This book talks about pleasure. It also talks about pain. Most importantly, it talks about how we find the delicate balance between these two and why we need this balance more than ever today. We live in an era of unprecedented access to stimuli that cause a large release of dopamine: narcotics, food, news, gambling, shopping, video games, text messaging, sexting, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter… The quantity, variety, and addictiveness of these stimuli are dizzying. The smartphone is the modern subcutaneous injection that continuously provides digital dopamine to a digital generation. We all tend towards compulsive overconsumption.

In this book, psychiatrist Dr. Anna Lembke dissects all the new scientific data that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain and what we can do about it. Lembke explains, in simple and understandable language, the complex neuroscientific knowledge and shows us how dopamine control leads to a more meaningful, truly good life. The experiences of her patients shape the captivating texture of her narrative, and the shocking stories of pain and redemption give us all hope that we will manage to control our own tendencies towards addiction and transform our lives. 

"Anna Lembke deeply understands an experience that arises from the coexistence of our primal brain with our modern addictions. Her narratives, about people who managed with her guidance to find a healthy balance between pleasure and pain, can transform your life." Lori Gottlieb "Just when you thought you knew everything about addiction crises, Dr. Lembke comes along with a book that talks not about any drug, but about the most powerful chemical, dopamine, the substance that controls the centers of pain and pleasure in our brain. Whatever your addiction is – from the internet and food to work and sex – you will find this book captivating, terrifying, convincing, and intelligently substantiated. Lembke weaves patient stories with research studies, demonstrating empathy and clear judgment."