bottom. I remind you and myself that the grind never stops. We got this💪🏿 Notes: - [ ] Pain and pleasure come from the same place scientifically and work as two sides of the same equation: when one is stimulated, the other has an equal and opposite reaction as our bodies attempt to restore balance or homeostasis. - [ ] The “come down”, “falling away”, “constriction in the heart”, “I want more” etc… is the painful and opposite reaction to pleasure. Being more aware of this is the starting point of mastering withdrawal. - [ ] You have heard it before but it is reinforced. TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME. Look at what can be done now and do those things. Does not have to be grandiose. - [ ] Beware of the removal of that hyper vigilant state when things are going well. « No matter how far you drive, you are always the same distance from the ditch ». Vigilance can never go away. Recall the concept of finding pleasure in the pursuit. - [ ] Came as a bit of a surprise but makes sense: telling the truth, constantly in all circumstances no matter how minute.

[@MissDeeeeeedee]

Dr. Lembke is lovely, compassionate and passionate about humanity. Can't wait to read her book. Addiction affects us all. Loved this talk.

[@Q_QQ_Q]

Yes

[@winbalingit8502]

Wish she were my mom!!!😆✌🏽

[@cheriseelliott9230]

Agreed!

[@GiantMigit245]

I cannot thank you enough. Ive been abusing Marijuana and Nicotine for the last 10 years. And I am only 24 years old. I've deminished my natural ability to derive any positive emotion from anything. Ofcourse other than from the substance I had been abusing. You have helped me reset my baseline, and help me monitor the substances and activities that alter my dopamine. Thank you again!

[@quanleanh6548]

as someone whos rocking the same boat, hows it going ? Im really thinking about using these protocols and tricks since nothing works anymore

[@PlayshotKalo]

I couldn’t quit nicotine without replacing it with another addiction. I’m addicted to lifting weights and taking walks and doing conditioning now. And staying hydrated and eating and sleeping well. I didn’t beat the addiction part but at least now I’m not addicted to nicotine.

[@Justin-jf4ub]

U got this!

[@GiantMigit245]

@quanleanh6548 At the point of writing that. I had managed to stop smoking Marijuana for about 3 and a half months. Out of curiosity, I smoked it again. Inevitably, it was slow but surely reaching the same level, if not worse than I had before. At present day, I've quit Marijuana entirely. I do not drink anymore, I don't smoke pot, and I limit my caffeine Intake to 1 coffee a day. My only vice at this point is nicotine. But I'm quitting that in the near future with my new found respect for myself. One disciple will carry over to other areas of your life. I don't want to be that person any longer. The quote goes like this. " Most people can not make change in their lives because they cannot out last their old self long enough to create the change they desire"

[@GiantMigit245]

@@Justin-jf4ub Thank you for the support. I needed that this morning to push me to eliminate my final vice being nicotine.

[@straightuno1250]

Dr. Anna and David Goggins' episode are the no-skip episodes. Full of insights!

[@SendingStache]

i am so deeply and incredibly grateful for everything i learn from your podcasts! you remain unbiased, rooted in research and most importantly, you're committed to sharing this knowledge with everyone. the cherry on top is that your love for coffee constantly comes through (you often use coffee as an example) and it always prompts me to make my morning espresso.

[@FoodTrucksForDummies]

As someone who struggles with several addictions this interview is everything. ❤

[@InfiniteTravelingSpirit2BE]

have you tried psychedelics? I'm not sure how this interview will help with ending addictions.

[@nico-nl6cz]

​@@InfiniteTravelingSpirit2BE"I don't know how you'd possibly use the 2 hours of information that's been spoon fed to you in an easily digestible podcast to give yourself an edge in fighting an addiction. Have you tried hallucinogens?"

[@CozyJuffyWuff]

I relapsed today and here I am watching this , a bit of a downer, but its reality and ive got the abioty to listen liaten. Heree goes a week of misery but ill kearn, the hard way, stubborn as can be. Godapeed.

[@dexikid]

Good luck! You got this! I’m in a relapse now too in benzos which is new to me weening and trying to learn as much as I can do give myself an edge like you said. It’s pretty logical. And I think it’s what splits the people who succeed from the people who don’t. Some people just stay in it. In like this ignorant hell circle of what they have heard on the street. Literally one of the first things I learned chasing this was biologically how long on average a craving lasts. And it’s like at most 15 minutes if I’m not wrong and then the brain like takes a beat before starting up the craving again and if you use those beats you can breathe your way out of cravings. That’s changed the game but not solved it

[@blingschlinger8029]

Whatever you are struggling with I hope you conquer it and enjoy your immediate surroundings 🙌 And I had no idea that there was a negative low effect to the addictive high dopamine dump basically. Gosh, people on these social media sites are doomed unless they can pull themselves out and realize what its doing to them! oh boy

[@naylik2562]

You're doing the lord's work sir. Sharing this kind of knowledge to the masses will literally save lives.

