Harnessing Discomfort for Healing — Pressing on the Pain Side (Chapter 7 of Dopamine Nation)
Harnessing Discomfort for Healing — Pressing on the Pain Side (Chapter 7 of Dopamine Nation) Can seeking discomfort actually improve mental health and support addiction recovery? Chapter 7 of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Anna Lembke, MD, explores the paradoxical benefits of intentionally “pressing on the pain side” of the pleasure-pain balance. Through patient stories, historical context, and modern neuroscience, this chapter demonstrates how controlled exposure to discomfort—such as cold-water therapy and other hormetic practices—can lead to profound healing, growth, and even joy. 🎥 Watch the full podcast-style summary below, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more in-depth breakdowns of leading books in psychology and neuroscience: Michael’s Story: Overcoming Addiction through Cold-Water Therapy One of the chapter’s central stories is Michael’s transformation from drug addiction to recovery through cold-water immersion. Starting w...