Addiction Quote by Brené Brown
““I knew this was a critically important finding in my research, so I spent several hundred interviews trying to better understand the consequences of numbing and how taking the edge off behaviors is related to addiction. Here’s what I learned: Most of us engage in behaviors (consciously or not) that help us to numb and take the edge of off vulnerability, pain, and discomfort. Addiction can be described as chronically and compulsively numbing and taking the edge off of feelings. We cannot selectively numb emotions. When we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Daring Greatly, 2012
People numb pain and pleasure alike, leading to addiction; we cannot selectively numb emotions without affecting positive feelings.
In simple terms: Numbing affects all emotions, fostering addiction.
Key Takeaway
Seek healthy ways to process discomfort.
Themes
addiction
emotion
vulnerability
self‑awareness
healing
Mood
candid
encouraging
Type
psychological
self‑help
When to use this quote
- therapy
- mindfulness practice
- support groups
- emotional education
Key Concepts
Psychology
behavioral science
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions do you tend to numb?
- How can you face vulnerability safely?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding pain may limit growth; confronting discomfort is challenging.
