Do we require a "dopamine detox" and what does that entail?

 

Right now, there is a lot of advice about reducing dopamine.

TikTok influencers assert that various techniques, such as "dopamine fasting," "anti-dopamine parenting," and even "raw-dogging" flights—which involve avoiding devices, books, and music—have changed the way their brains function.

Our brains are continuously stimulated by the scrolling feeds, video games, email pings, and sugary munchies of modern life. This maintains the regular flow of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with motivation and pleasure.

We may eventually become desensitized to this continuous activation and seek out further stimulation in an attempt to feel "normal." By contrast, daily life starts to seem boring.

It is therefore not surprising that people have attempted to devise methods for resetting their dopamine and altering their behavior. But are these tactics truly effective?

Is it possible to detox from dopamine?

No, it is impossible to truly "detox" from dopamine. Removing a chemical from your body is the goal of a detox.

For instance, when you undergo an alcohol detox, you give up alcohol and let your body get rid of toxins linked to it.

There is no way to cleanse when it comes to dopamine. A substance that occurs naturally, dopamine is important for many parts of human physiology.

It has a role in motivation, locomotion, arousal, sleep, and the brain's pleasure and reward center.

We would not be able to function, much less survive, if we were to totally detox from dopamine.

"Dopamine detoxes" have involved people purposefully abstaining from activities or drugs that cause rapid dopamine spikes, like social media, gaming, sugary foods, and online shopping.

These "pleasure detoxes" often last for a brief, predetermined amount of time—roughly 24 hours.

It may feel difficult and that something important is happening during a 24-hour dopamine detox. During the procedure, many report experiencing uncomfortable cravings and urges as well as occasionally experiencing sensations of exhaustion, worry, or anger.

Some people may think they are successfully "resetting" their minds as a result of the discomfort.

Even while a dopamine detox could feel strong, most people will not notice any significant, long-lasting changes after just a day or two of abstinence.

Dopamine regulation is a complicated process that is impacted by numerous variables; it does not abruptly reset itself in a single day.

According to research, unless people deliberately create new routines and coping mechanisms that activate healthier reward pathways, old habits and cravings frequently resurface after the period of abstinence.

Instead, what can you do?

You should expect it to take more than 24 hours if you wish to alter your relationship with dopamine-driven behaviors or substances.

It is possible to gradually restore the brain's sensitivity to pleasure and make life feel rich again by replacing "rapid dopamine" rewards with "slow dopamine" activities.

This could entail going back to pursuits like creative endeavors, working out, or learning something new that inherently call for greater patience and effort.

However, it can also encompass other enjoyable activities, like having a face-to-face conversation with someone or enjoying your favorite music.

Positive mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like oxytocin and serotonin can be released as a result of these activities, which can also stimulate dopamine pathways.

Dopamine detoxes are popular because people want to feel better, get motivated again, and rediscover pleasures in a world that is too stimulating. However, the brain's dopamine system does not have a reset button.

Fortunately, we may transition to longer-term benefits from music, exercise, connection, and other forms of self-exertion.