An addict or alcoholic has been conditioned by the substance to chase dopamine, the craving progressing until heavier or more frequent use is needed. Because of dopamine’s snowball effect, the addiction will only get worse until treated.
How Does Dopamine Affect the Brain?
Dopamine is a key part of the brain’s reward system. It triggers during highly-pleasurable activities and sends a signal to the brain to repeat these acts. Because it reinforces behaviors, dopamine plays a powerful role in substance abuse.
Not all triggers are bad. Eating good food releases dopamine, which is related to basic survival functions and tells the brain to eat again later. Dopamine only becomes dangerous when it rises above normal levels.
What Does Addiction Do to Dopamine?
Alcohol and drugs hijack the brain’s reward system and cause a powerful spike in dopamine. This surge tells the addict’s brain to repeat the action, creating more dopamine until the brain eventually learns to tolerate it.
Once this happens, a brutal cycle occurs in which the addict uses the drug more heavily in order to feel that same dopamine high. At this point, Anhedonia develops, a state where dopamine receptors dwindle, and everyday life becomes devoid of pleasure.
This is the point in the cycle where substance use transforms into a compulsive need, rather than a temporary source of pleasure.
What Are the Harmful Effects of Dopamine?
High dopamine levels can become dangerous and have negative effects, such as:
- Compulsive behaviors
- Agression
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Mania
- High blood pressure
- Uncontrolled muscle spasms
- Nausea
Excess dopamine can stem from addiction, as well as certain medications and dopamine-inducing patterns such as shopping, social media consumption, and sugary foods.
When dopamine levels reach this state, it takes longer to reset the brain due to its effects on the brain’s plasticity. If left untreated, this surplus in dopamine can cause lasting cognitive and emotional changes.
What is Dopamine Withdrawal?
Dopamine withdrawal occurs when levels drop below normal after a period of abstinence. This is when cravings form and heighten, leading to serious withdrawal symptoms until the substance is used again.
Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Irritability
- Extreme fatigue
- Dizzyness
- Nausea
Symptoms can last between a few days and a few weeks, depending on the substance and severity of the dopamine surplus. Managing these symptoms usually involves professional care; otherwise, a relapse can occur.
What Hobbies Boost Dopamine Levels?
There is a wide variety of healthy activities that boost dopamine without creating harmful surges and addiction. These activities could be physical, creative, social, or mental.
- Physical: Weight lifting, hiking, walking, and even dancing are all easy physical activities that boost dopamine levels.
- Creative: Art, music, and cooking are common hobbies that provide a sense of accomplishment as well as a healthy dopamine release.
- Social: Spending time with loved ones and meeting new people has been known to naturally spike dopamine.
- Mental: Puzzles, learning a new language or skill, and reading raise dopamine levels due to the resulting feeling of achievement.
No matter what you enjoy doing, there’s a natural dopamine-boosting activity you can utilize. Participating in these activities engages the brain’s reward system in a non-harmful way and can relieve withdrawal symptoms.
Addiction Treatment at Desert Recovery Centers
At Desert Recovery Centers, we introduce habits into your lifestyle that help reset your brain’s reward system and break the vicious cycle of addiction. If you or a loved one is ready to take the first step towards recovery, contact us today! Don’t wait to get the help you need.
