# The Hungry Ghost Effect: Why Nothing Ever Feels Like Enough in Addiction With Jeremy L

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/sisters-in-sobriety-6679709/the-hungry-ghost-effect-why-nothing-ever-feels-like-enough-in-addiction-with-jeremy-l
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/sisters-in-sobriety-6679709/the-hungry-ghost-effect-why-nothing-ever-feels-like-enough-in-addiction-with-jeremy-l.md
Podcast: [Sisters In Sobriety](https://stenobird.com/podcast/sisters-in-sobriety-6679709)
Published: 2026-04-27T09:51:00+00:00
Episode link: https://soniakahlon6344.podbean.com/e/the-hungry-ghost-effect-why-nothing-ever-feels-like-enough-in-addiction-with-jeremy-l/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gsryepqx2x6pkw63/JeremyEpi.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/sisters-in-sobriety-6679709/episodes/the-hungry-ghost-effect-why-nothing-ever-feels-like-enough-in-addiction-with-jeremy-l
Duration seconds: 4285

## Resource

Sonia sits down with Jeremy Lipkowitz to unpack addiction, dopamine, and the hidden patterns behind compulsive behaviors—from alcohol to everyday habits. They dive into the questions most people avoid: What actually drives compulsive behavior? Why does dopamine keep us chasing more instead of feeling satisfied? How do perfectionism, shame, and high achievement intersect with addiction? And what happens when we swap one coping mechanism for another—alcohol for work, porn, social media, or even productivity? They also explore how habits quietly escalate and how identity becomes entangled in addiction. Jeremy breaks down neuroplasticity and how repeated behaviors wire the brain, reinforcing cycles of craving and avoidance. He reframes dopamine as the chemical of wanting—not pleasure—and explains how this fuels the loop of desire. The conversation introduces tools like urge surfing, mindfulness, and creating space between stimulus and response, alongside a deeper look at emotional avoidance, shame, and the “hungry ghost” cycle of never feeling like enough. They also demystify meditation—what it actually is, and how to practice it without perfection. The episode also traces Jeremy’s personal turning point—from a high-achieving student battling insecurity and compulsive behaviors to discovering meditation and a new definition of fulfillment. As Sonia reflects on her own patterns in real time, the conversation becomes a powerful example of what it looks like to pause, notice, and choose differently. This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks and resources. TIME-STAMPED HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Introduction to Jeremy Lipkowitz and his work in addiction recovery01:30 – Jerem…

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