What is the relationship between pleasure and pain? This week Luke discusses this fascinating correlation specifically in the context of addiction and compulsive behavior. Learn more about how these two emotions can act as opposite ends of a seesaw and how the brain works to balance them out to achieve equilibrium. Takeaways Modern society provides an overabundance of pleasurable stimuli. Pursuing excessive pleasure causes the brain to counterbalance with pain. Pain is not inherently bad and can lead to growth. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, addiction, and compulsive behaviors. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Why Is This So Painful? 01:07 Dopamine Nation Insights 06:19 Boredom Is Not a Problem 07:39 Example of Embracing Less Stimuli 11:42 Cold Plunges As a Source of Dopamine 14:39 Lean Into Pain to Grow Mentioned in the episode: Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke Don’t Miss This! In-person Intensive: Unmasked: Paths to Authentic Masculinity - This is a three-day live intensive for men led by Alana and Luke Gordon. This program is designed to help men delve deep into understanding integrity, unveiling layers of shame, and reclaiming their authentic selves. Intensive will be held in Spanish Fork, UT on May 16-18, 2024 and also July 17-19, 2024. Learn more and register HERE. Connect With Us: Learn more about Luke here. Schedule a complimentary consultation here. Don’t miss an episode! Join our email list and get notified when new episodes air! Sign up here. Wanting more? Choose Recovery Services offers many courses specifically for men: Choose 90 for Men - Support group for men who are ready to take the first step towards recovery from compulsive behavior, infidelity and/or betrayal. Choose 180 for Men - This support group helps men gain emotional intelligence so they can better manage unwanted behaviors. Participants will connect with other men, better understand their emotions, work through shame, and build a deep respect for themselves. Choose 360 for Men - Support group for men who have reached a sense of wholeness in their recovery and are looking to maintain their recovery through awareness, accountability, and camaraderie. Help. Her. Heal - This program is for men seeking to learn more about empathy, conflict resolution, and healthy communication. Empowerment After Betrayal for Men - This betrayal trauma support group is for men who have been betrayed. They will receive resources to recover from betrayal trauma while being surrounded by a supportive community. Additional Resources from Choose Recovery Services: Choose To Be Podcast - This podcast focuses on helping women heal from infidelity and betrayal trauma. Road to Recovery - Free monthly webinar with Luke and Alana Gordon for couples navigating the relational aspects that come along the road to recovery. Healing Hearts - This group is for couples seeking healing after betrayal. It emphasizes the development of empathy, integrity, and authentic intimacy. Choose Healing - Weekly support group for women who have recently experienced betrayal and are needing help coping with the symptoms of trauma. First four weeks are free! Choose Renewal - For women recovering from unwanted sexual behavior. Focus on recovery and healing from patterns of sexual acting out in a safe, nurturing community. Resilient Teens - Ongoing support group for teens ages 15-18 whose parents have experienced betrayal in their marriage. Adult Children Uniting for Healing - Ongoing support group for adult children of parents who have experienced betrayal in their marriage and who need support navigating their own experience with betrayal. Learn more and register for courses at chooserecoveryservices.com
