Dopamine and The Lust for More
Every week Salome is greeted by the members before church with a question. “Hey Salome, are you singing this week?” Salome is the lead vocalist of his local church choir. A great young man, tall, former college athlete, graduating amongst the highest in his class. His hybrid voice resonating so emphatically across generational lines singing traditional, classic and gospel music genres to the awe of those who gathered in church weekly. A charismatic and inviting personality, born to a two-parent hard working, God-fearing family he and his family were well known in the community. One day while I was home, my phone rang in the early morning and as answered I was informed “Salome was killed last night.”
Salome was stabbed to death as part of a drug deal gone bad over a $20 bag of cocaine he was trying to purchase. Many knew Salome once had a problem with drugs, but we were all convinced and shocked to learn he did not overcome his drug use. Later, we would learn he just wanted a fix because of a traumatic life experience he was facing, and he desired one more hit.
Drugs are one of the factors addressed in the book The Molecule of More, authored by Daniel Lieberman and Michael Long; the book gives an in-depth look at the pleasure molecule dopamine. Lieberman is a psychiatrist who specializes in treating addiction and emotional disorders like depression. He also serves as an educator, teaching at the School of Psychiatry at George Washington University. Long is a trained physicist and an educator as well with many writings. He is the director of writing for Georgetown University’s graduate program in public relations.
The authors describe dopamine as a driving force in the major areas of life. They also present the differences between two neurochemical systems: the “dopamine system” (focused on desire and anticipation) and the “here-and-now (H&N) neurotransmitters” (like serotonin and oxytocin, which promote contentment and connection). Looking back at Salome’s tragedy will uncover his desire and anticipation, which was strongly linked to the dopamine system. This is highlighted as Lieberman and Long state, “Drug abuse is like cancer: it starts small but can quickly take over every aspect of a user’s life.” [1]
Dopamine also has a creative side as well fueling innovation, ambition, and forward thinking. Lieberman and long also point to how this molecule is an influencer in the realm of possibilities. It is the go-between for possibilities and reality. This also plays out in a person’s dreams. When we dream, science states we are released from H&N neurotransmitters, which block freedom from the outside world, opening the flood gates for dopamine to flow freely. “the trivial, the unnoticed and the odd can be elevated to positions of prominence, supplying us with new ideas that otherwise would have been impossible to discover.” {2}
The need for more is contagious. We see the dopamine trend play out in the public spotlight amongst celebrities, athletes, entertainers, and even down to lottery winners. As many are atop a pinnacle of success, we see, hear, and read of the repeated stories of the crash and burn of people who squander and subsequently lose large amounts of money. The common denominator within most of these is the failure to harness the irresistible urge for more. (houses, money, jewelry, cars, clothes, etc.)
Studies show that the above examples would all become victims of dopaminergic excitement, which is the thrill of anticipation. Lieberman and Bird suggest the dopamine thrill becomes lost when expectations are unmet and letdown takes place. “The thrilling mystery of the unknown becomes the boring familiarity of the everyday.” {3]
It would be interesting to parallel last week’s reading on Grit to The Molecule of More. My thought centers on the dopamine effect on grit. If I could pose a suggestion for future study, I would love to see Angela Duckworth return to West Point to examine if there is a linkage to grit and dopamine. More specifically, how much dopamine could play a part in the grittiest of people?
Richard E. Cytowic wasn’t too high on dopamine in his book critique. He believes The Molecule of More misses the mark, arguing; “conflation of correlation with causation is a feature felt throughout the book. Suggestions for “further reading” follow each chapter. But these do not make up for the absence of references linked to specific assertions within the text, making it impossible for readers to weigh evidence.” [4}
I found Cytowic’s opinion of the book to be both credible and questionable. Cytowic is a professor of Neurology at George Washington University, the same institution Lieberman teaches at. I personally appreciated the book because it caused me to introspection on my life.
As I reflect upon certain seasons, I could easily find myself guilty and pinpoint where dopamine tendencies dominated my mental, emotional, and financial well-being. Short-sightedness and the need for more were parts of my journey and everyday ritual that negatively impacted me. I could also lay hold of several other ways the dopamine factor has resulted in a positive outcome in my life. In the end, I believe balance is critical but there must be a healthy balance between ambition and decision.
[1] Daniel Z. Lieberman., and Michael E. Long. The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity-and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race. First trade paperback edition. Dallas, TX: BenBella Books, 2019. 37.
[2] ] Lieberman and Long, 129.
[3] Lieberman and Long, 79.
[4] Daniel Z. Lieberman,. “The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity―and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race.” A Book Review by Richard Cytowic: The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity―and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race. BenBella Books, August 14, 2018. Last modified August 14, 2018. Accessed November 22, 2024. https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/molecule-more.
About the Author
Daren Jaime
15 responses to “Dopamine and The Lust for More”
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Gosh Daren, sorry about your friend Salome. My heart breaks. Thank you for the blog.
Reflecting on Salome’s tragedy and the insights from The Molecule of More, how can individuals and communities better address the balance between ambition and contentment, especially in moments of vulnerability where dopamine-driven desires might lead to destructive choices?
Hey Glyn! Without sounding too preachy, Ecclesiastes reminds us that to everything there is a season. Understanding the seasons paves the way to living a balanced life. Balancing life and being patient with the process is hard for many, yours truly included!
