Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence (2021) by Anna Lembke, MD
It appears we have bounced from one extreme (that of scarcity) to the other (that of over-abundance). It often feels as though there is a push to be bigger, stronger, brighter, faster, more exciting, more fun… more money…more… more… more… etc. As we continue to push the boundaries of the extremes, what impact might this be having on us? Anna Lembke, MD explores the relationship between pain and pleasure from the perspective of the neuroscience of dopamine. Dr. Lembke highlights that neuroscientific findings have confirmed that the brain processes pleasure and pain in the same place and further notes how they work on opposite sides of the same balance. Through anecdotes of addiction (an amalgamation of real-life stories from her patients and herself), Dr. Lembke exemplifies the negative effects of compulsive over-consumption in an attempt to avoid pain or seek ever increasing amounts of pleasure, and how finding balance among this tensile spectrum has been an integral part of the recovery process. By applying these patterns to our own behaviors, the principles outlined in this book could be adapted to our individual experiences to overcome compulsive over-consumption (whatever flavor it may have for us) and find our way back to a more balanced life.
How did I hear about this book: I heard Dr. Lembke interviewed on the Armchair Expert podcast a while back and this is my second time reading this book.
Would I recommend it to colleagues: Absolutely
Would I recommend it to clients: Absolutely. I even brought it up during one of my therapy groups the other day.
How do I apply this content to my work: As an addictions counselor, the information provided in this book is extremely applicable, as I find my clients appreciate understanding the neuroscience behind their addiction to help them make sense of their experiences, as well as better understand the way forward. Additionally, regardless of whether my clients are struggling with addiction, trauma, anxiety, etc, and/or some combination of the above, one of the foundations for my practice as a combined licensed clinical social worker, addictions counselor, and dance/movement therapist, is to help my clients find a sense of wholeness via a connection to their core sense of self rather than feeling disconnected, fractured, and/or navigating the world from a facade. I correlate Dr. Lembke’s notion of balance with my sense for guiding my clients to connect with their whole Self.
If you live in Washington state and are looking for some support to feel more whole, balanced, and/or connected with your core sense of Self, contact me and let’s schedule a free 15 minute consultation to see how I may be able to help.
