Arthur Brooks sober since age 38
Arthur Brooks stopped drinking at age 38 after recognising he didn't like being alone in his own head, describing it as the hardest step in recovery.
Snapshot · Modern Wisdom
Something Is Very Wrong With Modern Life - Arthur Brooks - #1109
Explore episode
Jun 11, 2026
Where this was said
How to Escape the Doom Loop
At 1:05:58 · chapter starts 1:03:47
Escaping technology addiction requires three steps: get angry enough to rebel, stop the behaviour, and learn to be home in your own head again. Brooks shares his own sobriety story as an example. [1] — Arthur Brooks "Escaping any addiction — including technology — requires three steps: get angry enough to rebel, stop the behaviour with a specific algorit…" 1:04:47
The Three Steps to Escape Any Addiction
Escaping any addiction — including technology — requires three steps: get angry enough to rebel, stop the behaviour with a specific algorithm, and then learn to live with yourself again. The third step is the hardest because it means being home in your own head.
96-hour phone fast recommended yearly
Arthur Brooks recommends 96 hours per year of complete technology fasting, noting that by day four people typically feel a state of bliss.
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