The Science of Addiction: Dopamine, Social Media, and the Myth of Willpower with Maia Szalavitz

In this episode with award-winning journalist and author Maia Szalavitz challenges the idea that addiction is simply about pleasure or willpower. Instead, she explains addiction as compulsive behavior that continues despite negative consequences — and shows why withdrawal, dependence, and addiction are not the same thing.

The conversation explores “wanting” versus “liking,” why dopamine is misunderstood, how social media and AI can exploit reward systems, and why punishment often fails. Ultimately, Szalavitz argues that recovery depends less on tough love and more on connection, purpose, safety, and care.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Addiction: Definitions and Mechanisms

10:43 The Role of Dopamine in Addiction

14:18 Addiction as a Learning Disorder

16:22 Substance vs. Experience: The Nature of Addiction

20:13 Evidence-Based Methods for Overcoming Addiction

25:20 Finding Meaning and Purpose Beyond Addiction

33:30 The Pursuit of Meaningful Experiences

34:15 Understanding Dopamine and Pleasure

39:10 The Complexity of Addiction

43:00 Social Media and Addiction Dynamics

50:42 Generational Perspectives on Technology and Addiction

57:53 Lessons Learned in Addiction Science

01:02:03 Rethinking Addiction: A New Perspective

01:03:54 The Compulsive Nature of Addiction

01:04:14 Understanding Addiction Beyond Pleasure

01:05:27 The Importance of Connection and Compassion

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