topic Addicted To Dopamine...and all the rest. in Staying well

Addicted To Dopamine...and all the rest.

SourceShield — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 06:14:20 GMT

Hey.

I have come to see BeyondBlue, or more-so, the Forums and how I can respond to other threads etc...as another way that I am 'feeding' an addictive personality behaviour.

HFA - for me, means that my brain goes at high speed, all the time.

I use this 'power' for good - completing a PhD and I run my own company and micro-businesses, as well.

But, I have mindfully assessed that as I respond to more post - though still sincere and as objective as I can - this gives me a huge 'rush'...its the dopamine (other neurotransmitters etc would be at play, but this would be the dominant chem released)

I am becoming addicted to the forums, because, as I respond I 'feel' good.

Dopamine = Happy Chem produced when we 'do' things, the REWARD drug!.

Like when we tick things off a list...dopamine rush!

BUT -

Dopamine will also be released when unpleasant situations are encountered.

i.e. when I get an email stating that a post is being moderated.

Sends my brain into...OH NO, WHAT HAVE I DONE WRONG NOW mode...

Which also releases dopamine.

I am writing to, see if others can see this in any areas of their life too?.

Having an IQ of 160, I have prided myself on how my brain is quick and efficient with info-processing, but when we combine this with how the frontal lobe, the home of the empathy network, can work or doesn't work together in some cases, its easy to see how we can become addicted to stimuli.

i.e.

Lets say that a person was abused as a child.

The neo-cortex will develop in such a way that they are forever 'feeling' and looking for danger...as is seen in hyper-vigilance.

The dopamine receptors will maladapt and instead of 'scouting' for 'positive' ways to release the happy-chem, theyll seek out painful and hurtful and abusive relationships because they are hooked to the way the dopamine rush feels for them...even if it is an abusive relationship.

Its all rather twisted.

I work from home, and I can easily sit in front of the laptop and 'post' all day...like a drug fiend.

I'm gonna clean my room now - which will be a 'good' rush of the chem.

Lift some weights and then take the muttly for a walk.

Eat some good food.

And, limit my time on BB...as much as I am thankful to the community, for being here.

Its important to release the 'chems' in other ways too, so that when I am on BB...its a pleasure and not a chore!

This revelation has helped me to see more space in my life that needs balance and harmony.

How is it for you?.

MuchLove.

Addicted To Dopamine...and all the rest.

Kazzl — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 07:02:42 GMT

I understand SS, it's much the same for me from time to time. I get a bit obsessive about it all - but I didn't know why till now, thanks for that.

I stopped smoking about a month ago (and booze over five years ago), so I'm probably due for a new addiction. Dopamine will do nicely. 😊

Don't go too far or stay too long eh ... you're a star.

Kaz xx

Addicted To Dopamine...and all the rest.

SourceShield — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 07:12:53 GMT

Congrats on the smoking - thats huge.

Seriously.

And, not easy at all.

Cigarettes have never - thankfully - been one drug that I was ever hooked on, and alcohol...again thankfully, I am not someone that needs a drink everyday.

But I do enjoy smoking the other stuff.

I wont justify it.

It just works for me.

But.

I have also come to recognise that I can easily 'slip' so that the 'thing' is in control of me, rather than me in control of the 'thing' a times.

But as mentioned, this can happen with other chems too i.e. dopamine, cortisol, adrenaline...

I dont like being controlled...so I have had to honestly reduce my marijuana intake.

And, I am genuinely happy with that!.

I am genuinely surprised - I used to always have to have it on me...or I would panic.

I think that I may finally be maturing!.

Wonders will never cease!.

MuchLove to you, Kaz!.

Talk soon.

StayWonderful.