The Dose Effect is a fascinating and well-researched exploration of how different substances impact the mind and body. The book balances science and storytelling in a way that’s both informative and engaging, making complex concepts easy to understand. Whether you're curious about the power of small doses or looking for a fresh perspective on health and performance, this is a must-read.

This research-based and inspiring book reveals revolutionary strategies for optimizing brain chemistry to improve mental health, manage stress, and boost overall well-being. Power highlights the impact of effortful activity on dopamine, social connection on oxytocin, nature and gut health on serotonin, and exercise and laughter on endorphins. It empowers readers to take control of their brain health.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dey Street Books for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I read The Dose Effect in two formats—half as an ARC on my phone and the other half as an audiobook after its official release. The book explores the impact of brain chemistry on emotions and behavior, aiming to make this topic accessible to a broad audience.

For someone new to the subject, this book could be incredibly helpful. It explains key neurotransmitters in a clear, understandable way, making brain chemistry feel relevant to everyday life. However, for those with prior knowledge in this area, the content might feel somewhat basic. I found that the same concepts were repeated multiple times without enough added depth, especially in terms of scientific studies and research.

While I understand that the book is meant to be approachable rather than overly technical, the writing style leaned a bit too far into the self-help genre for my taste. The frequent use of "I" and "You" made it feel more conversational than I prefer in a book on this topic. A slightly more neutral, research-backed tone would have made the information feel more substantial.

Overall, The Dose Effect is a solid introduction to brain chemistry for beginners but may not offer much new insight for those already familiar with the topic.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a solid book with a lot of promise. I think there's a lot of good info in here and lots of tips and tricks to help rewire our brains. I like how the author goes through each of the different chemicals and gives us different ways to improve those. There are a lot of ideas, and the author doesn't necessarily expect us to use it all, which I appreciate since it can be overwhelming.

I'm taking off a star for a couple reasons. First, at the start of every chapter there was a "rate yourself in this area from 1-10?" which got very repetitive, and wasn't tied up at the end of the book. What was the point of rating myself? How do I show improvement? It just seemed like filler to me.

The other reason I am taking off a star is because the author just expects that if you decide to put down your phone, the rest of your friends and family will follow suit. But that's not the case. I wish the author would give actionable steps for how to avoid the temptation when others are in their phone zone, or how to persuade or compromise with others.

The DOSE Effect: Optimize Your Brain and Body by Boosting Your Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins is an easy-to-read book by neuroscientist TJ Power. He explains how four key hormones, Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins (DOSE), affect bodily functions and how regulating these hormones will improve the quality of readers’ lives. He presents 20 small but practical, life-changing strategies to regulate these hormones.
Most of the material presented in The DOSE Effect is common sense and widely promoted guidance. However the author explains in very simple terms how these hormones work and why each recommended lifestyle modification will improve a reader’s productivity. I recommend this book for all age readers because it’s very informative and easy-to understand.
1. Dopamine: your motivation and attention chemical
2. Oxytocin: your relationships and confidence chemical
3. Serotonin: your mood and energy levels chemical
4. Endorphins: your stress reduction chemical

I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Dey Street books for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The DOSE Effect by TJ Power is a practical and easy-to-follow guide to understanding the four key hormones—Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins—that play a huge role in mental health and well-being. The book breaks down how these chemicals work and offers simple, actionable steps to improve them, like setting small goals for dopamine, building stronger connections for oxytocin, focusing on gut health for serotonin, and adding laughter and movement for endorphins.

What I appreciated most is how accessible and engaging the writing is. It takes something as complex as brain chemistry and makes it feel relatable and manageable. the advice is solid and easy to put into practice.

Overall, it’s an inspiring read with plenty of takeaways for anyone looking to improve their mental health and daily life. Thanks to NetGalley and Dey Street Books for the early copy!

