when dealing with addictions, why does it feel like this is going to be the last time, when we think about indulging in it.
The feeling that indulging in addictive behavior will be the "last time" is often tied to psychological mechanisms involved in addiction. However, I currently don't have specific clips from Huberman Lab on this exact topic available. Generally, this belief can be attributed to a combination of factors:
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Cognitive Dissonance: The discomfort of holding two conflicting beliefs—wanting to quit and continuing the addiction—leads individuals to rationalize their behavior, promising themselves this is the last time.
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Impulse Control: Addictive substances and behaviors impact the brain's reward system, often resulting in impulsive decision-making where the immediate reward outweighs long-term intentions.
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Habituation: Repeated exposure to addictive substances can create strong habits, where the decision to indulge is almost automatic, accompanied by justifications to maintain self-image.
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Emotional Relief: The temporary relief or pleasure provided by the addictive behavior creates a cycle where individuals convince themselves they can manage it better after one more time.
These aspects are often dealt with through counseling and cognitive behavioral strategies in addiction recovery programs. For a more detailed understanding, listening to experts like Andrew Huberman could provide deeper insights when they cover addiction-related topics on the Huberman Lab.
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