The AAPP Foundation was proud to sponsor the kick-off keynote session for AAPP 2026, presented by Dr. Anna Lembke, author of the book, Dopamine Nation. Dr. Lembke presented a session titled The Pleasure Pain Balance in a Dopamine Overloaded World that invigorated attendees and reminded everyone to take a break from their phones.
In today’s dopamine-saturated world, many people find themselves stuck in cycles of overconsumption that leave them feeling more stressed, anxious, or depressed. Dr. Lembke explored how the brain tries to maintain a balance between pleasure and pain and what happens when that balance is repeatedly pushed by high-dopaminergic rewards, substances, or habits. Attendees learned about homeostatis disuption due to chronic intoxicant exposure, dopamine fasting as a practical way to reset reward pathways, and the science of hormesis, the intentional pursuit of pain/discomfort to improve mood and reduce pain.
Psychiatric pharmacists walked away with practical insights to better understand patient behaviors and support healthier coping strategies, including Dr. Lembke's recommended 24-hour phone-free challenge. Enjoy select slides from the session!
