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Addiction—whether to substances or behaviours—isn’t simply a matter of bad habits or poor choices. At its core, addiction is about the brain. Specifically, it’s about how the reward and pleasure system, driven largely by dopamine, gets rewired in ways that make stopping incredibly difficult. In this post, we’ll explore how both substance use and behavioural addictions affect the brain’s reward circuitry, and why understanding this can change how we approach healing. What is Dopamine, Really? Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the brain that helps neurons communicate. It's…
It’s easy to scoff at the word ‘addiction’ when it comes to screen time. After all, our phones, tablets, and laptops aren’t drugs or alcohol, right? But the way they engage our brains tells a different story. Dopamine, the neurotransmitter that drives pleasure and motivation, is being hijacked by the rapid-fire stimulation of notifications, endless scrolling, and instant gratification. Dr. Anna Lembke, an addiction expert, explains that smartphones are designed to be addictive, reinforcing behaviours with rewards like social media interactions, akin to a slot machine's reinforcement schedule…
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, I want to take a moment to acknowledge how incredibly difficult it is to live with these challenges. You might be feeling overwhelmed by a constant battle with food, your body, and perhaps even your self-worth. It’s important to know that you’re not alone, and your feelings are valid. Living with an eating disorder often means trying countless methods to change your eating behaviors—counting calories, following strict diets, or perhaps even engaging in compensatory behaviors. You might have sought support through friends, family, or online…
What Ground Do You Stand On?
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There is a story in Greek mythology about a mighty wrestler named Antaeus. The half-giant son of Poseidon and the earth goddess Gaia, Antaeus would challenge anyone who passed by to a wrestling match. He would defeat and kill every opponent, and would add their skulls to the temple he had built in honour of his father. The demigod Hercules happened by one day on his way to completing another of his twelve Labours. He accepted Antaeus’ challenge. To his very great surprise, though, he found himself unable to either throw or pin his opponent. With his strength waning and defeat near, Hercules…
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