Dopamine Addiction: Myths Vs. Facts

What Is Dopamine?

Dopamine is a pleasure-enhancing chemical in the brain, and the more it is released, the more the individual wants to seek out that euphoric feeling. Dopamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its association with addiction has been long understood, and it is the neurotransmitter that has been classically associated with the reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse.¹

It is now believed that dopamine has more to do with getting us to repeat pleasurable activities (reinforcement) than directly producing pleasure.² Addiction comes from wanting to reproduce these feelings continuously, thereby continuing to engage in a particular behavior or substance.

What Releases Dopamine?

Our brains are wired to increase the odds that we will repeat pleasurable activities, and dopamine is central to this reaction.² Whenever a healthy, enjoyable experience activates the reward circuit in the brain, a burst of dopamine signals that something important is happening that needs to be remembered. The dopamine signal causes changes in neural connectivity that make it easier to perform the activity repeatedly without thinking about it, leading to the formation of habits.² It works whether the behavior or substance is healthy, like sex and ice cream, or unhealthy such as substance use.

Behaviors that can release dopamine include:

• Sex
• Exercise
• Eating satisfying food
• Drug use
• Shopping
• Gaming
• Gambling

Can You Be Addicted to Dopamine?

Dopamine itself is not addictive; it is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter involved in various brain functions. However, addictive behaviors can lead to the excessive release or prolonged activation of dopamine in the brain, which can contribute to the development of addiction. Dopamine has long been associated with addiction due to the strength in reinforcement compared to natural rewards.² Due to its reinforcing nature, several behavioral addictions are tied to dopamine, including drugs and alcohol, gambling, shopping, food, and sexual gratification.

Symptoms of Dopamine Deficiency

Low dopamine, also called dopamine deficiency, has been linked to mental and physical health issues such as Parkinson’s disease, restless legs syndrome, and depression.³ Additional symptoms can include anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of motivation, suicidal thoughts, low sex drive, and psychosis. It can be brought about by injury to the area³ or when an individual disrupts the reward pathways through chronic substance use. The body will produce less dopamine over time because it is strained from the production spikes and the substances.

Symptoms of a dopamine deficiency include:

• Lack of motivation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Lack of pleasure from previously enjoyed events
• Trouble sleeping
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Impulsivity
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Hand tremors

Myths and Facts About Dopamine & Addiction

Having a dopamine addiction isn’t the only misconception about the neurotransmitter. Believing myths about dopamine can be dangerous as it might cause you to engage in harmful behavior and act without taking appropriate precautions. Just because one may not be addicted to dopamine does not mean that there aren’t still risks associated with low levels of the chemical or behavior, which can cause irreparable harm to its production.

Common myths and facts about dopamine include the following:

Myth: Dopamine Can’t Be Dangerous

Unnatural dopamine dumps, characterized by excessive or artificial stimulation of the brain’s dopamine system, can significantly negatively affect dopamine production and overall brain function. When you repeatedly expose the brain to high dopamine levels through artificial means like drugs or intense stimulation, it can lead to desensitization of dopamine receptors. Over time, this desensitization reduces the brain’s sensitivity to dopamine, necessitating higher levels of stimulation to experience the same pleasurable effects.

Certain risky behaviors are often associated with unnatural dopamine releases. These behaviors include substance abuse, gambling, excessive gaming, compulsive shopping, and engaging in dangerous activities to pursue thrill or excitement. Dopamine dumps can also contribute to the onset of mental health disorders such as addiction, depression, anxiety, or ADHD, further perpetuating risky behaviors and creating a cycle of dependence.

Fact: Dopamine Provides Motivation

Dopamine has long been necessary for the reinforcement and motivation of actions.⁴ Dopamine transmission is crucial for creating a state of motivation to seek rewards and for establishing memories of cue-reward associations.⁴ We not only want rewards but also to create memories and associations as to what will get us the biggest bang.

We are continually tasked with seeking out these rewards and are usually aware of their effect on us. If we were not, we would not devote energy to keep seeking them out. Dopamine neurons motivate actions to gain rewards and make accurate predictions about those rewards to ensure that rewards can be properly anticipated and prepared for in advance.⁴

Myth: Dopamine Is the Pleasure Chemical

Understanding the nuanced role of dopamine in the brain’s reward system helps clarify that it is not solely responsible for pleasure itself but serves as a key player in enhancing pleasurable experiences and motivating individuals to pursue them. Dopamine’s primary role lies in the brain’s reward and motivation system, driving us to seek out and engage in pleasurable experiences. Dopamine is a messenger between brain cells, facilitating communication in reward, reinforcement, and motivation circuits.

When we engage in activities associated with pleasure or reward, dopamine neurons in specific brain regions are activated, leading to increased dopamine release. The surge in dopamine motivates and reinforces behaviors perceived as pleasurable or rewarding, creating a sense of desire, anticipation, and drive to repeat those experiences. In essence, dopamine acts as a “motivational chemical” rather than directly inducing the feeling of pleasure itself.

