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The Addicted Mind Podcast

335: Taming Dopamine: Understanding Its Influence and Overcoming Addictive Behaviors

The Addicted Mind Podcast

Duane Osterlind, LMFT

Health & Fitness, Medicine, Mental Health

4.8621 Ratings

🗓️ 26 May 2025

⏱️ 45 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Mike Long, the brilliant physicist-turned-writer and co-author of "The Molecule of More," joins us for a riveting conversation on the Addicted Mind Podcast. Together, we dissect the fascinating world of dopamine and its powerful influence over our behavior and experiences. We take a closer look at how this neurotransmitter's relentless push for future rewards often clouds our present joys, impacting everyday actions from gambling to excessive use of social media. Mike's unique perspective bridges natural patterns with human habits, offering profound insights into the mind's complex workings.

In our discussion, we unravel the dual nature of dopamine, painting a vivid picture of its role as both motivator and alert system. Through engaging analogies, like the excitement of Christmas morning, we explore how dopamine shapes our desires and decision-making, propelling us toward imagined futures. Yet, the episode doesn't shy away from recognizing the challenges posed by dopamine's influence, especially in the context of modern technology and its overstimulation. By diving into the science behind neurotransmitters, we underscore the importance of balance in navigating this chemical-driven landscape.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Mike Long's exploration of dopamine's dual nature as both a motivator and an alert system

  • The impact of dopamine on future-focused behaviors and the overshadowing of present joys

  • Practical strategies to balance dopamine's influence and promote mindful living

  • Discussion on GLP-1 drugs' potential in curbing cravings and treating addiction

  • The role of technology in amplifying dopamine-driven habits and solutions for managing screen time

  • Techniques for fostering personal growth and relationships through intentional living

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Episode Credits

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Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

Hello, everyone. Welcome to the Addicted Mind podcast.

0:08.0

My name is Dwayne Austerlund, and I'm your host.

0:11.3

We are on to another episode.

0:14.1

I have an incredible guest today.

0:16.4

We just had an amazing conversation.

0:18.9

Mike Long, he is the co-author of the international bestseller, The Molecule of More.

0:25.4

Now he's the author of the follow-up, which is taming the molecule of more.

0:31.2

His first book explains how dopamine drives us to constantly chase the future

0:36.2

at the expense of enjoying the present.

0:39.4

Michael's new book provides step-by-step directions on how to tame that urge, especially

0:46.8

for behavioral addictions such as online porn, gambling, and shopping, serial dating, plus

0:53.6

key insights into original ways to deal

0:58.3

with addiction itself. Great conversation about dopamine. I love the way that Mike is able to

1:05.3

put the pieces together to really help us understand how dopamine plays out in our life and how we can begin

1:16.3

to balance it. I think you're going to get a lot out of this episode. I hope you really

1:20.3

enjoy it. And if you're getting a lot out of the Addicted Mind podcast, please rate and review

1:27.2

us in whatever podcast app you're using right now.

1:31.4

And I want to remind you, if you are in recovery and you're asking yourself the question of

1:38.3

what's next, think about joining the Tam Plus community where you don't have to do this journey alone.

1:47.2

Go to the addictedmind.com forward slash community to learn more.

1:51.7

All right, everyone.

1:52.5

Let's start this episode.

...

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