Dr. Anna Lembke: Understanding & Treating Addiction

[@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😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@NijayMckinley]

Time stamp?

[@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!

[@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

[@HarishGiriFFking]

I never thought subliminals could make such a huge difference in overcoming addiction, but Borlest proved me wrong. After a couple of weeks, I felt a massive shift in my mindset. If you’re stuck in a cycle, this could be the solution. You’ve got nothing to lose.

[@ManifestRest]

Borlest? Is that an author?

[@hiddengem12-o9s]

Book called "Dopamine Enigma Unveiled" seriously blew my mind. Learning about dopamine optimization and detox completely changed how I approach productivity and focus. Has anyone else here tried applying these techniques? The section on unlocking peak mental performance was a game-changer for me!

[@HendersonHinchfinch]

I’ll check that out!

[@penguin_drive]

Careful, this is a bot advertising this book. They've spammed the same title in other videos about dopamine.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@debbieroller7646]

What is the name of the book

[@kylesimington9166]

@@debbieroller7646 hi there! It’s called, “Dopamine Nation” by Anna Lembke

[@kylesimington9166]

@@debbieroller7646 "Dopamine Nation"

[@Djhylowmusic]

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!

[@ludigracic]

Same for me

[@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!

[@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🥹

[@If-Cats-Could-Talk]

This lady is so beautiful the way she explains her findings. She's seems so kind and non judgemental. She explains the science but also seems to have such empathy. Love this chat. I'm back here listening a second time. Thank you both

[@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 🙏

[@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

[@indylockheart3082]

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

[@renaissancemedic]

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

[@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

[@hotshitdamn]

nice dude!!!

[@jasonblack6142]

How's it going

[@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%

[@BabyKMoney]

Thank you for your service

[@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.

[@kingakorska]

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

[@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 you 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]

💪❤

[@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

[@Beenthereduntht]

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 .

[@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.

[@lexchess6453]

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]

@@lexchess6453 molecule of more was amazing but I'm a little bit into her book and it's a little disappointing in my opinion

[@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

[@ScorpioIsland]

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

[@ana62301]

She's not regretting implementing policies that have driven people to suicide. She just says things like that to appear to be human.

[@YouTubeShepherd]

@@ana62301what policies?

[@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.

[@ShadaeBalancesKnightAstro]

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

[@stoursjoseph]

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

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@CarsonKendall]

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

[@CarsonKendall]

​@@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.

[@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! ☄️💫✨

[@fiha4186]

Fighting my cannabis/gaming addiction for quiet some time now and had a relapse recently. Your videos are a tremendous help on fighting these. Being able to understand your feelings, cravings, problems and behaviour is such a relief and I´v learned so much, that I dont only fight these negative behaviours, but also developed new positive ones. I thank u with all my heart Dr. Hubermann, greetings from Germany!

[@ВасяГорват-п4б]

Hey man, I had a game addiction till 22, just stopped for 2 years and wanted to check out my problem, realized I had no more cravings or impulsive behavior while still enjoying playing, just try to have a reasonable break for a few years and you're good, but no cheating

[@lindboknifeandtool]

Have you noticed a boost in energy?

[@fiha4186]

@@lindboknifeandtool What exactly do u mean? I am now 3 month away from my addiction, doing lots of Sports and feeling pretty good. Still have some cravings sometimes tho

[@lindboknifeandtool]

@@fiha4186 every time I quit weed, I’d feel like I’m on adderall. I think it has something to do with REM sleep.

[@LawgicalXX]

I read it at first as fighting my cannibalism addiction 😅😳

[@crystalhayes852]

As someone who's struggling with addiction and staying clean, I can't believe I just stumbled onto this episode. I learned a lot, thank you.

[@CorrinaBettencourt]

It is rare for me to watch interviews over and over again. There is something about your communication here that brings tears of joy and sorrow to me - truth as healer

[@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.

[@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]

@@enmutlu-c4j 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

[@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

[@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

[@hankjones7576]

This is a wonderful and beautiful conversation between two incredible people. Addiction is hell on earth but cannot be fully understood by someone who has never experienced it firsthand or with someone close and dear to them. It such a destructive force that entangles and destroys so many lives.

[@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 👍

[@mariyamanahova7078]

This is the first episode of the HLP I ever watched. My husband sent it to me, and I thought, "No way I'm going to listen to 2 hours on addiction and dopamine." Fortunately, I pressed play and was immediately captivated. I listened to the entire thing and then bought and read Dr Anne Lembke's book. Incredible. I've been an HLP listener ever since!

[@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.

