Addiction disrupts the brain's homeostatic circuits, leading to a narrow focus on substances like drugs, while healthy attachments to loved ones support emotional well-being.

Yearning for a loved one is a fundamental part of grief, driven by dopamine, which is linked to our desire to reconnect with those we've lost.

The concept of enabling addiction is nuanced; love and support are generally not harmful, but it's important to recognize when to protect oneself.

Addiction is not just about pleasure; it's about wanting and motivation, which is driven by dopamine deficits.

The relationship between pornography and addiction is similar to that of processed foods; both can lead to a cycle of seeking more stimulation without true satisfaction.

When people change their emotional states, they often experience cravings similar to overcoming any addiction, which can be challenging.

The body can become conditioned to seek external substances for emotional relief, leading to dependency.

People often mistake love for pleasure; when they feel whole, they have less need for quick dopamine fixes.

Those affected by addiction need science-based treatment, compassion, and a shift in societal perception to view addiction as a health issue rather than a moral failing. I think about how much time I lost with people I loved because of the tough love model, where I thought I shouldn't see them until they stopped using or drinking. You miss out on precious moments that you can't get back.