The dopamine brain: balancing pleasure and purpose in life

Have you ever felt like you’re lacking control over certain habits? Are you curious about the neuroscience behind addictive behaviours? What if you could understand how the brain works, and use that knowledge to regain control over your habits and lead a more fulfilling life? Social media, shopping, eating, sex, drugs and gambling are just some of the things that can trigger a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that is involved in the brain’s reward system. The overindulgence of certain pursuits can disrupt the level of dopamine in our brain, which can steer us towards habits that do not align with our core values. Dr Anastasia Hronis’ session will speak about dopamine, how it can shape our behaviours, and what we can do to live a life balancing both pleasure and purpose.

Presenters

Dr Anastasia Hronis B Psych (Hons), M Clin Psych, AMusA, LMusA, Ph.D, Clinical Psychologist

Anastasia is a clinical psychologist, working across both clinical practice and academia. She is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, and conducts research in the areas of addictions, intellectual disabilities and rural mental health. Anastasia has published her research in top rated academic journals, and has spoken at conferences around the world. Anastasia is also the founder of the Australian Institute for Human Wellness, an organisation dedicated to meeting the growing need for innovation in supporting mental health and wellbeing. The clinic is based in Sydney, and sees thousands of people per year, with a range of psychological needs.

In 2024, Anastasia published the book, The Dopamine Brain, with Penguin Books Aus & NZ. Within seven months, it reached “best seller” status, and is currently being translated into seven other languages. Aside from her work in psychology, Anastasia has a background as a concert pianist, having performed at the Sydney Opera House, and Carnegie Hall in New York.