Two Words: Dopamine Addiction

Dopamine addiction, while not technically possible, may be a root cause for many of the internal/life struggles we encounter. Most professionals typically describe this situation as a dependency rather than an addiction. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter created naturally in the human body. It is designed to regulate several body systems within a healthy human so they can support one another and keep the body working well. Most experts say that it is not possible to become addicted to dopamine. This is a respected and likely true assertion. BUT… It is possible to become accustomed or acclimated to the life experiences and tasks that help generate dopamine in the body. My disclaimer here, I am not a medically trained individual with any more professional knowledge in this area than most of you. I am, however, an individual in search of personal Peace and Happiness with a strong willingness and personal desire to change and grow as a person, with the end game of being a happier and generally a better person. So, let’s continue.

Activities such as eating a great meal, extreme physical activity such as a lengthy cardio workout, sex…. (Yes, sex can trigger the body to create and release dopamine), drug use (generally described as the recreational use of illegal substances), alcohol use, and environments where the body is subjected to a constant barrage of high stress situations where there may be little or no reduction in those stressors, all contribute to the creation and synthesis of dopamine. To be honest, just about every physical or emotional task, behavior, or activity has the potential to flood your body with dopamine. Constantly forcing the body to create extreme levels of domain may be damaging as well.

Your question now may be, why should this matter to me? Well, a constant and high-level release of dopamine in the human body has been theorized to have negative effects on the overall health of the individual. Too much dopamine may affect the functioning of the kidneys, pancreas, brain health, ability of an individual to retain some physical and mental functions as we age, fatigue, and much more. Dopamine imbalance may also play a role in the exacerbation of symptoms for individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, ADHD, chronic pain, dementia, and some mental health issues.

Another thought is whether Dopamine addiction/dependency is just another hoax or possibly just another trend in the mental health industry. Has this all been hyped up? That’s for you to decide. Thinking back over the past 30+ years, I have personally seen and experienced a few “trending” mental health treatments designed to aid the person in finding happiness, finding wellbeing, and creation of a general sense of personal peace. (And in a few instances, designed to line the pockets of the person that promoted them) Ideas such as biofeedback, auto-hypnosis, mindfulness, certain types of guided meditation, a host of injectable (legal) concoctions, and other treatments came, some stayed, but many went away. Another disclaimer, some of these trends were proven beneficial and continue to be used, discussed and researched even today.

What does a person look like and how might they act when they are out of dopamine balance?

• They may be cranky.
• Exhibit wide mood swings.
• Often late for meetings or other important events.
• They may suffer from insomnia.
• They may appear depressed.
• May be highly reactive/ dramatic.
• etc…

So now that I know a little about dopamine addiction/dependency, what do I do with this newfound information? Likely, nothing. If you aren’t in a state of personal/professional or emotional chaos, then you are probably good with dopamine in your body. If you are, like me, in a constant state of chaos, whether personal or professional, then you may want to reflect on your stressors and consider a little personal work to aide your body in regulating your dopamine. It’s really personal and fully in your control to begin this journey.

How do I regulate dopamine? Some experts say you can do these things to aid the body in the creation and regulation of dopamine.

• Practice setting and honoring boundaries.
• Undertake personal mindfulness activities
• Practice calming behaviors such as deep breathing or meditation.
• Get the right amount of sleep for you.
• Listen to your body, learn what your triggers are and actively participate in work to be emotionally present.

If I do this, what can I expect to happen? In time and with a bit of practice, you may see and feel a higher sense of personal awareness. You may find yourself pausing, from time to time, to reflect on you and the situation to allow for a more meaningful and kinder engagement with others. Your closest family, friends, and co-workers may compliment you on a change they noticed. You may feel rested and may actually have MORE time to do the things you want to do. I’m certain, no person would disagree that these possible outcomes are desirable. There are many more positive effects of learning to regulate your dopamine. The decision to undertake this process lies with you. My hope is that you will, at least, test this process in your life. Whether you fully “buy in” to all the hype, or simply take a part of it and use that for self-exploration, just do something.

I hope you can see; I’m talking to you as much as I am talking to myself. Remember, we are all in this together. Lets’ try to be a little better today. On reflection, writing this blog is part of my own mindfulness journey. It keeps me honest with myself and allows me to explore me, for all I am. Thank You for coming along for the ride. I do appreciate you. Please comment if you feel the need. I’d love to hear your experiences with mindfulness or anything else I mentioned today. Are you a self-professed dopamine junky? I hope you have a happy day and hope to see you soon. Bye Y’all.