[@Djhylowmusic]

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

[@Kiwipeanutlove]

Im so glad you wrote that, I think that happens to me. Very good food for thought

[@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

[@robmurphy4467]

Thanks dude, I wasn't listening to that exact quote as she was saying it...

[@zoeydeu2261]

Love how Andrew described professing & learning makes him feel safe - that's exactly how I feel about these Huberman videos!

[@independentinstallations8419]

I love how he honestly describes things he feels annoyed by but sound so unprofessional to actually say outloud like" is that all they talk about"

[@raihanahmydin]

Thoroughly enjoyed the conversation. Will definitely be checking out the book. Having listened to a few of Anna’s conversations in other podcasts, i’d say Andrew has a marked chemistry & camaraderie with Anna, and i felt a dopamine rush being privy to the session. Thanks to you both.

[@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?

[@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

[@lgtwzrd]

41:07 THANK YOU FOR THIS THOUGHT! I've been doing ALL the laundry and house chores and fixes while my wife and kid are gone for the day even though I found many excuses to not do them before, and now my mood has improved, my anxiety has been reduced, sense of guilt is almost gone, and my family life has improved tremendously. Oh, and I also became more productive in the actual work I do! I'm so glad to find validation by what Dr Lembke is saying, and I plan to continue doing that, as it simply has improved my life tremendously.

[@Shinchan958-h9z]

How doing the house chores changed your professional and personal life

[@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.

[@AlejandraBarrientosPardo]

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

[@josephclimer359]

Therapy session for all of us man.

[@TanyaEinhorn]

I love your work and have been listening to the podcast since day 1, thank you for your interest in educating the public! I am just now listening to this episode while I cook my lunch, and literally laughed out loud. I just made some broccoli that is so freaking good I did a little dance, and then you guys said nobody feels that way about broccoli. so here's how: cut the broccoli (organic, local and super fresh) into florets and toss with olive oil, flaky salt, and smoked chile flakes. Roast in a 500 degree oven until they are just starting to brown. While the broccoli cooks, make a sauce with grated fresh garlic, more than you think you need. I used an entire head for 2 cookie sheets full of broccoli. To the grated raw garlic, add 2-6 tablespoons honey (more is delicious but I personally don't do much sugar so I stick with the low end), about 2-3 tablespoons of anchovy paste, and the juice of 2 lemons. Mix it up, toss with the broccoli when it comes out of the oven, and maybe you will do a happy dance too!

[@yuliia-o5o]

Thanks, Tanya! Will have to try it, the sause especially sounds amazing

[@katestagg3552]

Got to say I love broccoli in an intense way too 😋

[@halkihaxx5]

Frying or baking are the proper way to enjoy broccoli. Not sure what sort of mad man had the idea that you should only ever steam or boil it, it's by far the worst way to prepare it.

[@al9552]

Sounds delicious! Although most of the nutrients are destroyed during the cooking process. Broccoli needs to be fresh and chewed for maximum benefits

[@nishasankaran]

Dr. Lembke’s framing of addicts is compassionate and useful to the public discussion. As someone who is clinically depressed and in recovery from addiction and well into my 40s…. Her work is soul lifting ❤️

[@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*.

[@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.

[@charmainemessina1040]

Absolutely my favourite podcast that has been released so far, and that is saying something. Dr Lempke's empathy & intellectual take on addiction has me so mesmerised that I have pre ordered her book on Amazon snow have to wait until the end of November for its release in Australia. I would love to see a podcast entirely dedicated to Autism.

[@antoniariboni8537]

I just got it on audible😊

[@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!

[@christopheryongsun211]

I Could remember several years ago I was diagnosed with ADHD. 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. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

[@vatslauvadkevich6089]

It's so amazing that people who're not addicted to the negative sources of addiction bring up this information to help others. I finally understood why I've relapsed many times after weeks of being clean. Andrew and Anna made their best to point out the key elements of addiction and recovering. Thank you very much for doing your work, it's helpful and life-changing.

[@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!

[@Gu1d-0]

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

[@ccppp6953]

Thanks for all the podcasts. This one made me in tears. Your podcast really changed my life.❤

[@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.

[@inesk4011]

the "no matter how far I drive, I will always be the same distance from the ditch".... really helped me with my relapses! I knew I wasn't the only one, but I never said anything to anyone! so to hear someone say it that way! no fancy words just pure experiments ... it really soothes my heart! I definitely enjoyed the episode! like I do every time! but this one was really close home! I m always grateful! thank u for this interview!

[@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

[@Kylitovibes]

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.

[@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?

