“Stress Addiction” explores the often-overlooked phenomenon of being addicted to stress, detailing how chronic stress can fuel addictive behaviors and negatively impact well-being. The book argues that many individuals unknowingly seek out or maintain high-stress situations, mistaking it for productivity or ambition. This reliance stems from the neurochemical reward pathways activated by stress hormones, creating a dependence similar to substance addiction. The book addresses how to recognize this pattern and understand the evolutionary reasons behind our stress responses, which have become maladaptive in modern society.
The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of chronic stress on various physiological systems, such as the cardiovascular, immune, and digestive systems, as well as its psychological toll, including anxiety and depression. It also offers practical strategies for breaking the stress addiction cycle, including mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and lifestyle modifications designed to promote resilience.
The book progresses from defining stress addiction and its roots to exploring its impacts and finally offering concrete tools for self-help and stress management.
