The Stoic Manual

The Stoic Manual

Science-based Health Tools

#6. The Neuroscience of Addiction: Practical Tools to Understand & Conquer

Dr. Anna Lembke reveals that modern life is designed to exploit our vulnerabilities to pleasure and pain, keeping us trapped in cycles of dependence and dissatisfaction.

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Stoic Philosophy
Dec 07, 2024
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The ‘Neuroscience-based Tools’ section is a companion for The Stoic Manual to help you become wealthier, happier & more powerful by boosting your resilience, drive, mood, motivation, relationships, focus, and overall health—by Dr. Antonius Veritas.


Master of Puppets

Addiction has evolved.

It’s about drugs or alcohol—plus the never-ending scroll through social media, the binge-watching marathons, the relentless pull toward fleeting distractions.

These dopamine-driven habits don’t just waste time—they hijack your brain, quietly controlling your decisions and stealing your freedom.

Dopamine, the brain’s chemical for reward and motivation, is at the core of this epidemic.

Dr. Anna Lembke reveals that modern life is designed to exploit our vulnerabilities to pleasure and pain, keeping us trapped in cycles of dependence and dissatisfaction.

But here’s the hard truth: no one is coming to save you.

To break free, you need to understand the science behind addiction and take back control.

This guide will reveal the hidden mechanisms keeping you stuck and arm you with practical steps to regain your focus, freedom, and fulfillment.

Addiction doesn’t have to define you.

Take the first step—read on and learn how to break the chains.

All I ask is that you take it to heart and be patient with yourself.


Stoicism resources:

XXXX. Epictetus' Secret to Building Good Habits

XXXX. Epictetus' Secret to Building Good Habits

Stoic Philosophy
·
November 4, 2024
Read full story
XXI. How to Overcome Bad Habits

XXI. How to Overcome Bad Habits

Stoic Philosophy
·
October 11, 2024
Read full story

SECTION 1. Dopamine: The Brain’s Powerhouse of Motivation and Pleasure

Dopamine is more than the "feel-good" molecule—it’s the neurotransmitter that…


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