Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
4.5 | 12,004 ratings
Price: 12.19
Last update: 12-22-2025
Product details
- Publisher : Dutton
- Publication date : January 3, 2023
- Language : English
- Print length : 304 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1524746746
- ISBN-13 : 978-1524746742
- Item Weight : 8 ounces
- Reading age : 1 year and up
- Dimensions : 5.3 x 0.85 x 7.93 inches
- Best Sellers Rank:#1,396 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Sociological Study of Medicine
- Medical Clinical Psychology
- Sociology Reference
- Customer Reviews:4.54.5 out of 5 stars(11,934)
Top reviews from the United States
- jenniferMust read!This book has without a doubt changed the trajectory of my life. I strongly urge anyone who feels like they may be teetering about and struggling to find motivation to pick up this book. The chances are that you are in need of a good dopamine detox. I am so grateful I came across this book. I am no longer addicted to my phone! Good riddance
- Naysuper interestingAwesome read. Enjoyed the anecdotes of real addicted, including the author. Highlighted insightful tips and inspiring messages. This has already helped me
- DocEdwardGreat overview of the dopamine conundrumThis introduces the idea of the dopamine generation in a very straightforward way. Above average research was put into this book, but it is quite easy to read. I would recommend this for those who want to get an in-depth understanding of just how this dopamine cycle has overtaken us with digital marketing and social media.
- Emile HernandezAmazing "Life Changing" book pick it up!2. Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
Summary:
I read Dopamine Nation over the course of 3 days not really spending too much time as its not a lengthy book. Authored by Dr. Anna Lembke, it explores the neurochemical basis of pleasure, addiction, and how to cultivate balance in a world of constant instant gratification. As someone who actively manages technology use and practices mindfulness, I found her research-based insights both validating and eye-opening. I saw her in many youtube interviews and decided to pick it up
Context of Use:
Applied “dopamine fasting” exercises suggested in the final chapters specifically, 24-hour breaks from social media twice in the past month.
Shared quotes with friends to spark group discussion on digital minimalism.
Pros:
Well Researched: Each chapter cites peer-reviewed studies, case examples from Dr. Lembke’s clinic, and personal anecdotes that make the science relatable.
Actionable Exercises: Provides clear, stepwise plans for “dopamine fasts,” daily gratitude practices, and tools for managing cravings easy to implement without additional resources.
Accessible Writing: Although it contains medical terminology, Dr. Lembke balances complexity with straightforward language, so you won’t need a clinical background to follow along.
Cons:
Occasional Repetition: A few concepts like the role of opioids versus dopamine in addiction are reiterated multiple times, making some sections perhaps feel a bit drawn out to some readers. I found it quite interesting though!
Impersonal Tone at Times: The case studies, while informative, can feel somewhat clinical; it may lack deeper emotional narratives that some readers prefer in self-help books.
Limited Coverage of New Tech: Written before the full rise of TikTok reels and AI-personality chatbots, so certain modern platforms aren’t discussed in depth. - Nathan RumansSeek the balanceOur world is oversaturated with dopamine inducing stimulus. This book does a great job discussing the challenges we all face on a daily basis with these situations and how easy it is to fall into addiction. I found her section related to the connection between pleasure and pain very insightful. I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with focus, addiction, or feelings of restlessness.
- Neil HartTimely read in my time of needIt is a good mix of scientific data and anecdotal data. I enjoy the author's sharing of her own struggles with addiction. I particularly appreciate the practical application so readers can take their first steps toward recovery and maybe even help others do the same as well.
- Michael WilliamsOverall good read!Very sound insights into some very pertinent issues of our day. The information and thoughts about dopamine were invaluable and caused me to consider how I live. Will be making a huge dent in my social media activity. I also found the information on dopamine helpful in what I do for a living as a therapist. I thought that was done masterfully in this book. My criticism is that at times the book was written in a disjointed way as the writer moved from sun jest to subject, at times there were a couple sections that seemed completely out of place. Also, for the last third of the book I felt it stepped away from the topic of dopamine altogether. But again, overall a very worthwhile read. Kudos to Dr. Lembke!
- Amazon CustomerWished this was betterI thought that this book could’ve been way better written. I did not like that the author was comparing her obsession with exotica fiction books to people with harmful addictions. Most of the theories and research in this book it not from the writer and there’s so many sources cited I can’t understand how this came about. There was potential to lean more into social media and how it’s effecting people in this modern era but it just wasn’t that. Overall very disappointing book.