Why do we repeat the same actions, even knowing the experience will disappoint us? This is the topic of the second conversation with Professor Robertas Badaras on the podcast Beyond Economics and Back.

He reminds us that psychoactive substances create nothing new — they only exploit what already exists in the body, quickly depleting our neurotransmitters and sources of joy. A healthy lifestyle works the opposite way: it allows the body to naturally produce more serotonin and dopamine, so over time a person feels stronger and calmer.

The professor’s comparisons are cinematic. Winnie the Pooh enjoyed not the honey itself, but the moment just before tasting it — just like our brains: the biggest dopamine spike comes not from the experience itself, but from the anticipation. Soon after, the person can use their “honey” — the addictive substance. Understanding this can help us feel freer.

Iceland has shown that investing in children’s sports and leisure activities can prevent adolescent addiction epidemics. Simple daily rituals — a cup of coffee, a dance, a favorite hobby — can become not only small pleasures, but also protection against dangerous temptations.

In the podcast Beyond Economics and Back, toxicologist Prof. R. Badaras and LFMI president Elena Leontjeva discuss how our brains trick us, why habits are so powerful, and what we can do to stay strong.