Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in our brain. In simple terms, it is a chemical that transmits information between nerve cells. Dopamine is deeply involved in our mood, motivation, and reward system. For example, when we eat delicious food, exercise, or spend enjoyable time with friends, dopamine is released, making us feel happiness and satisfaction.

However, dopamine does not always play a positive role. Problems can arise if dopamine levels are too high or too low. Excessive release of dopamine can lead to addictive behaviors, while a deficiency can be associated with disorders such as depression or Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Anna Lembke, a specialist in psychiatry, deeply explores various addiction phenomena in modern society and the dopamine system in her book "Dopamine Nation." She addresses various addictive behaviors and substances such as the internet, smartphones, gambling, food, alcohol, and drugs, presenting ways to understand and cope with them from the perspective of dopamine.

Dr. Lembke points out that the pleasurable stimuli readily available in modern society induce excessive release of dopamine.

This lowers the brain's baseline level of dopamine secretion, leading to negative emotions such as depression. People become dependent on pleasurable stimuli again to alleviate these feelings, creating a vicious cycle.

To address these issues, Dr. Lembke introduces the concept of "dopamine detox." This involves intentionally avoiding or reducing pleasurable stimuli for a certain period to recalibrate the brain's dopamine system. She suggests that this can help restore the balance between pleasure and pain in the brain and escape from addiction.

Dr. Lembke has discussed these topics in depth through various interviews and podcasts, particularly in detail on Andrew Huberman's podcast.

Additionally, in her follow-up book "Dopamine Detox," she analyzes the addiction problems commonly faced in modern society and presents solutions for recovering mental health that is in crisis due to the pursuit of dopamine, enabling a healthy life.

This book specifically addresses how the stimuli that feel common and familiar disrupt the brain's homeostasis through the latest achievements in brain science and neuroscience, as well as various cases experienced in clinical practice. Amid rapidly consumed stimuli that provide immediate satisfaction, it will serve as a guide to finding answers on how we can pursue sustainable satisfaction.