Fact: Dopamine Helps Develop Tolerance

Tolerance is the reduced responsiveness or diminished effect that occurs with repeated exposure. Over time, the same dose or level of engagement produces a weaker response or requires increasing amounts to achieve the desired result. As substance use increases, sensitivity to dopamine in the brain is scaled back, reducing a substance’s ability to produce euphoria.⁵ Tolerance is how the brain maintains balance and adjusts to a “new normal”—the frequent presence of the substance.⁵

Repeated use of a substance “trains” the brain to associate the rewarding high with other cues in the person’s life, such as friends they drink or do drugs with, places where they use substances, and paraphernalia that accompany substance-taking.⁵

Myth: Dopamine & Serotonin Are the Same

Serotonin, like dopamine, is a neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for its specific effects on the body. Despite being in charge of their domains, there is a crossover between the two neurochemicals. Unlike dopamine which has a clearer role, assigning a specific functional role to serotonin is more challenging.⁶ However, biochemically, their regulation is quite similar, with similar proteins regulating synthesis, storage, release, uptake, and metabolism.⁶ Both are also considered the “happy hormones,” as they affect positive mood and emotion.⁷ Dopamine and serotonin also share involvement in some mental health conditions, including depression and mood disorders.⁷

Fact: Dopamine Detoxes Are Beneficial

The term “dopamine detox” is often used to refer to a period of abstaining from certain activities that may overstimulate the brain’s dopamine system. Despite the concept not being a scientifically recognized term or practice, taking breaks from overstimulating activities can benefit one’s mental and physical health. Taking a break from these activities allows the brain’s reward pathways to reset and regain sensitivity, enhancing the pleasure derived from everyday experiences.

By temporarily removing or reducing exposure to addictive behaviors, individuals can break the addiction cycle and regain control over their behaviors. A dopamine detox can help individuals regain their attention span, improve their concentration, and redirect their energy toward more meaningful and productive pursuits. Taking breaks can allow individuals to reconnect with their emotions, reduce stress, and promote calm and well-being.

Risks Associated With Dopamine Deficiency

When someone experiences a dopamine deficiency, it disrupts the balance of dopamine in their brain, leading to lower-than-normal levels. In response, individuals may develop a dependency on unnatural sources of dopamine or engage in behaviors aimed at chasing experiences that increase dopamine levels. This can create several consequences, such as an increased risk of addiction, an increase in risky behaviors and impulsivity, engaging in thrill-seeking activities, or impulsive actions to pursue temporary boosts in dopamine. The deficiency can also contribute to mood disorders, such as depression and apathy, leading individuals to seek out dopamine-inducing experiences to alleviate their low mood constantly. Relying on unnatural dopamine sources can lead to a decline in overall well-being, impaired decision-making, and cognitive dysfunction.

Risks associated with chasing dopamine include:

• Sex addiction: Dopamine is believed to play a role in the development of sex addiction as sexual activity can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain, reinforcing the behavior and potentially leading to a cycle of compulsive and addictive sexual behaviors.
• Food and eating disorders: Dopamine is implicated in food and eating disorders as it is involved in the brain’s reward system. Dysregulation of dopamine signaling may contribute to developing and maintaining disordered eating patterns and behaviors.
• Videogame addiction: Dopamine is involved in video game addictions. Gaming can activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and reinforcing the pleasurable experience, potentially leading to compulsive and addictive gaming behaviors.
• Mental health issues: The constant need for dopamine stimulation can lead to emotional instability, depression, anxiety, and a reduced ability to experience natural pleasure or satisfaction. 
• Impaired judgment and decision-making: Individuals prioritize immediate gratification over long-term consequences when seeking a dopamine high. This can impair judgment and decision-making, leading to impulsive, risky, or detrimental actions to their well-being.
• Neglected responsibilities and relationships: A preoccupation with certain behaviors or substances can cause individuals to neglect important responsibilities, such as work, studies, or personal relationships.
• Financial difficulties: Some dopamine-inducing behaviors can have significant financial consequences. Pursuing dopamine without regard for financial limitations can lead to economic strain, debt, or loss of financial stability.

How to Avoid Dopamine Dependence

Dopamine dependence can occur when you take matters to the extreme. Instead, engaging in a balanced and healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent such dependence. Self-care practices and seeking support from loved ones can also help maintain a healthy dopamine balance.

The difference between a dopamine drip and a dopamine dump lies in the intensity and duration of dopamine release. A drip refers to a steady, regulated release of dopamine, while a dump refers to a rapid, excessive surge of dopamine, often associated with intense and short-lived experiences. Understanding this distinction is important because dumps can be more likely to lead to negative consequences such as addiction, impulsivity, and risky behaviors. In contrast, a balanced drip is essential for healthy motivation, reward processing, and emotional well-being.

Practices that can help reduce dopamine dependence include:

Mindfulness

Mindfulness can be a valuable practice to manage dopamine dependence. It can help individuals observe their cravings for dopamine-inducing activities without automatically acting upon them. Mindfulness encourages individuals to understand better their internal experiences, which can help them respond to cravings more deliberately and skillfully. Mindfulness-based activities include mindful meditation, movement, eating, hobbies, and self-care.

