"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." http://www.wcwonline.org/WCW-Blog/Latest www.peoplewho.org