Question

Can someone be addicted to stress?

Answer 1

I found this channel one year ago by searching for content about quitting nicotine addiction, and since then I made so much progress, now I didn't touch any nicotine product since last year December, as I decided to completely quit smoke and vape since the new year began! I don't even feel craving anymore, because I understand how it ruins your dopamine system and makes you feel even worse later - thanks to Andrew explaining! I'm really grateful for the episode about dopamine! - Now I'm onto reducing my caffeine addiction because it also makes me sleep badly often, and have cravings and energy crashes in the middle of the day because of it, and making gradual progress by reducing the coffee amount a bit every week~

Comments

I had a similar experience trying to find resources for that purpose and ended here, which was one of the greatest lucks of my life seriously!

Then, I journeyed to finally discover/confirm that I have ADHD.

Which makes it incredibly difficult not to be addicted after first exposure to a substance like nicotine.

I've been using patches, been trying to change methods of delivery as indicated by Andrew, I even printed the papers he mentioned and read them several times during the year.

Nonetheless, if I find myself still smoking.

Still, my record is quitting for a full year, in adult age.

So I guess for certain of us it'll be hell, circular hair pulling trends of habits, but it can be done, even for the ones that have some of the worst pre-conditions to do anything about it!

Stay strong, you're not yourself, at the end of the day, cherish and respect your soul.

---

well I dont think I'll ever touch nicotine again, because I feel good without it, and know how bad I'm going to feel from it after its effects wears off~

Answer 2

The thing about shame is.. the less you talk about it, the more you have. - Brene Brown

This is definitely in my top 10 favorite episodes. Keep up the good work, Andrew.

Answer 3

What truly distinguishes this show is its dual focus: it not only elucidates the underlying mechanisms of addiction, but also offers practical, real-world strategies for overcoming them. Its blend of philosophical depth and engaging delivery leaves you with profound, thought-provoking insights long after the episode ends. Thank you.

Comments

Does it tho? I feel like what could be a take-away is erased by the aggressive interruptions by Huberman's overzealous ads. There's no silence and I don't know when the ad is gonna start, so I don't pause quickly enough before I'm barraged with just words....so many words. I mean, I'm not drawing a blank, but some of the points that the guest made are just a blur, vague kind of sketch of what he said...I didn't internalize it...I don't have a cohesive idea...I have to re-read it now that I know which part was interrupted by an ad...and even then, a part of my brain will be focused on anticipating the ad....

Answer 4

The way he explained that addiction. This conversation with Ryan Suave was really eye-opening. The way he explained that addiction is often not the real problem, but a way people try to deal with stress or emotional pain, makes so much sense. It helped me think differently about why people might turn to certain habits, and even reflect on my patterns. His question, “Does it have you, or do you have it?” is a powerful and honest way to check in with ourselves. It's not about shame or blame it's about understanding, with compassion and clarity. This kind of perspective can really be the first step toward healing, for ourselves and for how we support others.

Answer 5

I love Mondays with new podcast episodes. I’ll start listening tonight and fall asleep while listening. Tomorrow I’ll start over and listen from the beginning in the car on my way to work. Looking forward to my weekly routine.

Answer 6

Loved this one - thank you both! Appreciate that you featured someone so well-versed in 12 step (friend of Bill?) as well as formal treatment. “The way that we grow up are just the waters we swim in. We don’t often know that there’s a difference between who we are and how we can be” this year is 27 years sober for me & gratefully still finding how I can be

Answer 7

Admittedly, I’ve only caught this podcast now and then but this installment is the one that is the most applicable to my life and the world I see before me. Mind-fullness, NSDR and positive stressors in life (working out, cold water therapy, etc…) aren’t overnight fixes but they are helping to build a foundation that are beginning to bring positive transformation in my life. Raising two small boys at home and working at a successful marriage come with an enormous amount of stress along with my past patterns of behavior add up to a recipe for a volcano. But putting what I’ve learned from the good Dr. Huberman, Soave and others are helping to build a stronger boat in the storms. Thank you!

