"In an ideal worldone that understands the
centrality of healthy relationship to health and
wellnessthe dopamine reward system stays
connected to
<http://www.jbmti.org/Our-Work/relational-cultural-theory>human
connection as the primary source of stimulation.
Unfortunately, we do not live in this ideal
world. We live in a culture that actively
undermines this precious dopamine-relationship
connection. We raise children to stand on their
own two feet while the separate self is an
American icon of maturity. It is making us sick.
This disconnection is a set-up for
<http://www.helpguide.org/harvard/how-addiction-hijacks-the-brain.htm>addiction
as we search for other sources of dopamine. The
“other sources” look shockingly similar to the
list of common cultural complaintsovereating and
obesity, drug and alcohol abuse, consumerism,
chronic hooking up. Not only do these addictive,
destructive behaviors get paired to the dopamine
reward system but they create a feedback loop of
isolation that pushes people towards more addictions.
Without healthy relationships we each become like
the rats in Skinners boxseeking dopamine from
all the wrong places. Let’s rewire our brains for
the healthy relationships and connections that
reward us with positive energy and motivation."
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