What Is ‘Dopamine Addiction’?

Quick, take a bite of chocolate. If you feel a sense of pleasure, this is the action of dopamine. This article may be a bit complex, but we will try to simplify it. The reason addiction is so deadly is because of its relationship with dopamine — a chemical in the brain that is released when using a substance. It causes a sense of pleasure, and it can be very, very addicting. In this article, we will discuss how dopamine addiction works alongside substance abuse.

Understanding Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (a chemical “messenger” that moves between neurons) responsible for pleasure, reward, and motivation. Without dopamine, the brain would be unable to function properly. When you do something related to survival, such as eating or sleeping, dopamine is released in small amounts to let you know that this is something that is needed. Imagine not feeling “good” when you eat. You would probably not do it very often, and this is how dopamine works. It gives a sense of pleasure to ensure we do things that keep us alive. Dopamine is known as the “reward chemical,” and this means that it rewards us when we are doing something required for survival, which then motivates us to continue that behavior.

The Science Behind Dopamine Addiction

While there are addictive behaviors that often accompany substance use disorder, it’s important to remember that dopamine itself is not addictive, despite popular belief. Rather, it is the activity that releases dopamine that causes dopamine addiction. When you engage in an action that releases this chemical messenger, the brain begins to “associate” that activity with the pleasure it gives us. This is how dopamine addiction begins, and though many feel that it is dopamine that is addictive, it is the substance you are using that causes this relationship. 

If you ingest a substance that releases this chemical, you become addicted to the substance, not dopamine. Thus, it is not dopamine that you become addicted to. It is the action you take that causes dopamine addiction. And yes, most drugs release dopamine.

Common Sources of Dopamine Addiction

Dopamine addiction is not just present in drugs or alcohol. Gambling addicts find pleasure in big wins; video gamers find joy in simple things such as completing a “level;” shoppers experience a surge of dopamine when they purchase an item. Another source of dopamine is smoking. Cigarettes contain nicotine, which releases this key chemical.

Others may find food as an addiction, where someone may overeat because, yes, dopamine is released when we eat. Scientists speculate that much of what we do is, in some way, associated with the release of dopamine in the brain. Therefore, anyone can become a dopamine addict. It is there to keep us motivated and alive. However, it can be dangerous, as drugs release this chemical at a very high level, and this can lead to long-term consequences.

Signs and Symptoms of Dopamine Addiction

It can be difficult to see dopamine addiction from the outside. However, some warning signs may be simple enough. Someone addicted to a substance is in the grip of dopamine addiction. Mind you, a substance can be more than just a drug; it can be food, cigarettes, sleep, coffee, or even jumping off of a cliff into a river. Behaviorally, a dopamine addict will engage in risky behaviors, despite negative consequences. They may also show signs of excessive boredom when not doing something. This is because dopamine is only released when we are doing something that motivates us, and someone who acts aggressively when inactive may be more than just “bored;” they may be a dopamine addict, and it is something to watch out for.

The Impact of Dopamine Addiction on Health

Like leaving a computer on for too long, where the battery may burn out, too much dopamine can “power off” its natural release. Too little of the chemical in the brain can cause a lack of motivation, as well as a lack of joy. Like everything else in the human body, dopamine can be exhausted. This means that if you do not take a break and let your brain “reset,” you may face a lack of dopamine. Some long-term health consequences can be depression, Parkinson’s disease, and restless legs syndrome. There is also the possibility of a decreased sex drive, sleepiness, and a lack of joy in activities you once felt happy engaging in.

Treatment Options for Dopamine Addiction

Depending on the condition, certain prescriptions can be assigned to treat low dopamine levels. As an example, certain medications are called “dopamine agonists.” This increases the amount of dopamine in the brain, though the only way to truly treat low dopamine levels is to cease engagement in substance abuse. The more of a substance you use, the more dopamine is released, leading to a dopamine shortage. Note that it is not a standard checkup if you want to determine if you have low dopamine levels or not. Doctors rarely check dopamine levels and require specialized equipment to monitor brain activity. 

The Role of Therapy in Treating Dopamine Addiction

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been found effective at treating this addiction. This allows the patient to organize the way they think, reflect on, and improve on negative thought patterns, as well as develop positive coping mechanisms. Other forms of therapy that assist in dealing with this type of addiction are mindfulness and meditation. However, dopamine addiction comes in many forms, not solely just when using drugs, and the treatments used for each differ greatly.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Recovery

To balance dopamine levels, it is best to begin engaging in natural dopamine-boosting activities (such as exercising, getting plenty of sleep, and even listening to music), as well as to engage in healthier behaviors. Dopamine addiction is not always based on drugs, but when it is, the best step forward is to cease the use of the substance in question and seek help. 

Remember, dopamine is in limited supply, and the more of a substance you abuse, the more dopamine you are depleting. Though certain remedies can assist in treating dopamine addiction, the majority of the time, the best way to do this is to simply restructure your life around dopamine-boosting activities that do not require taking a pill or ingesting a substance.

Muse Treatment’s Approach to Dopamine Addiction

Muse Treatment specializes in addiction treatment, which is a form of dopamine addiction. Through individualized treatment plans, numerous therapeutic approaches, and a social atmosphere that is both supportive and inviting, we can help you get through this troubling time. We offer a full range of addiction treatment options, including inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, dual diagnosis treatment, and much more, all featuring evidence-based treatment methodologies delivered by experienced experts in the field at our Los Angeles drug rehab center.

If you feel you have an addiction problem, reach out to Muse Treatment or call 800-426-1818.