Why You Keep Doing Things That Hurt You, with Dr. Daniel Hochman, Creator of Self Recovery Program

🔹 Want to break free? Be on the Unhooked Academy:https://form.typeform.com/to/I4WMlmdlWhat if addiction isn't actually about dopamine, genetics, or a lack of willpower?In this episode, I sit down with psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Hochman to explore a radically different way of understanding addiction and recovery.We discuss why people continue doing things they know are hurting them, why the traditional medical model often misses the bigger picture, and how addiction may be better understood as a learned pattern for regulating difficult internal states.We also dive into the powerlessness debate, the role of agency in recovery, the famous Rat Park experiment, Buddhist philosophy, neuroplasticity, and why true freedom comes from developing the ability to tolerate discomfort rather than constantly escaping it.If you've ever struggled with porn addiction, compulsive behaviors, cravings, or simply understanding why humans do things that work against their own best interests, this conversation will challenge the way you think about recovery.In this episode you'll learn:What addiction really isWhy people relapse despite knowing betterThe problem with the "powerless" mindsetHow agency accelerates recoveryWhat the Rat Park experiment teaches usWhy Buddhism offers powerful recovery toolsHow to build lasting freedom and self-masteryRecovery isn't about becoming a different person. It's about learning how to relate differently to yourself.If this episode helped you, share it with someone who needs it and subscribe for more conversations on recovery, discipline, freedom, and meaningful change.👉 Join Unhooked Academy and connect with a community of men committed to growth and recovery.🔹 Want personalized support? Book a free discovery call with Jeremy: https://www.unhookedacademy.com/introConnect with Jeremy:🌍 Website: JeremyLipkowitz.com📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremylipkowitz/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyLipkowitz📩 Email: [email protected]’s Online Course: Unhooked – Step-by-Step Guide to Quitting Porn: https://www.unhookedacademy.com/Connect with Dr. Daniel Hochman🌍 Website: https://www.selfrecovery.org/daniel-hochman-md/📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdanielhochman/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction05:17 What Is Addiction Really?07:34 A Better Definition of Addiction09:02 The Path Out of Addiction12:08 Buddhism and Recovery14:08 Are Addictions Genetic?19:10 Taking Ownership of Recovery20:00 The Problem With Powerlessness24:17 Agency, Neuroplasticity, and Change31:15 How Beliefs Shape Recovery42:05 Why Restraint Creates Freedom49:15 Why We Choose Short-Term Pleasure51:45 The Rat Park Experiment57:15 The First Step to Recovery01:02:15 Building Self-Trust Through Restraint01:02:50 Self Recovery Program & Final Thoughts