There needs to be an intentionality on the part of leadership in teaching contentment. Sadly, capitalism has driven us as a society. Ambition is great but contentment is equally as important. I am reminded of a time as a pastor I felt the necessity of getting projects launched and completed in the church and someone close to me put me on pause. They said to stop and appreciate where you are and how far you have come. Your momentum may drive people in the wrong direction if you don’t put a pause so the ministry can re-calibrate.
Ambition without alignment with personal values can also lead to dissatisfaction, as achievements might feel hollow. Taking the time to appreciate the achievements can be helpful. Helping people to understand the worth of contentment cannot be lost. The apostle Paul reminds us he knew how to live both high and low.
Learning to be satisfied and content is the foundation of making good decisions and personal choices. Mindfulness practices such as meditation and prayer can also help ground us in the present moment. Allowing the Spirit to speak to us while learning that saying NO is a viable and credible option we can choose in our daily walk and personal choices.
Hi Daren, I like your comment on balance. As you pause to reflect on the ministry at your church can you sense how God might be prepping you and your congregation for the next journey you take together?
Daren, I’m so sorry for your loss and the loss of all those who loved Salome. Yes, there is great information in the book about how dopamine affects addiction. Are you having these kinds of conversations with any in your church or community? I find that when I understand WHY something happens, it empowers me to make better choices.
Hi Debbie, I discussed this in my response to Glyn. Yes, we have conversations about desire and will. We just concluded a Bible Study on understanding God’s sovereign and permissive will.
God grants us the desires of our hearts—but he really does not. This only occurs when we give our hearts to him. Unbeknownst to some, when this occurs, our hearts become the hearts of God, and we will make choices and decisions that glorify him.
Teaching people to allow God to control their desires is critical and also a fruit of the Spirit. So, these conversations are being had, and hearts are becoming attuned to the will of God rather than our personal desires. There is nothing wrong with having personal desires, but it is wrong to leave God out.
Hi Debbie, I discussed this in my response to Glyn. Yes, we have conversations about desire and will. We just concluded a Bible Study on understanding God’s sovereign and permissive will.
God grants us the desires of our hearts—but he really does not. This only occurs when we give our hearts to him. Unbeknownst to some, when this occurs, our hearts become the hearts of God, and we will make choices and decisions that glorify him.
Teaching people to allow God to control their desires is critical and also a fruit of the Spirit. So, these conversations are being had, and hearts are becoming attuned to the will of God rather than our personal desires. There is nothing wrong with having personal desires, but it is wrong to leave God out.
Hi Daren, I echo the comments above. Salome’s death is tragic. This must have been very hard for you and your church family. No pastor wants that phone call. I agree with you. There are moments when I am controlled by dopamine-driven focus and neglect the here and now. There is a need for balance. Do you have any specific life practices that help you maintain the dopamine and H&N balance? Are you able to easily recognize when you are off-balance? Thank you for this great post.
Hey Elysse! Thank you for this. Confession is good for the soul. I can say I am off track when I am not spiritually in sync with the busyness of life and ministry and when I am not creating enough time for prayer and stillness. I am most grounded when I am consistently in the word, not for preaching but for spiritual sustenance. When I get away from this I have a tendency to get off track, becoming frustrated and flustered and tired all in the same. So yes, with growth, I can discern much better when I am off track, but I also recognize what I need to do to get realigned.
Hi Darren,
As a Senior Pastor with a very active life and frequent travels, what biblical principles do you apply to balance the drive for future achievements with the need for present contentment and satisfaction? Do you have a favorite verse you tell yourself similar to “I Got This”?” My verse is Psalm 61:2.
Sorry Daren, this is such a loaded question.
Hey Shela! Not so loaded. This passage in Matthew 6:31-34 calms the dopamine drive within me:
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the gentiles who seek all these things, and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Daren, this is such a tragic story. Thanks for sharing your experience with someone who has struggled with addiction. I appreciate the work you do as a pastor.
How might the work in this book impact your pastoral work with others who are struggling with addictions?
Hey Graham! Thank you very much. Addictions often hijack our neuro and emotional systems, making it difficult for a person to feel satisfaction or control. We as pastors can use this understanding to emphasize that addiction is not solely a moral failing but a neurochemical challenge, fostering a sense of both grace and empathy.
Pastors can be a great source of direction in leading individuals toward spiritual practices as I mentioned above which strengthen their connection to others and God’s will and purpose for our lives. This can reduce the focus on self-centered dopamine drives. As we reflect on scripture, engaging in prayer and other mindfulness practices can help foster the “here-and-now” contentment associated with oxytocin and serotonin that Lieberman and Long point out.
Daren, I echo the others sentiments about Salome. Thank you for sharing his story and I am sorry for his loss. May God continue to heal the hearts of his family and friends.
Was there anything you learned in “Molecule of More” that you wish you would have known when you walked through this with his family and your church?
Hi Kari! Thanks for asking. Yes, understanding dopamine is a motivator; as a pastor, I could have recognized it earlier and possibly helped individuals channel this drive into healthier pursuits, like serving others, creative endeavors, or personal growth.
Presently, we have a ministry in the church that deals with recovery, organized by persons who have been through this challenge. This has led to better interpersonal relationships and intervention before an individual hits derailment.
Daren, thank you for the thought-provoking post. How can communities better support individuals like Salome, who appear to be thriving but struggle privately with addiction, to ensure they find lasting healing and balance between ambition and well-being?