The Paradox of Pleasure

<p>All of us think we know what addiction looks like: it’s the compulsive consumption of drugs, alcohol, or nicotine. But psychiatrist <a href="https://profiles.stanford.edu/anna-lembke">Anna Lembke</a> argues that this definition 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 begin a two-part series that explains how and why humans are wired to pursue pleasure, and all the ways the modern world tempts us with addictive substances and behaviors.</p><p><i>Do you like the ideas and insights we feature on Hidden Brain? Then please consider supporting our work by joining our new podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+. You can find it in the Apple Podcasts app, or by going to </i><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?ign-itscg=30200S&ign-itsct=hiddenbrain_podcasts"><i>apple.co/hiddenbrain</i></a><i>. Thanks! </i></p>