I love learning about human behavior and examining the idea of "why are we the way that we are" - The Dose Effect was just that: a deep dive into how the chemicals of the brain impact the way humans work and behave. This is an equal parts scientific and easy to digest look at how these brain chemicals work and what to do in order to support our brains for the better!

The Dose Effect by Tj Power offers sound, evidence-based health advice tailored to young men. And the short chapters each ending with a challenge will appeal to this target audience. While the information seems reliable, the lack of references in the uncorrected proof made it difficult to fact-check the supporting articles. The book also seems to serve as a platform for promoting the author's business, which might be off-putting for some readers. But anyone who can get my teenage son to tidy his room to improve his dopamine levels has my seal of approval.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dey Street Books for giving me early access to this ebook for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

🧠✨ The DOSE Effect by TJ Power

As someone who is passionate about neuroscience and with a personal connection to mental health challenges like OCD, ADHD, and PTSD, The DOSE Effect hit home on so many levels. TJ Power crafts a guide that’s equal parts scientific, practical, and deeply empathetic, making complex concepts about brain chemistry feel accessible and empowering.

What makes this book stand out is its core framework: understanding and optimizing the four key hormones that regulate our mental and emotional well-being—Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins (DOSE). This structured approach makes it easy to understand how each of these chemicals influences our daily lives while offering actionable strategies to improve them.

Dopamine: The Motivation Driver
As someone managing ADHD, learning about Dopamine as the “motivation and attention chemical” was particularly enlightening. TJ Power breaks down how effortful activities, like setting small achievable goals or creating structured routines, can help naturally boost Dopamine levels. His insights gave me a better understanding of why certain tasks feel rewarding and how to manage the inevitable dips in focus and drive.

Oxytocin: The Connection Builder
This section resonated deeply due to its focus on relationships and social confidence, areas often affected by OCD and PTSD. Power emphasizes the importance of fostering meaningful connections to enhance Oxytocin levels and shares approachable ways to do so, like practicing gratitude and being more present in interactions. His emphasis on the role of touch, trust, and communication felt like a gentle reminder of the power of human connection, even when mental health struggles make it challenging.

Serotonin: The Mood Regulator
Power’s discussion of Serotonin felt like a revelation, particularly his focus on gut health and exposure to nature. For those battling anxiety or mood swings, his advice to integrate mindful eating habits and spend time in green spaces is not only scientifically sound but also refreshingly simple. The connection between physical and mental well-being is something I’ve read about before, but his explanations gave me a clear roadmap to implement these ideas in everyday life.

Endorphins: The Stress Relievers
The Endorphins section might be my favorite, especially his emphasis on the benefits of laughter and physical activity. As someone navigating the stressors tied to mental health conditions, the idea that small bursts of joy and exertion can create lasting impacts on brain chemistry was incredibly motivating. His advice on incorporating movement and humor into daily routines felt both practical and achievable.

Why The DOSE Effect is a Game-Changer
What sets this book apart is its actionable approach to biohacking your brain chemistry. Power doesn’t just explain why these hormones are important—he offers clear, research-backed steps to boost them. Whether it’s through mindfulness, exercise, fostering social bonds, or simply laughing more, these strategies feel tailor-made for real-life application.

His writing style is another highlight—Power blends cutting-edge science with relatable anecdotes, making neuroscience feel less intimidating and more like a tool you can wield to improve your life. The book’s tone is inspiring yet grounded, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to optimize their mental health, productivity, or general happiness.

Final Thoughts
The DOSE Effect isn’t just a book; it’s a toolkit for transforming how you understand and manage your mental well-being. For someone like me, navigating OCD, ADHD, and PTSD, it felt like a lifeline—a reminder that even small changes can create meaningful, lasting improvements in brain chemistry. If you’re curious about the neuroscience of happiness and want practical ways to thrive, this book is a must-have.

Who else feels like biohacking your brain is the ultimate self-care? Let’s discuss! 🙌✨

Thank you to NetGalley, TJ Power, and Dey Street Books for the eARC of this informative and enlightening book.