The Paradox of Pleasure

All of us think we know what addiction looks like. It’s the compulsive consumption of drugs, alcohol, or nicotine.

But psychiatrist Anna Lembke argues that our conception of addiction is far too narrow — and that a broader understanding of addiction might help us to understand why so many people are anxious and depressed.

This week, we revisit a 2023 episode that remains of the most popular in the history of our show. We’ll explore how and why humans are wired to pursue pleasure, and all the ways the modern world tempts us with addictive substances and behaviors.