About this episode
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 view 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. Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the Hidden Brain fan in your life? How about a membership to our podcast subscription, Hidden Brain+? You can learn more about gift subscriptions at patreon.com/hiddenbrain/gift . If t-shirts, tote bags and mugs are more your thing, you can find all kinds of Hidden Brain swag at our online store -- just go to shop.hiddenbrain.org . And if you prefer to give the gift of an experience, consider tickets to our live tour! To see where we’re headed in 2026, go to hiddenbrain.org/tour . Thanks and Happy Holidays! Episode image by adriandra karuniawan for Unsplash+ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.