Mysteries of the Mind | Episode #20 | “Addiction and Social Connection”

Most of us think that addiction comes from the power of a drug, or substance. Once we’re in it’s thrall, we’ll do anything to get more. In fact, research has shown (e.g. Johann Hari’s book, Chasing the Scream) that addicts recover when they feel part of a community and when they have a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives, especially in their work lives. As Hari says, “The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, it’s connection.”