[@GrtWhtHype]

I took psychedelics a handful of times during my high school years and there was one particular time where it was highly enlightening. Like you mentioned, you feel like you're looking at your life, which includes decisions and relationships from the outside. It's really an amazing journey to take at a young age and it completely realigned my life. Just my two cents!

[@pshen007]

I found this to be one of the most valuable podcasts I have ever listened to. Thank you dearly both Dr. Huberman and Dr. Lembke. You are such lifelines and don't even know it.

[@kathiesicard1063]

OMG! I have been in recovery over 30 years and worked as an addiction counsellor for 26 years and I have never, never felt as understood as Anna has made me feel. Thank you Anna. Andrew thank you for this and all that you do. Your amazing yourself at making things understandable and giving concrete examples to show your point.

[@judet2923]

Agree with you 100%

[@scottk1525]

Man, at one point he asked a brilliant question. Basically, how to stop an addiction when the addiction is a thought. And I think they both forgot he asked it and never circled back around to it. I've got intellectual blue balls over here.

[@Ma0Matthew47]

That is one of my biggest issues overcoming porn addiction

[@scottk1525]

@@Ma0Matthew47 That's like saying hangovers are your biggest issue overcoming alcohol. In other words, both blue balls and hangovers are results of their respective addictions, not causes of them. It'd make more sense to say that blue balls is your biggest issue overcoming an addiction to masturbation.

[@sbef]

​@@scottk1525 I don't get the point of your overly pedantic clarification. You're the one that mentioned blue balls, not them. They just want to know how to overcome porn addiction.

[@margueritasmith9342]

Thank you so much Dr Huberman, this was excellent and very thought provoking. May I ask if you speak with Dr Lembke again if you could both expand on the addiction related to thoughts, especially pertaining to people/ or a relationship? I thought about the pain / pleasure dopamine see saw following physical trauma and injury with endorphin/ dopamine release. With respect to Michael Pollan and How To Change Your Mind…and this interview, I wondered if you were able to discuss the roles of endogenous DMT synthesised ( perhaps ) in the pineal gland or choroid plexus and whether this neurotransmitter has a role to play in dopamine homeostasis? I find this whole area endlessly fascinating and compelling. Then I wondered about serotonin and dopamine synthesised in the gut and the gut/ brain axis. It all seems so incredibly complex. In all, thank you for an illuminating interview with Dr Lembke who offered verifiable and solid examples and advice. ( Dopamine Nation now ordered! ) 🤗

[@robertbradley8276]

@@margueritasmith9342 if you want to alleviate chronic thinking ask yourself where does thinking occur? What if you were to extract your attention from the part of the brain that thinks and placed it in the visual cortex? You'd see the world and yourself in a whole new way.

[@christianwilliams6829]

What a great podcast. Bought the book before finishing the interview and it is very enlightening. Thank you for championing addicts on their road to recovery.

[@s-marivanderwalt7981]

I started laughing hearing the conversation tilt to addicts being addicts because of boredom (somewhat). SO TRUE I was a meth addict for 5years, and the only thing that stunted my recovery was waking up, being bored with everything and everyone. I went cold turkey and the withdrawal wasn't nearly as consuming as the the looooooong boring days. Then I became an alcoholic and destroyed all my relationships, career and health. Now I wish I could go back to 2017 when I hadn't touched any substance whatsoever. Ignorance is bliss.

[@shahpurw]

I am a big fan of this podcast, and out of all the episodes I have listened to thus far this one has felt the most natural and closer to the human spirit. I don't think this is just about addiction, but it is more about life. I have never heard a doctor that so deeply understands people like Dr. Lembke and in combination with Dr. Huberman it is fantastic. Thank you!

[@hellyeah_ellajane]

Most KZbin watchers: “Just one more video and then I’ll be done.” (Two hours and 30 videos later…) Huberman Lab watchers: “Just one more video and then I’ll be done.” (Two hours and 1 video later…) I love your podcast, thank you for all the insight!

[@BilyanaRSubaricBilyanaRS]

So true!!!