Answer 8

The part where it's discussed how overwhelming it is for a child to know that they’re mommy’s happiness, or their daddy’s reason to live, or that they are their parent's everything is so powerful. That’s when children become parentified. And the whole concept of 'order' in life is just right. If your life isn’t in order then it's disordered. May seem obvious and redundant but the way happy, healthy people live or go about their lives is by having order in their daily routine. That gives you a purpose to live. Then you can share that purpose and happiness with your kids. That is better than putting our children in a position where they have to perform accordingly to what they believe their parents want or need from them so they can be 'happy'.

Answer 9

Woke up today and saw this after asking god to help me to overcome my Kratom addiction. My biggest fear is how I’ll feel after stopping the first few weeks. I’m taking this as a sign that it’s possible to face my fears and can overcome this. Thank you

Answer 10

As someone actively recovering from Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia a lot of this discussion hits home and is 100% accurate. Distress tolerance is central/paramount in recovery. Acceptance, allowance, doing nothing in response to triggers, detaching from your thoughts/feelings (reading them/mindfulness) are all parts of recovery. Logically I know whats going on, however once your body dumps the stress hormones/chemicals..you literally just ride them out letting go of everything and get out of the way of your body and let it do its thing. The tricky part is actively going into/towards a hurricane knowingly what may happen (thoughts/feelings) and actively accepting that over and over and over again until you don't care if it happens or not. It is possible to be uncomfortable and safe. Scared and safe. Fear is only a feeling. Retraining your reaction is a healing pain, avoidance and giving into old patterns is perpetuating your suffering. Your reaction is your gateway to your recovery. You are not alone. Hope this helps someone that may need it.

Answer 11

To anyone struggling.
Know that you are worthy
Know that you are loved
Know that you are not alone   
Know that you are stronger than you think.  You will win this battle even when you think it’s impossible, but nothing is impossible to you. Believe in yourself no matter the circumstances, through the storms, through the pain and anxiety. Don’t ever give up on yourself because the Sun will come out. You are built for this and can conquer anything.
Thanks for the sharing of this episode!

Answer 12

Having known people with addictions probably all those mentioned, as an ex smoker I know how difficult addictions can be, thank you for all you do and I hope anyone struggling finds the strength and will to get through.

Answer 13

I've been waiting on this topic for a long time..Author Anna Lembke's appearance here and her book Dopamine Nation was life-changing for myself and loved ones, then haven't heard much else on these topics in a long time. Great way to start my day off thank you Andrew Huberman for your interest and knowledge in Science and science-related tools not to mention everything else you've taught millions

Answer 14

Thank you both. For applying logic and science surrounding addiction.
We have a Military Veterans group through the Martinsburg West Virginia
Martinsburg Veterans Hospital.
We meet via discussions on active addiction and Recovery.

Comments

please look into The Sinclair Method if you haven’t yet. It’s literally changed my life. The abstinence model wasn’t working for me, my neuropathways were way too strongly conditioned to use alcohol as a chemical reward. The Sinclair Method has literally rewired my brain to no longer want to drink much anymore. I really hope Huberman does a podcast on this soon.

Answer 15

Thank you Dr. Huberman, team, sponsors and supporters.☀️ THANK YOU RYAN SOAVE

Answer 16

Dr. Huberman you’ve done it once again. It’s almost like you’re in my head or something. Just about every week without fail you have content that resonates with my present frame of thinking. It’s so cool to see that so many people having a similar experience as well. Thank you for educating us as well as being so aware!

Answer 17

This content came up at scary perfect timing, Thank you for giving me such profound and uplifting inspiration. To anyone reading this, I pray you stay steadfast, walk boldly on your path, and find success in every step you take. You are worthy of the best that life has to offer. ✨

Comments

please look into The Sinclair Method if you haven’t yet. It’s literally changed my life. The abstinence model wasn’t working for me, my neuropathways were way too strongly conditioned to use alcohol as a chemical reward. The Sinclair Method has literally rewired my brain to no longer want to drink much anymore. I really hope Huberman does a podcast on this soon.

Answer 18

Emotional Fitness, yes! Would love more and more on this. Hopefully in your book. Can't wait!

Answer 19

This is a very timely episode. I'm currently sober, but sadly, addiction is a chronic disease that tends to come back if left unattended. For me, a combination of medicine (topiramate and hydroxyzine) and some mental health work seems to work really well. Thank you for this episode.

Answer 20

This is such a great episode and so fitting with my life right now. Thank you Andrew for the constant motivation in your hard work with these podcasts. It helps more people in so many ways that you don't even know!