Book Review: 5/5 Impact On Me (Book By Anna Lembke)
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I enjoyed learning about the various causes of addiction and the methods to lessen them in the book. I re-read it this year. The unique way it transforms each letter of "DOPAMINE" into meaningful concepts caught my attention, even though I will not remember so many letters. Learning about different medication approaches and their side effects was enlightening, even though I will not go the medication route. similarly, the studies on rats, dogs, and so on were helpful to internalize the lessons more. Understanding the questions I can ask myself to tackle an addiction was beneficial. Asking, "What does this do for me?" helps me grasp the benefits I gain from certain addictive, harmful behaviors, despite their drawbacks. as a first step before breaking the habit. The book highlights Alcoholics Anonymous as an exemplary peer support group, which I found insightful. It also explains how balancing pain and pleasure can boost happiness, such as taking cold water showers. I occasionally take cold showers, but reading this book has motivated me to do it regularly. the book has also made me consider ways to be more open about my addiction with my spouse, establish restrictions to prevent engaging in it, and use a relapse counter. I am also wary of triggers and replacing one bad habit with another.