[@milesralls7972]

⁠@@waldofaldo7267same thing that drives people to any stimulant

[@rhy27]

Loved reading your amazing strength and ability to stay in the grind, really well done you absolutely got this!

[@parkerkennedy2433]

As a person in recovery and having battled addiction, I loved this. Thank you Andrew and Anna!

[@memastarful]

Bravo congratulations 👏🙌👍

[@silviamazariegos7976]

My respect for your huge efforts, they will bring back freeeeedom.

[@winbalingit8502]

Congratulations on your recovery!!! 🎉You are strong and your family loves you!!!👍🏽🙏🏽❤️

[@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.

[@garyjohal483]

This has literally given me THE blueprint on how to beat the Godzilla which has ever been present in my life over the last 13 years. Probably the most valuable information on the subject of addiction I have heard over that course of time too. My gratitude will never do this podcast justice. THANK YOU 🙏

[@katherineanderson7307]

I love the nature and energy of this woman. She seems so wise, honest, compassionate and at the same time humble.

[@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]

❤️

[@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?"

[@Lishkabro]

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.

[@dexked]

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

[@ms.kbrown]

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

[@paigemahnesmith]

Dr. Lembke epitomizes inspiration. I fan-girl over her every single time, and I can most certainly see that you do, too, Dr. Huberman. Thank you BOTH for helping change my life. You guys are the absolute best.

[@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.

[@nichetcher1]

I love that you’re living your actually life while recording this podcast with her. You are engaged and the topic means a lot to you at a deep level. Refreshing! Thank you.

[@1life_Only]

You two have helped me immensely in last 18 months stay clean on my own from substance abuse of 4 years prior. No therapy and 12 steps gave me the science behind my situation that you gave. Knowledge is power 💪🏽 I can’t thank you enough for educating me a rather difficult subject in such simple language. @Dr Lembke: I loved reading your book..It’s on top of my shelf still.

[@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. 😊

[@spoders92]

Today is day one for me. Thank you for this conversation, helping us understand the science behind addiction. Wish me luck.

[@herminekhachatryan385]

I am addicted to Dr. Huberman's podcast! Adoring both Dr. Huberman and Dr. Lembke very much. Thank you for your input in our education and well being! ❤️❤️

[@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.

[@beto5720]

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

[@ihavenoname1712]

What a legend

[@Viper_steph]

Thank you. Dr Anne makes me smile every time she laughs. She is so empathic, open minded and intelligent. Dr Andrew, thank you for being you. I love your talks. Your warmth, intelligence and inquisitiveness is a tribute to you.

[@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.

[@Karen-nq4ob]

This is the best interview on addiction I have listened to in a long, long time! Thank you!

[@MarcusAnthonyCornwallWilliams]

Thanks Andrew. Im in recovery and this is helping me remedy my addiction today.

[@mgonzalez8880]

Blessings to you my friend.. im watching now to avoid making mistakes myself..im trying to be more open about my errors... i always kept things to myself and it made it more difficult.. Keep it up.

[@MarcusAnthonyCornwallWilliams]

@@mgonzalez8880 thanks. Its good to be able to ask for help and admit when we are not okay. Love and power to you friend.

[@mgonzalez8880]

@marcuscornwall4879 38 days and counting.. Thank you friend lets continue to evolve

[@norikazulee426]

I feel so calm listening to Dr Anna. The vibe, the way she articulate her words. Not rushing, listened to Andrew attentively. Love it!❤

[@heatherthaxton451]

There is so much wisdom in this episode I've listened to it twice to try and absorb it all.

[@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!!!

[@6789uiop]

@@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!!

[@isabt4]

I am so thankful for your podcast Andrew Huberman! This was a most wonderful conversation! I will definitely read her book. I am an addict (sober for 10 years) , and all your great compliments towards people with addiction made me feel so good. Thank you ❤️

[@Callmeab50]

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

[@guitarhero-z2m]

Hard work, faith, and understanding @@rmd4379

[@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....

[@mariebonillaelzarka1062]

Look forward to Mondays just to be able to listen to Dr. Huberman's podcast. It feels as if we are all attending his lectures.

[@schrodingers_smiley_2.0]

Fighting a porn addiction which is quite brutal. The symptoms of withdrawals are making me scream. Im clean since a year. But i had 3 to 4 relapses in between this time. With time my withdrawals are getting better. I hope to see good days in the coming future.

[@dieforwenqingliveformengzo3241]

It's also a problem that for many people is not considered addiction. but like you can sense how you feel, from the abyss lower and lower

[@OGKingKunda]

How do you distract yourself or deal with urges?

