Dopamine Nation cover art

Dopamine Nation

Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence

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Dopamine Nation

By: Dr Anna Lembke
Narrated by: Dr Anna Lembke
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About this listen

All around us people are looking at their phones too much, eating too much, drinking too much. Our world is addicted to fleeting distracting pleasures that get us nowhere. Dr Anna Lembke provides a clear way back to a balanced life.

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

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

©2021 Anna Lembke (P)2021 Penguin Random House Audio
Biological Sciences Mental Health Physics Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Inspiring Thought-Provoking Health

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Critic reviews

"Dr Anna Lembke is a whiz on why we get hooked on things - and how we can enjoy pleasurable things in healthier doses." (The Guardian)

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I have perceived the beginning of this book full of judgemental tainted stories.
Describes kink acts in a way to be shocking and that by engaging in kink acts as a barometer of how 'bad' the client has sunk into addiction. The focus should have been more about the compulsive nature of his behaviours and how it links with addiction and how any addiction has detrimental effects on relationships. The description of kink acts consecutively were to convey " now I have done this, look how bad I am", conjuring up feelings of shame. The response of the practitioner listening the stories also conveyed shock, which if the individual didn't also feel Shame ,they sure did after that psychotherapy session.
in Hinde sight, this maybe due to narrators exaggerated tonal response. Good narration otherwise.
There were a few more initial gripes&I almost stopped reading. However, the book redeams itself in the later chapters conveying more empathy& understanding. This is a book on addiction

Worth the later chapters

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I'm not a fan of books read by their authors however this was well worth it.

Some of her own addictions bear no parallels to peoples with severe addiction and I believe they'd be better left out.

However Anna undoubtedly knows her subject well I think the 10 points it finishes up with sums up the Dopamine World or today and the Anna gives some good tips of how to cope.

Good and Insightful

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Very happy to have chosen this as a first listen for a new year. A subject close to my heart through which I have lost very dear people in my life, both dead and living. It explains with great examples some of the essential functions of the brain and scientific discoveries which should be accessible to all from a young age and I hope shall help humanity re-balance itself.

Very informative in an easy to hear way

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This should be taught in school. Everyone needs to listen to this and incorporate it into their lives.

Everyone needs this

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I’ve read a number of books on addiction, this feels different in that not every case history is an extreme and the book highlights how vulnerable we all are in modern life with the potential to distract ourselves and indulge at every turn. Well narrated too. Some of the animal studies get a bit dry but overall very thought provoking and interesting.

Excellent

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The author has a soothing voice that allows reflection and introspection in relation to her patient’s stories, even at their most harrowing. As someone diagnosed with ADHD, this book has been filled with epiphany moments for me, and has brought more clarity to my life and behaviours. Thank you.

Enlightening

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It explains the human nature behind our actions that lead us into a bad situations and tells us how to imagine the bigger picture when it is impossible to see.

Transformative and informative

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very easy to follow, she knows her stuff, also check her out on you tube

this Dr of psychology knows her stuff!

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Great book that has relatable insights and stories and which could affect genuine change in many lives.

Great insights

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"Dopamine Nation" is a revelation in the world of self-awareness and personal growth. Dr. Anna Lembke's masterful storytelling takes readers on a profound journey through the lives of real individuals grappling with addiction and the complexities of modern life. What sets this book apart is its refusal to preach or prescribe; instead, it offers a rich tapestry of human experiences, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.

Lembke's narrative approach, showcasing multiple stories of real people with real struggles, is both jarring and deeply insightful. Each story serves as a mirror, reflecting aspects of our own lives and societal norms back to us, prompting introspection and empathy.

What truly makes "Dopamine Nation" exceptional is its refusal to take a moralistic stance or provide easy answers. Lembke, a skilled psychiatrist and writer, understands the nuances of human behavior and the complexity of addiction. Instead of dictating solutions, she empowers readers to navigate their own journeys of self-discovery and improvement.

This book is not just a self-help guide; it's a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you're struggling with addiction, seeking personal growth, or simply curious about the human condition, "Dopamine Nation" is a must-read. Lembke's intelligence and compassion shine through every page, making this an invaluable addition to any library.

Her performance as a narrator is also great, nothing to complain about.

Often Jarring, always thought provoking

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