Setting Activity Boundaries

Setting boundaries around dopamine-driven behaviors is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with activities stimulating dopamine release. Boundaries help prevent over-reliance on dopamine-driven behaviors for satisfaction and pleasure. Putting these behaviors first as the primary or sole source of reward and motivation can lead to imbalances, addictive patterns, and neglect of other important aspects of life. Boundaries ensure a balanced lifestyle where various activities and sources of fulfillment are included.

Creating and maintaining boundaries can be challenging if it has never been done before. We can start by establishing specific guidelines and rules for engaging in dopamine-inducing activities. You may allocate specific time slots or set daily/weekly limits to prevent excessive or compulsive behaviors, prioritizing various areas, including relationships, work, personal growth, and self-care, and engaging in open communication with trusted individuals.

Nerve-Calming Practices

Several activities can help calm the nerves and ways to practice emotional self-care. These behaviors are valuable as they break from stressors, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall emotional balance. Talking slow, deep breaths, also called breathwork, can activate the body’s relaxation response, promoting a sense of calm and reducing stress. The breathing should be deep and come from the diaphragm.

Engaging in moderate exercise, such as walking, yoga, or dancing, releases endorphins, relieves tension, improves mood, and promotes relaxation. Being in nature, whether going for a walk in the park, gardening, or simply sitting outside, can calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Practicing creative pursuits can serve as outlets for self-expression, stress reduction, and promoting flow and relaxation. Music is a great way to create a calming environment.

Engaging in a Dopamine Detox

A “dopamine detox” is the colloquial term for a period of time during which individuals intentionally limit or abstain from activities that overstimulate the dopamine system. You can start a detox by limiting the amount and intensity of stimuli you consume regularly. The more you can take a step back and focus on other parts of your life, your body will look to reset its sensitivity to how it responds to dopamine-fueled behaviors. A detox can last for as long as someone likes. It does not mean that you are cutting everything altogether but that you are reducing the load you engage with.

Treating Addictive Behaviors Related to Dopamine

Treatment is not a one size fits all approach and will depend on factors including the individual, the severity of the behavior, and the specific treatment approach. It can involve a combination of therapeutic interventions, support systems, and lifestyle changes. People can expect a multidimensional approach that addresses the underlying causes of the behavior and the implementation of coping strategies.

Treatment may include individual therapy, group therapy, support groups, behavioral interventions, and, in some cases, medication-assisted treatment. The likelihood of success in recovering from addictive or risky behaviors can vary depending on factors such as motivation, willingness to change, the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions, and the support available. Individuals can contact healthcare professionals, addiction specialists, or mental health providers.

Therapy Options

Therapy options and aftercare support groups are essential components of comprehensive treatment for addiction. They provide individuals with a structured environment, professional guidance, and peer support to address underlying issues, learn coping skills, and maintain long-term recovery. Treatment options can include individual therapy and group therapy. Group offers a supportive setting with individuals experiencing similar situations.

Costs will vary and are associated with location, type of treatment (outpatient vs. inpatient), and frequency and intensity of services. It is best to check with your insurance company to see what is and is not covered and if you have any out-of-network benefits, as the providers you seek out may not accept your insurance. The more intense the addictive behavior, the longer the person should expect to be in treatment. However, this also depends on the substance of choice, level of motivation and engagement, and social support. No matter the modality, it is best to find the right therapist you are comfortable with and who specializes in your particular issues.

Therapy options for addressing risky or addictive behaviors and addiction include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for addiction focuses on identifying and changing the negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction, helping individuals develop healthier coping strategies, and promoting long-term recovery.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness and acceptance strategies, aiming to help individuals manage intense emotions, develop healthier coping skills, and reduce self-destructive behaviors.
• Group Therapy: Group therapy can be a heterogenous or homogenous mix of individuals dealing with the same issues. It allows someone to gain advice and problem-solving skills from peers.
• Family Therapy: This involves the participation of nuclear and extended family members in the treatment process. Family therapy aims to improve communication, address family dynamics, and provide support and education to the individual and their loved ones.
• Contingency Management: The use of positive reinforcement encourages desired behaviors and discourages substance use or addictive behaviors. It involves providing rewards or incentives for meeting treatment goals.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI is a collaborative approach that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about change. It aims to enhance motivation for positive change, increase self-efficacy, and build a commitment to making healthier choices.

In My Experience

In my experience, there is always an allure to engaging in addictive and risky behaviors as it staves off negative emotions, reduces boredom, and makes people happy and content. Given the prevalence of such behaviors, dopamine dumps, and deficiencies need to be addressed, as people may be inadvertently rewiring their brains in healthy ways for short-term pleasure without being educated about the long-term consequences.

Treatment options abound when an individual is ready to seek care and recognize that change can improve their life. Best practice and evidence-based care can have tremendous positive benefits, and clients can expect to learn productive coping skills and bolster their problem-solving abilities. I would let new clients know that it is a process that will take time but that they have a significant say regarding the course and impact of treatment.