In this episode with award-winning journalist and author Maia Szalavitz challenges the idea that addiction is simply about pleasure or willpower. Instead, she explains addiction as compulsive behavior that continues despite negative consequences — and shows why withdrawal, dependence, and addiction are not the same thing.

The conversation explores “wanting” versus “liking,” why dopamine is misunderstood, how social media and AI can exploit reward systems, and why punishment often fails. Ultimately, Szalavitz argues that recovery depends less on tough love and more on connection, purpose, safety, and care.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Addiction: Definitions and Mechanisms

10:43 The Role of Dopamine in Addiction

14:18 Addiction as a Learning Disorder

16:22 Substance vs. Experience: The Nature of Addiction