[@cheriseelliott9230]

And worth every minute. 😊

[@devildog3799]

So much more than just learning about addiction. I am suffering from multiple addictions that I’ve cycled through now for 25 years. I am ready for a change. Thank you Dr. Huberman and everyone that’s on here. You all are my inspiration, keep on doing the dang thang. ❤

[@nunnyabuiznass6866]

40 years an addiction has been my reality daily. This vid spoke to my higher brain. I am starting 30 days.

[@ktbaby5237]

You can do this! ❤

[@krisamagus1]

cigarettes?

[@tye81]

I too am a meth addict and I’ve relapsed about 5 times in 3 years after 5 years sober. When Dr Lembrke explained how relapse occurs when a person takes their attention off staying sober and stop trying NOT to scratch the itch they reflexively scratch the itch was such a brilliant way to explain how it is. This lady should be the worldwide spokesperson for addicts absolutely incredible thank u very much for sharing with us xx

[@Chevalier_de_Pas]

If you have relapsed after all that time it is (according to her) because your dopamine reward system didn't stabilize. How are you right now? I'm not very impressed by her. All she says is - do abstinence, let the dopamine reward system stabilize and you're good. Easy to say, and hard to do. Doesn't talk about psychology, depression and anxiety and trauma, etc., that may be connected with addiction, doesn't talk about beliefs and mindsets, and doesn't say how is an addict supposed to endure 30 days or 90 days on his own. There are other approaches, like Judson Brewer's mindfulness and curiosity strategy, like Easy Peasy Method and Freedom Method. Judson Brewer's approach is supposedly better than gold standard. This episode was only doom and gloom, and I'm really thinking now about giving up my PhD and life due to my porn addiction. My teenage years have ruined my life. No positive technique, no hope, no nothing, just neurology and dopamine talk. Addiction is more complex than that!

[@delveticas]

​@@Chevalier_de_Pasi mean if you have depression and trauma you need psychotherapy and maybe antidepressants, what else did you expect

[@delveticas]

​@@Chevalier_de_Pashow you endure 30 days is by believing you'll get better, that's it, nothing really helps more than this

[@NaggyPat24]

How are you doing now ?? ❤

[@alexlloyd2154]

Fiti9

[@Christopher-md7tf]

"People had varying levels of response" That's a very polite way to describe Twitter 😆

[@applegal3058]

I quit an antidepressant 5 days ago - 75 mg of effexor after 20 years or so on an antidepressants. After years of therapy and lifestyle changes, I felt I was more than ready. I set up my environment and was able to be home for the first 4 days. I did taper off from 150 mg to 75 mg years ago, but I found it just prolonged suffering. Besides some anxiety and edginess, I'm fine mentally because I can set it aside and rationalize that it is normal and will pass. It's the body pain, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and exhaustion that is the worst. Like a constant hangover or bad flu. I was afraid I was going to constantly feel miserable physically. Each day is getting easier, slowly, so it's so relieving to know by 2 weeks things will level out, and by 30 days I'll be back to myself. I'm so relieved that I could cry. Thanks for this information. I'm an active, happy person, and I just couldn't deal with losing my ability to do things I enjoy. I'm only ever mentally unwell when my PTSD is triggered by abuse from others. I have developed so many other sources of help, including therapy, people who care for me, and self care. I'm just done with being medicated when I really don't need it anymore. Peace and love to others 💕 whatever your struggling with, remember pain is temporary, and you're stronger than you think.

[@Lucasvoz]

The scratching analogy really helps me understand addictions. Also the whole passion thing was very relatable, people my age rarely last at jobs that don’t fit their ideal job descriptions exactly anymore. The way forward is to do the work despite it not being the thing you love the most, otherwise you’ll just get stuck in life. Anyway this interview was honest, warm, informative, and so interesting! You two are both amazing people.

[@Q_QQ_Q]

Yes

[@pretzelboi64]

"The way forward is to do the work despite it not being the thing you love the most, otherwise you’ll just get stuck in life." That's literally being stuck in life. If your job isn't making you happy, you're wasting your life away.

[@weewillywonga]

Doing something you don’t enjoy for work just so you can ‘move forward’ in that job sounds like a losing strategy overall for your life.

[@Lucasvoz]

@@pretzelboi64 All I’m saying is you shouldn’t expect the perfect job to present itself to you, sometimes you need to work at places you don’t love and that’s fine, keep working on your dreams alongside working jobs. Everyone needs money at the end of the day

[@Lucasvoz]

it takes a lot of luck to find a job you truly enjoy. and I'm talking about moving forward in life, not in that job. sometimes you will have to sell bedsheets or work in the supermarket because the alternative is unemployment. Keep working on your goals but don't be too proud for a normal job, moving forward requires sacrifices.

