Recognize that empathy and compassion are crucial for human survival; strive to understand that another person’s suffering is akin to your own, regardless of differences in appearance or belief systems.
It is impossible to become addicted to a substance if you have never used it, so avoiding initial use eliminates the risk of developing an addiction.
Actively seek out healthy ways to activate your brain’s reward circuitry, such as exercise, to gain satisfaction and reinforce positive behaviors.
In recovery, actively create rewards around abstaining from addictive substances or behaviors, cognitively teaching yourself to find satisfaction and liking in sobriety.
Be aware that there is a genetic component to addiction, particularly with substances like alcohol, and consider family history when assessing personal risk.
Before trying a substance, especially as a young person, assess the inherent risk of developing an addiction, as even a single exposure can cause lasting changes in brain circuitry.
Understand that the dopamine system signals not only rewarding experiences but also painful or aversive stimuli, linking both to arousal and memory systems to help you remember important environmental events for survival.
Maintain proper hydration and adequate electrolyte intake (sodium, magnesium, potassium) for optimal brain and body function, as even slight dehydration can diminish cognitive and physical performance.
Dissolve one packet of Element in 16-32 ounces of water first thing in the morning and during any physical exercise to ensure proper hydration and electrolyte balance.
Engage in yoga nidra or non-sleep deep rest (NSDR) sessions, even for just 10 minutes, to greatly restore levels of cognitive and physical energy.
Explore meditation apps like Waking Up, which offer diverse programs including mindfulness, yoga nidra, and non-sleep deep rest (NSDR) protocols, to place the brain and body into different states.
Engage socially when experiencing pain, as social interaction can provide relief and reduce focus on discomfort, a phenomenon known as social buffering of pain.
Be aware that non-verbal social cues, such as touch or even a nod, can powerfully impact well-being, provide comfort, and offer a sense of connection, especially during times of pain or struggle.
Even when working with mentors, adopt a mindset of working for yourself and viewing them as colleagues from whom you can learn, fostering a sense of equality and ownership over your work.
Build confidence gradually over time by engaging in challenging work, developing a ’tougher and thicker skin’ to argue and defend your ideas, and realizing it’s okay to voice your opinions and beliefs.
Recognize that social media and digital communication capitalize on primitive reward mechanisms, leading to compulsive behaviors similar to addiction due to immediate feedback and the desire for recognition.
Understand that gambling capitalizes on the brain’s reward circuitry through intermittent rewards, which are very powerful and designed to keep individuals coming back despite potential losses.
Approach the use of psychedelics and MDMA with caution, recognizing they are not miracle cures and can lead to very bad experiences, emphasizing the need for rigorous, sophisticated, and ethical scientific study.