"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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