[@rmd4379]

Hi how you give up i do most 30 days

[@ross_ulbright7779]

​@@OGKingKundaFocus on the pain of withdrawal and realize that the pain you feel is healing your body. Just as people who exercise vigorously know that the pain is making them healthier.

[@manny4012]

@@OGKingKundaThe thing im doing is logging out of social media apps or completely deleting them. I found that it helps tbh.

[@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!

[@tred9513]

Having been affected by addictions, both my own and those of loved ones, most of my life I found this talk to be hugely insightful, and offers a fascinating perspective of the mechanisms behind addictions, and the ways they can be conquered and kept at bay. To anyone who is currently dealing with an addiction I hope you found this talk as valuable as I did, and I hope it affords an adavantage in your ongoing battle.

[@priley817]

Wow reading Dr.Anna's book changed my entire perspective on life. I picked it up a week ago and Dopamine Nation really triggered something in me. Im 4 days in from a total dopamine reset(she recommends 30 days in the book) and i am pursuing meaning instead of useless pleasure/distractions. The part of the podcast i will paraphrase but she says "allow boredom too strike and things/work that needs to be done will magically appear". I went cold turkey on everything 4 days ago: phone, dating apps, porn, music, hedonistic sex, smoking, useless youtube videos, talking 2 dozens of women, social media, highly satiating foods, , ubereats, door dash, drinking, friends that are not healthy AND LET ME TELL YOU....its been extremely difficult but wow i'm working/learning/cultivating my relationships/training more than i've ever done in YEARS. The first 3 days were extremely hard resisting the cravings but now i am craving too learn, do things with those i love, just being more present in the world taking in my environment as i drive instead of listening to music, engaging in growth.... i guess this is what feeling human should be like. I feel better than ever.. and this is just the beginning. God speed to all others ,fighting addictions. I am so grateful for the work of these two doctors, truly changing the trajectory of my life.

[@jameshadfield5624]

Appreciate your honesty and openness. I myself am on yet another quest to eliminate things that may feel good (dopamine?) but aren't healthy or positive in long run. Definitely believe in the" Addictive Personality" trait, where if you have it can, get addicted to almost ANYTHING! In this interview Dr. Lemke surmises about how attending A.A. (maybe a cult, maybe not, I really don't think it F' Matters!) Is still better than to continue drinking, well Sure, but after a certain point it shouldn't become a Life sentence or dating pool. Look at All the actual life you miss out on! Anyway, when I was going thru "existence"(not Life") being Stoned was taking away two of my favorite things, Reading+ Dream remembrance, which wasn't a fair trade-off. So good Luck to you, good luck to me in maintaining the equalibrium between the LOWS+ highs. Peace

[@AKWAMUSIC_]

Update?

[@priley817]

@@jameshadfield5624 God bless you hopefully all is well.

[@priley817]

@@AKWAMUSIC_ Update i wish i can show you my fitness transformation. But my life has done a complete 180. I’m just overall participating in activities that truly fufill you instead of leaving you empty. I’ve never been in better shape, physically, mentally. It’s vibrating through all areas of my life, i’m getting better at things and my life now feels like a constant upward spiral. I’m a positive force for good in my life, others lives, etc but i had to suffer and be alone and learn what i was doing man. Existing rather than living. Soon the other side is so much better, preparing for muay thai fight, marksmanship competion, i’ve got better at my job. I’m telling you one win leads to the next, no matter how small… scary thing is failure and addiction are just the same. You can get so deep it’s scary… but you can always pull yourself out one step at a time.

[@AKWAMUSIC_]

@@priley817 Man that’s wicked to hear that it’s going really well. Some inspiring shit. I was off weed and booze for 2 months drinking only water but started slipping up. Time to get back on the grind this November. Good luck with upcoming competition g!

[@BoloBouncer]

Performing a conscious action, rather than waiting for something to save you from addiction, also triggers the mind to create a story about why you did what you just did. So cleaning a room or fixing something or catching up on some necessary work will begin this story process where the mind begins brainstorming on why you just did all these things instead of your usual addictive process. This story process paints the actor as a hero overcoming an arduous trial. And as a recovering addict I can tell you that many people won't let themselves be freed from the cycle unless they feel that sense of overcoming, unless they can feel triumphant as part of a story. You have to work with the brain on that.

[@winbalingit8502]

Congratulations on your recovery!!!🎉Your strength and introspection are amazing!!!🙏🏽❤️

[@DanielDelivered]

Insightful ~ well done and thank you!

[@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.