Excellent.

I've been a psychotherapist for over 30 years. I've been studying and thinking about this stuff for over 40 years. This guy has a clarity that is admirable and a slant on the material that is novel. I never read or listen to books more than once any more. This one made me think. I WILL listen to it again.

185 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Great book for anyone

I have a family member who has a major addiction problem and was listening to this to better understand that person. I walked away understanding myself far better. Very very fascinating book if you are an inquisitive person. It's like a feast of interesting information that applies to yourself whether it's behavioral addiction or a medical addiction. Cool course.

105 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

I did not want to listen to these lectures

Because I didn't want to give up drinking. But it did a great job of explaining the neurological reasons for all kinds of addictions. I've heard about the alcoholic gene since childhood from my worried mother. but the professor's presentation is clear, fascinating and totally nonjudgmental. He has an engaging personality and obvious curiosity that make complex science digestible. If you are trying to quit anything, listen to this. Let your brain help you heal your brain.

88 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Enlightening and absorbing.

This course exceeded my expectations and has given me insight into understanding the problems and difficulties of those trying to recover from addictions of any kind. I am inspired to listen to it again as it has equipped me to grasp the reasons why recovery from addiction, of many kinds, is so seemingly impossible for some sufferers and knowing what I now know I can be support with confidence and genuine hope. Thank you .

86 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Wonderful start to understanding the neuroscience behind the most destructive behaviors of our time

As a family physician that works in an inner city urban clinic I deal with the consequences of obesity, alcoholism, tobacco, diabetes, violence, and even pornography. When I was in medical school we learned about these as problems but did not learn about the neural pathways of the addiction reward system that impact or directly buttress them.

Dr. Polk does an amazing job of filling in the back story of many of the main behavioral problems we see in primary care. He is fascinating and keeps your attention throughout.

It also would be good for any person seeking better understandings of their addictions/cravings in hopes of renewing the attitudes of their minds. So for me the education had a dual purpose.

He simplifies the basic addiction reward circuits in the brain which can help even a lay person to understand and explain things like tolerance, craving/wanting, and liking/pleasure.

Five stars!!!

60 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

The addictive brain

A wonderful and informative overview of addiction that covers drugs like opiates, amphetamines, alcohol and nicotine, as well as compulsive behaviors like gambling. Not only did I learn a vast amount about the neurological implications of addiction, I became more sensitive to the struggles of addicts to change their behavior. An excellent investment of my time.

51 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Biology of Addictions

Good course. The lectures are given mostly from the perspective of biology or physiology, but also touches on the psychology of it. Presented well, but I was hoping for more a more in depth look at gambling, pornography, and video games. Ironically, these 3 things he covers only briefly at the very end of the course. That being said, it's still a great course about why people become addicted.

44 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Very interesting and in depth

His was an extraordinary in depth study of the brain, substances and how everything interacted with each other. Wonderful course to listen too. Also offers nice tips on how to combat certain types of addiction.

43 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Excellent review of the underlying mechanics of all addictions

An intuitive and principled discussion of the physiological and psychological mechanisms of all addictions from overeating, gambling and porn to alcohol and opioids. Treatment by drugs and psychiatry are discussed.

33 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Heroin, Cocaine, Caffeine and Video Games!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Addictive Brain to be better than the print version?

N/A

What did you like best about this story?

This Great Course lecture gave me a lot of interesting biological and scientific research about addiction.

Have you listened to any of Professor Thad A. Polk, Ph.D.’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to many Great Courses. I found Dr. Polk's delivery to be clear and very informed. He has no annoying vocal ticks and he speaks enthusiastically.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was quite fascinated as Dr. Polk explained just how several drugs from caffeine to heroin affected the human brain. He explained exactly how a variety of drugs interact with our bodies and how addictions form.

Any additional comments?

This Great Course gives a lot of information in only six hours.

29 personnes ont trouvé cela utile