[@roseh1132]

Dr Lemke & Huberman, I find it hard to comprehend how addiction can be discussed for this length of time without properly unpacking trauma. In my experience, trauma drives addiction. Dr Lembke's points about adaptation are correct. Intractable addiction therefore is a survival mechanism for complex trauma. Regarding shame- Tipping a recovered addict too far into shame can be dangerous. This is because shame is the belief ; 'I'm a bad person' rather than the more flexible guilt response of ; 'I did something bad'. Many addictions stem from an inherent belief in one's 'badness'.

[@esratruxillo1976]

So true... along these lines, why the "disease" label? It's comfortable to some....?

[@sfkid57]

i believe addiction is genetic, and everyone had trauma . i believe trauma is a new popular word that is used these days.

[@shuhaibk5818]

The way she is answering the questions is amazing like she is looking up in the air gathering the knowledge from her experience slowly and clearly I like her ...

[@kerrynickerson8830]

Beautiful just beautiful. Two lives that have used their powerful minds to help others. One day at a time.

[@glynisansara]

Dr Lembke I love your lack of judgment. I wish I had learned this earlier in my life.

[@MCrObOt18]

The reason why people who have struggled with and lived through addiction feel so tightly bonded with eachother is because we look at each other and feel the same way as someone who survived a devastating natural disaster would looking at another survivor of that same disaster. Knowing the carnage it caused, that it killed so many other people and miraculously we survived it.

[@TheAlchemist1089]

Shared trauma

[@NaggyPat24]

So true ❤

[@aleidacubides7751]

we might have a secret liking 4 peoole like us, nor the others, those awful others.

[@tommac21]

No they really dont. Trust me

[@armoredchimp]

Wow, I think I learned more about myself in this episode than in the 10 or so others I've listened to so far, which were all very insightful as well. But man, so many of the things she was revealing were SO ON POINT for my life, like I can't even begin to describe. Many of them are things I've already learned and figured out the very hard, slow way that took years, if I had had this information a decade ago I would have been able to deal with it all easier but I'm just glad to be hearing it today.

[@stewartmorpurgo2919]

I think that this is the best Dr Huberman podcast I have seen.

[@agnieszkalorens4246]

I love how open this conversation was. It’s amazing how the openness of one person gives the space for the other person to open up as well. This episode was different from the previous talks, the fact that dr Anna appreciated the authenticity, the amount of laughter and positivity - all of this made this deep connection very satisfying. On top of being knowledgeable of course.

[@amylindberg123]

Ditto

[@mertkusku]

hell yeah

[@chefchef9]

I've been suffering from an addiction to pornography for 10+ years and just started therapy for it. This podcast episode is really interesting and helpful. Thank you very much!

[@Q_QQ_Q]

What therapy

[@laisa.]

Dr Amy Johnson deals with addictions of all kinds

[@chefchef9]

@@Q_QQ_Q Psychotherapy. The therapist is rather experienced regarding addictions.

[@winbalingit8502]

Sending you prayers and positive vibes from California!! You got this!! Knowing there is a problem and seeking help is half the battle!! Your strength is amazing!!🙏🏽❤️

[@taboowriter9229]

I too suffer from this affliction. My monthly budget for new sheets is destroying my family.

[@vimalneha]

Doctor Huberman is my favourite instructor (Prof.). The type of information I need is found plentiful in his talks.

[@chrispalmer2312]

This was a beautiful podcast. Watched a few times and it's spot on for anyone struggling/or just trying. Bless the worldwide fellowship of N.A I'm 2 years clean nearly And feeling grateful.

[@kellyfisk8203]

I quit Facebook yesterday! Woo! Also, one week free of cannabis today. Thank you so much for this! Just started Anna's book. It's excellent; as is every one of Huberman's podcast episodes. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@Somebodysomewheresometime]

That’s so funny - I quit weed and all my social media the same week! Been 8 months now - you got this!! I had 57k followers on IG and maybe 2 of them reached out to me- you’re not missing anything but fake ness 🤗🙌

[@jJust_NO_]

i was never addicted to fb because i didnt have any posted account there.. its like a lifestyle i need to maintain and i was never outgoing in the first place and i dont seem to agree with my face on photos soooo... and cannabis? i seem to get high in meditation....