First Nations Medicine

10 THINGS THAT COULD BE MAKING YOU TIRED

A dopamine detox entails fasting from dopamine producing activities, or “pleasures,” for a certain amount of time with the hope of decreasing reward sensitivity. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this method.

Those who attempt a dopamine detox aim to detach themselves from everyday stimuli, such as social media, sugar, or shopping. They are replaced in favor of less impulsive habits and lifestyle choices. The fast can last for a few hours or several days.

It is very important to note that a dopamine detox is not a scientifically researched approach. Evidence of any benefits is anecdotal, and most benefits come from refraining from potentially addictive activities. However, they are not related to actually detoxing from dopamine.

The entire concept of a “dopamine detox” is scientifically incorrect, and reduces the brain to a very simplistic level. It is, in fact, far more complex that this “dopamine detox” trend suggests.

 
Dr. Cameron Sepah is the creator of the dopamine fast or detox. He commonly uses the technique in clinical practice on tech workers and venture capitalists. Dr. Sepah’s goal is to rid his clients of their dependence on certain stimuli, such as phone alerts, texts, and social media notifications. Much of his research around this new practice was based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). What he was trying to accomplish with this concept is different from what people have come to understand that “dopamine detox” is.The general concept behind Dr. Sepah’s “detox” is for people to let themselves feel lonely or bored, or to try simpler activities instead of reaching for quick “hits” of dopamine. Ideally, people will start to notice how certain stimuli might distract them.Dr. Sepah identifies six compulsive behaviors as targets of the dopamine detox:emotional eatingexcessive internet usage and gaminggambling and shoppingporn and masturbationthrill and novelty seekingrecreational drugsBy fasting from these activities that trigger the brain’s neurotransmitters, people become less dependent on the emotional “hits” that dopamine provides, which can sometimes lead to dependence or addiction.
 

What Exactly Is It But?

During a dopamine detox, a person avoids dopamine triggers for a set period of time — anywhere from an hour to several days.The dopamine detox requires a person to avoid any kind of arousal, specifically from pleasure triggers. Anything that stimulates dopamine production is off-limits throughout the detox.Ideally, by the end of the detox, a person will feel more centered, balanced, and less affected by their usual dopamine triggers. However, it is important to note that a true dopamine detox, whereby a person successfully halts all dopamine activity in the brain, is not possible.The human body naturally produces dopamine, even when it is not exposed to certain stimuli. A more accurate description of the dopamine detox is a period of abstinence, or “unplugging” from the world.Doing so may have positive effects on those who implement the practice from time to time. However, the term “dopamine detox” by its very nature is problematic, and not at all scientifically correct. Dr. Sepah himself says the name is not meant to be interpreted literally.
 

Are There Any Potential Benefits?

 

We have already clarified that a complete and total detox from naturally-occurring dopamine is not possible.That said, the decision to unplug and detach from certain impulsive behaviors may come with some health benefits, one of which is the potential for heightened focus and greater mental clarity.Dopamine is often distracting, and may be a hindrance for some people from achieving their goals. It is what prompts the excessive repetition of certain feel-good behaviors, causing people to scroll mindlessly on social media or binge-watch their favorite TV shows.These unnecessary compulsions detract from spending time more productively on work, health goals, home organization, and more. When people actively avoid these distractions, they may free up more time for the things that matter more to them.In short, a dopamine detox is not technically possible, and any evidence of its positive effects are purely anecdotal.However, by avoiding certain behaviours, such as spending hours scrolling through a smartphone and social media sites, people may be able to achieve a greater state of mindfulness which comes with its own benefits.

Among these are stress relief, lower blood pressure, and improved sleep.

For those struggling with certain addictive behaviours, meditation can be a great way to achieve a state of mindfulness. There are other great therapies that may assist in improving focus, attention that also can affect your neurotransmitter levels. 

Some scientists believe that a true “dopamine detox” is impossible because the brain continues to produce dopamine all the time. However, refraining from activities that stem from compulsion and impulse may prove beneficial for short periods of time.
Since many of the activities and substances people turn to can become addictive over time, a bit of distancing from outlets such as social media, fast food, and mindless TV can have an overall positive impact on a person’s mind and lifestyle.
 

What About Addiction and Dopamine

Dopamine (DA) is considered crucial for the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse, but its role in addiction is much less clear. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, one of the brain’s chemical messengers, used to send signals of pleasure. It is also involved in learning, memory formation, movement and coordination abilities, and attention functions. Typically, when something makes a person feel happy, a signal is sent to the VTA (ventral tegmental area), and it travels to the nucleus accumbens and then to the prefrontal cortex

Dopamine affects: 

learning

motivation

sleep

mood

attention

An excess or deficiency in dopamine production can cause mental health conditions. Exposure to overwhelming levels of stimuli can prompt such disorders, leading to dependencies on certain substances or activities.

Scientists have published much research regarding what occurs to our bodies when drugs are abused, and have found that they can stimulate 2-10 times more dopamine to be released than things like food or sex may.This flood of dopamine causes a burst of euphoria, or the “high,” that occurs when illicit drugs are abused. It can be highly pleasurable, and individuals are often keen to repeat the feeling with recurring drug use.

Regular drug use actually causes the brain to produce, absorb, or transmit less dopamine, resulting in a chemical imbalance in the brain. When the drugs are not active in the brain, dopamine levels can drop, causing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and powerful cravings.

Drug dependence sets in, and individuals may feel compelled to keep taking drugs to avoid these negative emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms.

Addiction can then occur quickly, leading to a loss of control over the frequency and amount of drugs taken. The brain will no longer function normally without the drugs, and this imbalance can take time to heal.

Much of the damage caused by drug abuse can be reversed with prolonged abstinence; however, some of the side effects may not heal entirely.

When addiction is present, dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters affected by drug abuse may no longer be produced, transmitted, and absorbed the way they were before introduction of the drugs.

Neurons may be damaged, and the regular functioning of these chemical messengers is impeded. It may then be difficult to feel pleasure from normal and everyday activities.

Depression, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, trouble with memory and cognitive functions, difficulties regulating moods, and issues controlling cravings may arise without the interaction of drugs.

Dopamine harvesting with addiction as a concern for users o social media platforms and electronic devices is something that has attracted much attention and there now are some great studies out detailing the damage occurring in some population groups. 

Ultimately a multifocal protocol addressing not just one avenue or area of your health, but indeed others including nutrition, digestive health, stress, circadian balance, various feedback therapies and understanding your exact biochemical issues will give you a more balanced holistic approach. 

If you would like to know more about this topic or wish to explore your health journey get in touch and book a consult. 

This site is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or treatment planning. Please consult a qualified health professional. 

Poor sleep we must rest and recharge. If you are struggling to get to sleep or stay asleep take a quick audit of your bedtime routine.

____ SLEEP HYGIENE AND CIRCADIAN WELLNESS

Relaxing naturally There are certain amino acids in our body that have a major role in brain health. These are called 'inhibitory neurotransmitters" and are similar in function to GABA and provide a similar anti-anxiety effect by helping to calm and stabilise an excited brain.

____ BRAIN HEALTH

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