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eliasaurus's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
First and foremost, this isn't a self help book. It presents information in a simplistic and accessible way, so it's definitely pop sci.
The book's first section is its strongest, with a good overview of what dopamine does and its role in addiction. However, the section about pain went on longer than it needed to, and the section about shame seemed completely out of place. This section is probably responsible for the reviews stating that Lembke is overly favorable towards AA and the 12 steps. I don't think she's recommending AA as much as stating that it worked for many of her patients. Still, this part of the book is the shakiest and could have been omitted entirely.
On the whole, the book is very readable and I learned some new info. I also enjoyed the patient stories (and the author's note about obtaining consent for their use). But it's not amazing.
The book's first section is its strongest, with a good overview of what dopamine does and its role in addiction. However, the section about pain went on longer than it needed to, and the section about shame seemed completely out of place. This section is probably responsible for the reviews stating that Lembke is overly favorable towards AA and the 12 steps. I don't think she's recommending AA as much as stating that it worked for many of her patients. Still, this part of the book is the shakiest and could have been omitted entirely.
On the whole, the book is very readable and I learned some new info. I also enjoyed the patient stories (and the author's note about obtaining consent for their use). But it's not amazing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Drug use, Animal cruelty, and Alcoholism
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
andrewjmajor's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
3.25
mpruett's review against another edition
5.0
Summary: An absolutely incredible look at the cycle of addiction, how humans are easily prone to being addicted to many things (not just the obvious harmful substances), how all addiction negatively affects us, and what we can do to help break free and control addiction. She also solves the Brene Brown shame issue, which on its own is worth reading the book.
Overall the book is incredible and strikes an almost perfect balance between science and simplicity. At no point did I feel overwhelmed by the information that she was giving me but I also never felt like this was incredibly obvious or she was just making things up.
I also love how she uses real life examples and how she does not limit addiction to obviously harmful substances. She talks about her own addictions with romance novels, how many people are addicted to eating or working out, and how it's often the reason behind why we do something, not just what we are doing that creates an addiction.
As an aside, she wrote a chapter on shame that, in my opinion, solves one of the biggest challenges with Brené Brown's approach to shame. To summarize, Brené Brown says it all shame is bad, and while that can be helpful, it doesn't really feel true. This author actually identifies what she calls "pro social shame" and how it can be a huge benefit to both individuals and society. Honestly the way she breaks it down is unbelievably powerful.
Overall, this is an incredible book and I would recommend it to anyone interested in reading. And honestly, if you won't read the book, you should at least read the chapter on shame. It is honestly game changing.
Overall the book is incredible and strikes an almost perfect balance between science and simplicity. At no point did I feel overwhelmed by the information that she was giving me but I also never felt like this was incredibly obvious or she was just making things up.
I also love how she uses real life examples and how she does not limit addiction to obviously harmful substances. She talks about her own addictions with romance novels, how many people are addicted to eating or working out, and how it's often the reason behind why we do something, not just what we are doing that creates an addiction.
As an aside, she wrote a chapter on shame that, in my opinion, solves one of the biggest challenges with Brené Brown's approach to shame. To summarize, Brené Brown says it all shame is bad, and while that can be helpful, it doesn't really feel true. This author actually identifies what she calls "pro social shame" and how it can be a huge benefit to both individuals and society. Honestly the way she breaks it down is unbelievably powerful.
Overall, this is an incredible book and I would recommend it to anyone interested in reading. And honestly, if you won't read the book, you should at least read the chapter on shame. It is honestly game changing.
kanejim57's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
This is truly a 21st century book. It is about 21st century living. It is about addiction, not just substance addiction, but behavioral addictions, as the author's own story reveals. It is about relationships, important ones, really all relationships, as humankind seeks the next high through social media, edgy experiences such as winged suit flying, and the like which pump us full of dopamine, that wonderful brain chemical that brings us pleasure. But, also, can prevent us from feeling important pain to help us become more responsible and centered human beings.
pc953's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting read. There is a lot to be gained from it, and yet nothing so striking that changed my mind drastically. Granted this also comes from my own personal and professional work in the recovery field.
It's a pop psychology read. What I mean by that is that there are deep psychological principles getting relayed in a way that mass audiences can consume. There is a lack of rigorous presentation of stats, data, and studies, but this is not a scientific paper. Diving deep into the research would make this far less accessible to those who need it. I would definitely recommend this Book to clients, but I would not say it's a life changing read.
I am glad I read it and I will reference it in my personal and professional recovery journey.
It's a pop psychology read. What I mean by that is that there are deep psychological principles getting relayed in a way that mass audiences can consume. There is a lack of rigorous presentation of stats, data, and studies, but this is not a scientific paper. Diving deep into the research would make this far less accessible to those who need it. I would definitely recommend this Book to clients, but I would not say it's a life changing read.
I am glad I read it and I will reference it in my personal and professional recovery journey.
smwhrcelestial's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.0
The latter half of the book had takeaway I resonated with. Sometimes the author would speak on subjects outside her expertise with authority that I didn’t like. Her podcast episode on hidden brain is basically enough I don’t think I needed to read this.
annenichols's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Interesting reflection on easily accessible sources of dopamine and how they rewire the brain. The focus on “sex addiction” felt a bit sensationalistic. I particularly appreciated the reflection on pain and how it resets the circuit.
slipppers98's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
2.5
Warning: Animal cruelty detailed!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal cruelty, and Sexual content
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Alcohol, and Suicidal thoughts